DCP as a mineral source comparison to other calcium-phosphate sources in terms of bioavailability and cost-effectiveness

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2/16/20261 min read

Dicalcium phosphate (DCP) is a widely used mineral source of calcium and phosphorus in both animal and human nutrition due to its favourable bioavailability (NRC, 2001). Compared to other calcium-phosphate sources, such as tricalcium phosphate and calcium carbonate, DCP generally exhibits higher bioavailability owing to its solubility in gastric conditions (Suttle, 2010). The bioavailability of DCP ensures more efficient mineral absorption, which can enhance bone mineralization and metabolic functions (Hassan et al., 2017). In contrast, calcium carbonate, although cost-effective, tends to have lower bioavailability in certain populations, especially those with reduced gastric acid production (Miller et al., 2013). Tricalcium phosphate's bioavailability varies depending on its crystalline form, but it often ranks below DCP in terms of absorption efficiency (Cheng et al., 2018). Cost-wise, DCP is generally more expensive than calcium carbonate but less costly than highly purified phosphate sources such as monocalcium phosphate (NRC, 2001). The economic advantage of DCP is balanced by its higher nutritional efficiency, potentially reducing the required supplementation doses (Suttle, 2010). Moreover, DCP's consistent mineral composition and stability during storage make it a reliable source compared to other phosphates that may vary in purity (Hassan et al., 2017). Studies suggest that the overall cost-effectiveness of DCP depends on its bioavailability and the specific nutritional needs, often favouring it in formulations requiring precise mineral provision (Miller et al., 2013). Therefore, while DCP may have higher initial costs, its superior bioavailability can lead to better health outcomes and potentially lower long-term supplementation costs (Cheng et al., 2018). DCP offers a favourable combination of bioavailability and cost-effectiveness relative to other calcium-phosphate sources, especially in contexts where mineral absorption efficiency is critical (NRC, 2001).

Promois International (www.promoisinternational.com) is one of the best-known manufacturers of encapsulated DCP.