Updated: January 1, 2025

Phosphate salts are soluble salts that play central roles in many crucial listings in the human body. They are involved in just about everything, from providing energy to the cells to maintaining the strength of our bones. Not only do these salts help in maintaining good health, but they also have specific functions in the medical field. It is important to understand how phosphor and calcium levels are in the body since the imbalance has severe effects on the human body. Here, we will focus on the functions, sources, and uses of phosphate salts, which are essential for the health of every person, as well as the activities of healthcare facilities.

Phosphate salts refer to many different combinations of the chemical phosphate with salts and minerals. Phosphates usually are absorbed from food and are essential chemicals in the body. They are involved in cell structure, energy transport and storage, vitamin function, and numerous other processes essential to health. Phosphorus is a natural body mineral that is very important for building and maintaining bone. It helps control the amount of calcium in the body and urine. Extra phosphorus causes body changes that pull calcium out of your bones, making them weak.

High phosphorus and calcium levels also lead to dangerous calcium deposits in blood vessels, lungs, eyes, and heart. Over time, this can lead to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, or death. Phosphorus and calcium control are very important for your overall health. Foods high in phosphate include dairy products, whole grain cereals, nuts, and certain meats. Phosphates found in dairy products and meats seem to be more easily absorbed by the body than phosphates found in cereal grains.

Applications in Healthcare

Phosphate salts are taken by mouth to treat blood phosphate levels that are too low and blood calcium levels that are too high and to prevent kidney stones. They are also taken for treating osteomalacia (often called "rickets" in children), a condition caused by a mineral imbalance in the body that leads to softening of the bones. 

Phosphate salts are also used for improving exercise performance, as an antacid for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and as a laxative for emptying the bowels before surgery. Phosphate salts and calcium are applied to sensitive teeth to reduce pain. Phosphate salts are used as a laxative to clean the bowels before surgery or intestinal tests. Be careful not to confuse phosphate salts with substances such as organophosphates or tribasic sodium phosphates and tribasic potassium phosphates, which are poisonous.

Pharmaceutical Formulations

Phosphate salts serve as key components in pharmaceutical products, especially for:

• Formulating antacids and laxatives for widespread consumer use.

• Specialized treatments for conditions like hypophosphatemia and hypercalcemia.

• Preparing medical-grade bowel cleansing products essential for gastrointestinal procedures.

Dietary Sources

Many people get all the phosphate they need from what they eat and drink. Beverages like beer/ale, chocolate drinks, cocoa, dark colas, drinks made with milk, canned iced teas, pepper-type soda (Dr Pepper), and bottled beverages with phosphate additives are rich in phosphate. These should be avoided as they can cause harm to your health. Lower phosphorus alternatives include water, coffee, tea, rice milk (unenriched), apple juice, cranberry juice, grape juice, lemonade, ginger ale, lemon-lime soda, orange soda, and root beer.

Dairy products such as cheese, custard, ice cream, milk, pudding, and cream soups should be avoided. Lower phosphorus alternatives include rice milk, almond milk, cottage cheese, vegan cheese, sherbet, and popsicles.

Protein sources like oysters, sardines, beef liver, chicken liver, fish roe, and organ meats should be avoided. Lower phosphorus alternatives to enjoy include chicken, turkey, fish, beef, veal, eggs, lamb, and pork.

Chocolate candy, caramels, oat bran muffins, most processed/prepared foods/deli meats/hot dogs/bacon/sausage, pizza, brewer's yeast, chocolate, and caramel candies should be avoided. Lower phosphorus alternatives include apples, berries, grapes, carrot sticks, cucumber, rice cakes, unsalted pretzels, popcorn, crackers, pound cake, and sugar cookies.

Phosphorus Deficiency

Even when people don't get enough of this mineral in their diets, the body can compensate by reabsorbing what is already in the bloodstream. However, if you are deficient in vitamins like vitamin D, you may also have more trouble absorbing phosphorus and other minerals, like calcium, because they work together.

Phosphorus deficiency can be caused by genetic disorders affecting the body's ability to store phosphorus. These disorders are often the result of excreting too much phosphorus in the urine or not absorbing the mineral from foods. It can also be caused by starvation, alcoholism, and diabetes. Diabetes can also lead to a deficiency, especially for people recovering from an episode of diabetic ketoacidosis. This means the body isn't producing enough insulin and can't break fat down as fuel. As a result, acids build up in the blood, which can cause a phosphorus deficiency. Individuals who are in treatment for eating disorders like anorexia may be on refeeding treatments. If these treatments are high in calories but too low in phosphorus, a deficiency may arise.

Uses & Effectiveness

Phosphate salts are effective for:

• Preparing the bowel for a medical procedure: Sodium phosphate tablets (OsmoPrep, Visicol) and over-the-counter solutions are used to cleanse the colon before procedures.

• Treating low phosphate or high calcium levels: Sodium or potassium phosphate is effective when administered orally or intravenously under supervision.

• Relieving constipation: Sodium phosphate is FDA-approved as an over-the-counter treatment for constipation, available in oral and enema forms.

• Managing high calcium levels in the blood: Oral phosphate salts (excluding calcium phosphate) are likely effective for reducing high calcium levels.

They are also used in antacids for indigestion and possibly effectively prevent calcium kidney stones. However, more evidence is needed for certain applications like athletic performance improvement and managing diabetic ketoacidosis.

Innovations and Solutions in Phosphate Healthcare

Pharmaceutical companies are actively addressing phosphorus deficiencies through targeted solutions. These include the development of specific supplements for computed risk groups of people and IV therapies to be provided for immediate effect in emergency cases with emphasis made on the hospital. New products are being developed through partnerships between healthcare practitioners and manufacturers to respond to a given patient requirement.

At the same time, the demand for phosphate-based products, such as laxatives and dietary supplements, is growing globally. Suppliers are prioritizing sustainable and cost-effective production to cater to healthcare providers. Research is also identifying new uses of phosphates, such as their use in bone regeneration treatments and various other medical treatments, which are still to be discovered, highlighting the potential for further growth in pharmaceuticals using phosphates.

Safety & Precautions

Phosphate salts containing sodium, potassium, aluminum, or calcium are likely safe for most people when taken by mouth in the short term. However, they should not be used in excess. Regular long-term use can upset the balance of phosphates and other chemicals in the body, leading to serious side effects. Be cautious with medical conditions like heart disease or kidney problems, and always seek medical advice before using phosphate supplements.

Final Thoughts

Phosphate salts are vital for health and wellness, supporting bone strength, managing calcium levels, and addressing deficiencies. They are indispensable in the healthcare and pharma industries, where they play key roles in medications, supplements, and medical preparations.

This blog covered:

1. The role of phosphate salts in health and diet.
2. Their applications in healthcare and pharma.
3. Deficiency management and the role of B2B solutions.