Calcium glycerophosphate is a mineral supplement that offers the same health benefits as calcium phosphate but is more easily absorbed. It can help control interstitial cystitis and prevent tooth enamel loss. However, long-term supplementation may reduce normal levels of hydrochloric acid in the stomach.
Calcium glycerophosphate is a mineral composed of equal amounts of calcium and phosphorus. Its precursor, calcium phosphate, represents a group of calcium salts and minerals important for healthy bones and teeth. In fact, bones and teeth are largely made up of calcium phosphate and its derivatives. However, the bioavailability of calcium salts and other calcium compounds has presented a challenge in the past. Calcium glycerophosphate is a relatively new dietary supplement that appears to offer the same health benefits, but is more easily absorbed.
One of the best known and most documented health benefits associated with calcium glycerophosphate is the control of interstitial cystitis, a condition that leads to frequent urination and poor bladder control due to chronic inflammation of the bladder. While the specific cause of this condition is unknown, it is suspected that a diet high in acidic foods, such as tomatoes, fruit juices, coffee, tea, etc., may be a contributing factor. Because completely eliminating these foods is difficult for many people, researchers turned to calcium glycerophosphate to see if it could ease symptoms.
As a supplement, calcium glycerophosphate is available as Prelief®, where the mineral is the primary active ingredient. Studies have found that this can significantly reduce the urge to urinate, as well as minimize the discomfort felt after consuming highly acidic foods and drinks. However, studies have also found that this substance appears to alter ingested foods and not cause a biochemical process on the body itself. Otherwise, the latter scenario could lead to reduced levels of hydrochloric acid in the stomach needed for proper digestion. In terms of direct action on foods, calcium glycerophosphate has demonstrated the ability to reduce the acid content of canned tomato sauce by 60 percent and coffee by 95 percent.
However, while these results appear promising, it is important to note that most of the calcium glycerophosphate studies conducted to date have been performed by the manufacturer and not by an independent third party. It should also be noted that long-term supplementation may still have the potential to reduce normal levels of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Therefore, the manufacturer of Prelief® recommends limiting supplementation only to those times when you expect to eat acidic foods.
Since calcium is crucial for healthy teeth, calcium glycerophosphate was also being investigated to see if it could help prevent tooth enamel loss. A recent Brazilian study found that supplementing with this mineral significantly increased the phosphorus content of dental biofilm, which in turn raised its pH. The final results showed reduced demineralization, as well as a reduction in caries among the study subjects.
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