Calcium Phosphate

The phosphate ions in calcium phosphate likely react with hydrochloric acid in the stomach to neutralize the pH. In toothpaste and in systemic circulation, calcium phosphate provides a source of calcium and phosphate ions to support remineralization of the teeth and bone homeostasis respectively. The increase in plasma calcium reduces calcium flux from osteocyte activity by reducing the secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH). Calcium does this by stimulating a G-protein coupled calcium receptor on the surface of parathyroid cells. The reduction in calcium flux increases the amount of calcium deposited in bone resulting in an increase in bone mineral density. The reduction in PTH secretion also reduces the amount of vitamin D metabolized to its active form, calcidiol. Since calcidiol increases the expression of calcium dependent ATPases and transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 6 (TRPV6) both of which are involved in calcium uptake from the gut, a reduction in calcidiol results in less calcium absorption. Additionally, TRPV5, the channel responsible for calcium reabsorption in the kidney, is downregulated when PTH secretion is reduced thus increasing calcium excretion via the kidneys. Another hormone, calitonin, is likely involved in the reduction of bone resorption during periods of high plasma calcium.