Dicalcium Phosphate

Brief Overview

Dicalcium phosphate is the calcium phosphate with the formula CaHPO₄ and its dihydrate. The "di" prefix in the common name arises because the formation of the HPO₄^2– anion involves the removal of two protons from phosphoric acid, H₃PO₄. It is also known as dibasic calcium phosphate or calcium monohydrogen phosphate. Dicalcium Phosphate is used as a raw material source of phosphorus in the production of feeds and animal nutrition correctors. With this mineral-sourced phosphate in their rations, the needs of high producing animals are covered, improving performance in growth, fertility and conversion indexes.
 

Manufacturing Process

Animal feed grade phosphates such as mono-calcium phosphate, di-calcium phosphate or mixtures thereof are produced by direct reaction between phosphoric acid and Ca-containing materials. A finely ground, preheated calcium carbonate suspension is brought to react with a suitable quantity of preheated phosphoric acid by introducing the reactants into a tubular reaction zone. The gas formed by the reaction expels or ejects the foaming reaction mixture from the reaction zone. The reaction being substantially completed while the individual particles of the mixture are freely suspended in air or gas, whereafter the reacted mixture is collected in the form of a free-flowing granulate having improved handling properties, without any further quenching treatment of the granules. 

Pharmaceutical Industry

This product is used as medication to prevent or treat low blood calcium levels in people who do not get enough calcium from their diets. It may be used to treat conditions caused by low calcium levels such as bone loss (osteoporosis), weak bones (osteomalacia/rickets), decreased activity of the parathyroid gland (hypoparathyroidism), and a certain muscle disease (latent tetany). It may also be used in certain patients to make sure they are getting enough calcium (e.g., women who are pregnant, nursing, or postmenopausal, people taking certain medications such as phenytoin, phenobarbital, or prednisone).

Calcium plays a very important role in the body. It is necessary for normal functioning of nerves, cells, muscle, and bone. If there is not enough calcium in the blood, then the body will take calcium from bones, thereby weakening bones. Having the right amount of calcium is important for building and keeping strong bones.

Animal Feed Industry

Farmers often supplement their livestock feed with inorganic phosphorus. This technique compensates for the low availability and poor digestibility of food-related phosphorus. A January 2018 report in the Journal of Entomology and Zoology showed that dicalcium phosphate supplementation created high levels of circulating phosphorus. Many people with mineral deficiencies use supplements to give them access to calcium and phosphorus.

Dicalcium phosphate supplementation has other benefits. A February 2015 article in Aquaculture Nutrition showed that young fish given dicalcium phosphate grew into larger, more muscular adults, and scientists have found similar results in many farm animals. Supplementing calcium and phosphorus may also help you prevent age-related bone loss.

Health Industry

Oral surgeons also use dicalcium phosphate to aid in the healing process. A May 2018 article in the Open Dentistry Journal described the positive impact the chemical can have on oral health. Your body can't tell the difference between dicalcium phosphate and real teeth. Such biomimetics have great potential given their safety profile. Dicalcium phosphate can also replace fluoride as the best way to prevent tooth decay. Manufacturers often add it to teeth whiteners as an abrasive to gently polish your teeth.