Last Updated on December 26, 2021 by Guillermina
Introduction
What makes calcium phosphate vegan? Is calcium phosphate vegan? This highly depends on the source of calcium or tricalcium phosphate but it has been listed as a bone-free and vegan ingredient. There are calcium phosphate supplements that are sourced from unrefined oyster shells, dolomite, or even bone meal. Be cautious! These substances, or usages, can be toxic if not properly labeled with the United States Pharmacopeia symbol.
Most calcium supplements are vegan but putting in some research to the product or brand is essential in being cautionary of sourcing and health practices. Ingredients like calcium citrate, calcium phosphate, and calcium carbonate are all vegan-friendly themselves.
What Is Tricalcium Phosphate?
A food additive, tricalcium phosphate is a health supplement. For those that do not get enough calcium through sources like food, additives like tricalcium phosphate in foods can be the best bet as calcium is more proficiently absorbed through the consumption of food.
Calcium is necessary for bone growth, bone development, healthy bones, bone maintenance, and healthy teeth. For those with lactose intolerance or those on a vegan diet, obtaining enough calcium can be an issue without additives like tricalcium phosphate.
What Is The Difference Between Tricalcium Phosphate And Calcium Phosphate?
Mainly used as a supplemental form to ingest calcium, tricalcium phosphate is calcium phosphate but in, well, supplement form (i.e. pills). If an individual does not obtain the necessary and recommended daily intake of calcium consuming it through supplemental form, as in tricalcium phosphate, as an additive or supplement is the way to treat this calcium deficiency.
Calcium phosphate is commonly found in meats, dairies, and in some grains and vegetables. Grains like barley, wheat, and oats. Nuts, seeds, and legumes that contain calcium phosphate are almonds, sesame seeds, and chia seeds. Vegetables high in calcium are collard greens, soybeans, tofu, kale, bok choy, and navy beans.
What Vegan-Friendly Foods Naturally Have Tricalcium Phosphate?
Vegetables
Vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, kale, and spinach naturally have a high dosage of calcium in them. So when you hear people say, “Eat your dark, leafy greens!”, this is one of the many reasons why you should be eating your vegetables…because it’s good for you!
Nuts, Seeds, & Legumes
Almonds naturally carry a good amount of calcium in them. You will also find that sesame seeds and chia seeds have a high calcium content!
Grains
Grains like barley, wheat, and oats have a good calcium content in them. Try adding them to a weekly meal to enjoy the benefits of getting your recommended calcium intake in!
4 Uses For Tricalcium Phosphate
Drinks
If you continue further into the article, you’ll note that tricalcium phosphate is often added to drinks like almond milk, which can be essential for vegans that don’t obtain their calcium from sources that hold calcium. It is often used as an anti-caking agent in beverages as well. You will most commonly find tricalcium phosphate in soy-based beverages, juices, and dairy drinks. You will more commonly find tricalcium in soy-based beverages as the tricalcium phosphate additive helps add qualities similar to milk. For example, the tricalcium phosphate supplement in soy milk creates a smooth opacity commonly found in traditional milk.
You can find an example here:
Food Production
Tricalcium phosphate is an anti-caking agent commonly used as a buffering agent in flour to prevent caking. It is often added to food products as a calcium supplement to aid bone growth for those that don’t obtain their recommended daily calcium intake from other food sources. A pH regulator in food products like candy, pudding, and meat, tricalcium phosphate maintains and regulates acidity while improving flavor and nutritional value. Tricalcium phosphate is a common nutritional additive in soy-based drinks, juices, dairy products, and cereals. Those that do not receive enough calcium in their diet need the extra flare of calcium additives to obtain the daily recommended intake.
Pharmaceutical Usage
Tricalcium phosphate usage is to treat bone defects and deficiencies. This supplement, or material, is great for improving bone tissue ingrowth and maintaining bone health and growth.
Agriculture
Used as an additive in animal feed to promote and improve bone growth in animals, tricalcium phosphate is an essential supplement in many subjects and aspects of life.
4 Almond Milks Fortified With Tricalcium Phosphate
365 Everyday Value, Unsweetened Almondmilk
This Unsweetened Almondmilk by 365 Everyday Value is fortified with tricalcium phosphate along with Vitamin B12, Vitamin D2, and Vitamin E. Remaining vegan-friendly, this almond milk is organic and kosher.
You can find it here:
Orgain, Organic Protein Almond Milk (Unsweetened Vanilla)
Sustainably produced, Orgain’s Organic Protein Almond Milk (Unsweetened Vanilla) is another product that contains tricalcium phosphate. It holds the protein content of 15 almonds which are sourced from dry farms with no runoff (this is a cultivation program that is used to prevent the establishment of weeds which can ruin the production of dry farming).
You can find it here:
Simply Nature, Unsweetened Almond Milk
Available at your local Aldi’s, Simply Nature’s Unsweetened Almond Milk is yet another product that contains tricalcium phosphate! It is 100% vegan, USDA Organic, soy-free, and holds no added sugar.
You can find it here:
Simple Truth, Unsweetened Almond Milk
Full of flavor and nutritional benefits, Simple Truth’s Unsweetened Almond Milk contains tricalcium phosphate for those needed that extra boost of calcium in their diet. This product is vegan-friendly, delicious, and free from artificial preservatives and ingredients.
You can find it here:
Conclusion
Did you find this article informative? Make sure to leave a comment below to tell us what you think or if you have any questions. Don’t forget to share this informative article on answering the question, “Is Tricalcium Phosphate Vegan?”.
Tag us on social media showing us food you currently own, whether from your fridge or pantry, that has tricalcium phosphate in it!