Dicalcium phosphate
Dicalcium phosphate is a mineral salt formed by combining calcium and phosphorus, two essential minerals for the body. It occurs naturally in bone and dental tissue, where it makes up a significant part of their mineral structure. It is produced industrially through the reaction of phosphoric acid with a calcium source, then purified for food or pharmaceutical use. From a nutritional standpoint, calcium contributes to the maintenance of normal bones and teeth, while phosphorus plays a role in energy metabolism and the proper functioning of cell membranes. The combination of both minerals in the form of dicalcium phosphate makes it a simultaneous source of these two nutrients. In the formulation of food supplements, dicalcium phosphate is commonly used as a filler, thickener or flow agent, facilitating the manufacturing of tablets and capsules. Its good digestive tolerance and stability make it a reference excipient in the nutraceutical industry, and it can also provide direct nutritional value when dietary intakes of calcium or phosphorus are insufficient.