[Digestive absorption of calcium phosphates in man]

Closely similar to the mineral composition of bone, di- and tricalcium phosphates would seem of interest as oral calcium supplement; unfortunately, they are commonly regarded as non-absorbable because of their insolubility. Seven elderly patients received a constant regimen of 1500 mg of calcium a day, supplied either by diet alone, or by a hypocalcemic diet (Ca = 500 mg) supplemented with di- or tricalcium phosphate (Ca = 1000 mg). Calcium balance remained positive under the calcium phosphate treatment. Inexpensive, stable and well-accepted by patients, these salts, especially tricalcium phosphate, deserve to be evaluated in view of their use for therapy and mass prevention of senile osteoporosis.