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Production of Dicalcium Phosphate

Dicalcium phosphate is an insoluble chemical compound used as a binding agent in some food for human and/or animal consumption and in pharmaceuticals and nutritional supplements. There is some controversy over the effect of this compound in foods and drugs and its possible inhibiting effects on the absorption of nutrients.

  1. Natural Phosphates

    • Phosphate is a form of phosphorous, a mineral found in milk, cheese, nuts, beans, and many other foods. The body uses phosphates for metabolism, as an aid to healthy nerves and muscles, and to maintain the body's proper concentrations of calcium. Most body phosphorous is in the bones and teeth.

    Treatment with Phosphates

    • Phosphate is used to manage kidney stones, and it also has been used in patients suffering from rickets, multiple sclerosis, and hypercalcemia, or excess calcium in the bloodstream. Various forms of phosphates are used to restore bowel function, as a laxative, and to treat those suffering low phosphate levels, common among patients undergoing long periods of intravenous feeding. Phosphates are often prescribed for people who are malnourished or recovering from anorexia.

    Commercial Uses

    • Many manufacturers of health and nutritional supplements use DCP as an ingredient in their tablets or capsules. DCP is also used in various over-the-counter antacid medications, and it has become common in skin-care products and cosmetics such as lip gloss, lipstick, eye makeup and blush powder. DCP is an abrasive, helping these products to smooth or polish the skin. It also has opacifying properties, which makes it useful in blushes and other preparations that hide skin imperfections.

    Intereference with Absorption

    • When taken internally, DCP might interfere with the body's ability to absorb important nutrients and minerals, such as zinc. Taking supplements or other products free of DCP might improve their effectiveness.

    Safety

    • Dicalcium phosphate is popular among food, drug, and cosmetics manufacturers because it is inexpensive, non-toxic and natural, with many useful properties. DCP is classified as "generally recognized as safe" by the Food and Drug Administration.

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