Tricalcium phosphate, also known as tribasic calcium phosphate or bone ash, is one of the main combustion products of bone and a calcium salt. Tricalcium phosphate has a wide range of uses that include anti-caking agent and nutritional supplement. You can find this calcium salt naturally as a rock in several countries including the Philippines, Morocco, Israel, Russia and Egypt. Additionally, manufacturers can produce tricalcium phosphate in a laboratory.
Tricalcium Phosphate in Food
Manufacturers add tricalcium phosphate to foods as an anti-caking agent and also as an acidity regulator. This substance can also add smoothness and an opaque color to reduced-fat liquids and foods. Additionally, manufacturers use tricalcium phosphate to increase the calcium content of some dairy products and juices. Other food products that commonly contain tricalcium phosphate include carbonated beverages, candy, wine, cheese, powdered spices and jams.
Chemical Properties
Tricalcium phosphate has the chemical formula Ca3O8P2. It is a white, odorless and tasteless crystalline powder. Tricalcium phosphate has slight solubility in water. On the other hand, this substance has easy solubility in dilute hydrochloric acid and nitric acid and insolubility in ethanol and acetone.
Synthesis of Tricalcium Phosphate
The process manufacturers commonly use to produce tricalcium phosphate involves adding calcium to phosphoric acid. When combining these substances, manufacturers must take care to carefully regulate the pH and temperature of the environment. After producing the calcium salt, the manufacturer dries the substance. Once dried, the tricalcium phosphate becomes rapidly soluble in acidic solutions such as a dry beverage mix.
Tricalcium Phosphate and Bone Health
Calcium supplements can support your bone health. However, your body's ability to absorb the calcium will depend on the type of calcium in the supplement. Although several manufacturers sell tricalcium phosphate as a calcium supplement, your body may not absorb this type of calcium as effectively as other types of calcium such as calcium citrate or calcium chelate, according to the "Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology."
References
- Phosphates Facts: FAQ
- Free Patents Online: Preparation of Tricalcium Phosphate
- "A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives"; Ruth Winter; 2009
- "An A-Z Guide to Food Additives"; Deanna M. Minich; 2009
- "Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology"; John E. Hall; 2010
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phylis A Balch, et al.; 2000
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