Tricalcium phosphate
Tricalcium phosphate, listed in regulations as calcium phosphate, tribasic, is a white, insoluble calcium phosphate whose composition is close to hydroxyapatite. It is made by reacting phosphoric acid with lime (calcium hydroxide), then filtering and drying the precipitate; bone-derived calcium phosphates are a separate, smaller category. Brands buy it as a fine powder that serves as a calcium and phosphorus source and as a free-flow agent in powders and table salt.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Fine white powder used as a flow agent in salt, spices, powdered drinks and dairy powders.
Grades sold on calcium and phosphorus content for fortification and supplements.
Granulated TCP used as a tablet filler that also delivers calcium.
Very fine material for suspension in beverages and liquid nutrition with less sediment.
Calcium phosphate from bovine or fish bone, sold separately from synthetic TCP; species, origin and processing belong on the specification.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Store tricalcium phosphate in closed bags in a dry area; it is chemically stable but can pick up moisture and odors. Avoid stacking that compacts the powder. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, and long-stored lots are usually retested for loss on ignition and micro.
Record the assay, fluoride and particle size grade for each lot, and confirm the source (synthetic or bone-derived) matches the specification and any vegetarian or halal claims. Particle size shifts between lots change how well it keeps salt and powders free flowing.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 182.1217 lists calcium phosphate (mono-, di-, and tribasic) as generally recognized as safe when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)7 CFR 205.605(b) lists calcium phosphates (monobasic, dibasic, and tribasic) among the synthetic substances allowed in or on processed products labeled organic.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)Health Canada's List of Permitted Anticaking Agents includes calcium phosphate, tribasic, for uses including mixes for curing preserved meat and garlic and onion salt.
Source: canada.ca (opens in a new tab)Health Canada's Multi-Vitamin/Mineral Supplements monograph for natural health products lists calcium phosphate, tribasic among the source ingredients for calcium (Table 2).
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
Manufacturer · Cranbury, NJ
Sells it as Tri-Tab
US manufacturer of food, pharmaceutical and technical grade phosphates, including phosphoric acid, sodium and calcium phosphates, leavening acids and polyphosphates.
Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.
Common forms include food-grade powder, mineral-source grades, directly compressible granules, micronized grades and bone-derived calcium phosphate. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect assay, loss on ignition, fluoride, lead, arsenic and other metals and particle size, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Store tricalcium phosphate in closed bags in a dry area; it is chemically stable but can pick up moisture and odors. Avoid stacking that compacts the powder. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, and long-stored lots are usually retested for loss on ignition and micro.
21 CFR 182.1217 lists calcium phosphate (mono-, di-, and tribasic) as generally recognized as safe when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice. 7 CFR 205.605(b) lists calcium phosphates (monobasic, dibasic, and tribasic) among the synthetic substances allowed in or on processed products labeled organic. Health Canada's List of Permitted Anticaking Agents includes calcium phosphate, tribasic, for uses including mixes for curing preserved meat and garlic and onion salt. Health Canada's Multi-Vitamin/Mineral Supplements monograph for natural health products lists calcium phosphate, tribasic among the source ingredients for calcium (Table 2).
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