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Calcium Acetate: A Supplement for Phosphate Control and More
2023/5/11
Calcium acetate is a chemical compound that is a calcium salt of acetic acid, a natural substance found in fruits and vegetables. It has the formula Ca (C 2 H 3 O 2) 2 and can be prepared by soaking calcium carbonate (found in eggshells or limestone) or calcium hydroxide (lime) in vinegar. Calcium acetate has several uses as a food additive, a medicine, and an industrial chemical.
Calcium acetate is available as a prescription drug under various brand names, such as PhosLo, Phoslyra, Calphron, and Eliphos. It comes in different forms, such as tablets, capsules, and liquid. It is usually taken by mouth with each meal or snack. The dosage depends on the blood phosphorus level and the response to treatment.
Calcium acetate may cause some side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, gas, bloating, loss of appetite, confusion, dry mouth, increased thirst or urination, and allergic reactions. It may also interact with some other medications or supplements, such as iron, thyroid hormones, antibiotics, antacids, osteoporosis drugs, and HIV drugs. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor before taking calcium acetate and follow the directions carefully.
Calcium Acetate as a Food Additive
Calcium acetate is used as a food additive under the number E263. It acts as a stabilizer, buffer, and sequestrant, meaning that it helps maintain the texture, acidity, and freshness of food products. It is mainly used in candy products, such as hard candies, caramels, and jelly beans. It can also be used to make tofu from soy milk, as it coagulates the protein better than calcium sulfate.Calcium Acetate as a Medicine
Calcium acetate is used as a medicine to treat high blood levels of phosphorus (hyperphosphatemia) in people with kidney disease who are on dialysis. Phosphorus is a mineral that is important for bone health, but too much of it can cause bone problems, such as osteoporosis, calcification of soft tissues, and increased risk of fractures. Calcium acetate works by binding to phosphorus in the food and preventing its absorption into the bloodstream. This lowers the blood phosphorus levels and helps protect the bones.Calcium acetate is available as a prescription drug under various brand names, such as PhosLo, Phoslyra, Calphron, and Eliphos. It comes in different forms, such as tablets, capsules, and liquid. It is usually taken by mouth with each meal or snack. The dosage depends on the blood phosphorus level and the response to treatment.
Calcium acetate may cause some side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, gas, bloating, loss of appetite, confusion, dry mouth, increased thirst or urination, and allergic reactions. It may also interact with some other medications or supplements, such as iron, thyroid hormones, antibiotics, antacids, osteoporosis drugs, and HIV drugs. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor before taking calcium acetate and follow the directions carefully.
Calcium Acetate as an Industrial Chemical
Calcium acetate is also used as an industrial chemical for various purposes. For example:- It is used as a catalyst for the production of acetic acid from methanol.
- It is used as a stabilizer for polyvinyl alcohol solutions.
- It is used as a component of concrete admixtures to improve the setting time and strength.
- It is used as a deicing agent for roads and runways.
- It is used as a fire retardant for textiles and wood.
Calcium acetate is a versatile chemical that has many applications in food, medicine, and industry. However, it should be used with caution and under proper guidance to avoid potential risks and complications.
