What is Calcium Acetate?
Calcium acetate is a chemical compound which is a calcium salt of acetic acid, exhibiting the formula Ca(C₂H₃O₂)₂. Its standard name is calcium acetate, with calcium ethanoate being its synthetic name. As a natural mineral that works by holding onto phosphate from the diet so that it can pass out of our bodies, it is often used to treat patients with end-stage kidney disease who are going through dialysis; it is also used as a food stabilizer commonly found in candy. It can be made by soaking calcium carbonate – which can be found in eggshells or limestone – in vinegar, when it commonly forms into white crystals.
In this overview, we’re going to be covering such topics as it’s uses, calcium acetate side effects, calcium acetate dosage, calcium acetate powder and where to buy it.
Bulk Supplements Fun Fact: The FDA approved calcium acetate in December 1990.
Calcium Acetate Uses
As we touched on above, it helps reduce phosphate levels in people with advanced kidney disease, as those with advanced kidney failure retain phosphate, leading to excessive phosphate in their bodies (a condition known as hyperphosphatemia). High phosphate levels cause hyperparathyroidism, which itself leads to abnormal bone formation and calcium deposits in tissues (x).
Calcium acetate is commonly synthesized under the following brand names:
- Phoslo Gelcaps
- Eliphos
- Phoslyra
What is the Most Important Information You Should Know?
While we will get into specifics regarding side effects later on, we can tell you that you should not use it if you have high levels of calcium in your blood (calcium can also bind to other minerals such as phosphate, and aid in their removal from the body).
Further, you should consult a doctor or pharmacist regarding whether it is safe for you to use this supplement if you have other medical conditions or needs, especially:
- Worsening kidney disease
- If you also take digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxin)
Calcium acetate was once referred to as acetate of lime, with the anhydrous form being described as “extremely hydroscopic;” it is for this reason the monohydrate (Ca(CH3COO)2•H2O) is the more common form.
Okay, so let’s summarize what we have covered about calcium acetate up until this point, while adding in some interesting facts:
- In kidney disease, blood levels of phosphate may rise (a condition known as hyperphosphatemia), leading to bone problems; it binds phosphate in the diet to lower blood phosphate levels.
- Calcium acetate is used as a food additive, stabilizer, buffer and sequestrant, mainly in candy products under the number E263.
- Tofu is traditionally obtained by coagulating soy milk with calcium sulfate; ot has been found to be a better alternative, as being soluble, it requires less skill and a smaller amount.
- Due to its inexpensiveness, in alcohol it forms a semi-solid, flammable gel in the likeness of “canned heat” products such as Sterno; in fact, chemistry teachers often prepare what are known as “California Snowballs,” a mixture of calcium acetate solution and ethanol, to produce a gel that is whitish in color and which can be shaped to resemble a classic snowball. (x) (xx) (xxx)
Calcium Acetate Powder
Calcium acetate is sometimes supplied as a hemihydrate in the form of a fine white bulky powder, freely soluble in water and slightly soluble in ethanol. When it comes to content, calcium acetate’s is not less than 99-percent and not more than 100.5-percent, its total calcium content clocking in at 25.3-percent (based on theoretical calculations).
The use of it will not result in an increase of exposure in the daily calcium intake for consumers who currently consume food products containing calcium-rich substances (x).
Proper Dosage
When treating patients in the end-stage of renal failure, it is often administered as white round tablets containing 667 milligrams of the substance. The recommended dosage of calcium acetate tablets for adult dialysis patients is two tablets with each meal; the dosage may be increased gradually to bring the serum phosphate value below six mg/dl, so long as hypercalcemia does not develop. Most patients require three to four tablets with each meal.
When taken as a dietary supplement, such as in the form of the products we offer at Bulk Supplements, calcium acetate in 500 milligram dosages can be taken up to four times daily with meals or as directed by a physician.
Calcium Acetate Side Effects
Common side effects of calcium acetate are:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Upset stomach
- Loss of appetite
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
A physician should be contacted immediately if any of the following unlikely but serious side effects occur:
- Stomach/abdominal pain
- Confusion
A serious allergic reaction to it is unlikely, but should this occur, it is recommended that you seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as rash, itching or swelling (especially of the face, tongue and/or throat), severe dizziness and trouble breathing manifest.
Where to Buy Calcium Acetate
You can purchase calcium acetate at BulkSupplements.com. The company is an industry-leading manufacturer and distributor for pure dietary supplements. BulkSupplements.com is not just a consumer brand. It also supplies pure ingredients to other brands that distribute food and other supplement products. All products at BulkSupplements.com are manufactured and tested according to current and proper manufacturing practices.
Are you interested in trying calcium acetate for its supportive elements with regard to the kidneys, cardiovascular system, heart and bones? Contact BulkSupplements.com to place an order today.
Bottom Line
Calcium acetate is a chemical compound which is a calcium salt of acetic acid, exhibiting the formula Ca(C₂H₃O₂)₂. Its standard name is calcium acetate, with calcium ethanoate being its synthetic name. As a natural mineral that works by holding onto phosphate from the diet so that it can pass out of our bodies, it is often used to treat patients with end-stage kidney disease who are going through dialysis; it is also used as a food stabilizer commonly found in candy.
Calcium acetate can be made by soaking calcium carbonate – which can be found in eggshells or limestone – in vinegar, when it commonly forms into white crystals.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and these products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
By Scott A. Aruti
