Evidence supporting the use of: Glycerophosphate
For the health condition: Calcium Deficiency
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Glycerophosphate is a chemical compound that consists of glycerol esterified to phosphoric acid and is often used as a salt form with calcium (calcium glycerophosphate). Its use to support or treat calcium deficiency is primarily based on the fact that it can serve as a source of calcium. There is some scientific rationale for its use: upon ingestion, calcium glycerophosphate dissociates in the gastrointestinal tract, releasing calcium ions that can be absorbed and utilized by the body, potentially helping to correct or prevent calcium deficiency. However, the evidence base is limited. Most clinical recommendations for calcium supplementation focus on more commonly studied salts like calcium carbonate or calcium citrate, which have more robust data regarding efficacy, bioavailability, and safety. A few small studies and pharmacokinetic analyses show that calcium from glycerophosphate is bioavailable, but there is a lack of large-scale, high-quality clinical trials directly linking its use to improved outcomes in calcium-deficient populations. Thus, while its use is scientifically plausible and it is present in some supplements, the overall evidence supporting glycerophosphate specifically for calcium deficiency is modest compared to other forms, meriting a rating of 2 on the evidence scale.