Calcium acetate, with the chemical formula Ca(CH3COO)2 and CAS number 62-54-4, is a versatile calcium salt of acetic acid that serves critical roles in both the food industry and pharmaceutical applications. Known commercially as E263, this compound is widely recognized for its effectiveness as a food additive and as an essential medication for managing hyperphosphatemia in patients with chronic kidney disease.

What is Calcium Acetate?

Calcium acetate is a white crystalline solid that consists of calcium ions (Ca2+) bound to acetate ions (CH3COO-). It is highly soluble in water, which makes it particularly useful in applications requiring rapid dissolution and uniform distribution. The compound is also known by several alternative names, including calcium ethanoate, acetate of lime, and sugar of lead substitute.

This multifunctional compound is classified under the European food additive numbering system as E263, where it functions as a preservative, sequestrant, stabilizer, and buffering agent. Its excellent chelating properties allow it to bind with metal ions, making it invaluable in food processing and pharmaceutical formulations.

What Are the Benefits?

Food Industry Benefits

As a food additive, calcium acetate offers several significant advantages:

• Preservative Effectiveness: Calcium acetate inhibits mold and bacterial growth, extending the shelf life of baked goods and other perishable foods.
• Sequestrant Properties: It effectively binds metal ions that could otherwise cause oxidative discoloration or undesirable textures in food products.
• pH Buffering: The compound helps maintain stable acidity levels in food formulations, ensuring consistent taste and texture.
• Calcium Nutrient: As a bioavailable source of calcium, it contributes to dietary calcium intake when used in fortified foods.
• Mold Control: It functions as an antimold and antirope agent, preventing rope-like strand formation in bread and baked goods.

Pharmaceutical Benefits

In pharmaceutical applications, calcium acetate provides life-enhancing benefits:

• Effective Phosphate Binding: Calcium acetate binds dietary phosphate in the gastrointestinal tract, preventing phosphate absorption and reducing serum phosphate levels.
• Kidney Disease Management: It is specifically indicated for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on dialysis who suffer from hyperphosphatemia.
• Prevention of Complications: By controlling phosphate levels, it helps prevent ectopic calcification and secondary hyperparathyroidism.
• Lower Calcium Load: Compared to calcium carbonate, calcium acetate provides equivalent phosphate-binding capacity with less elemental calcium, reducing the risk of hypercalcemia.
• Cost-Effective Treatment: It has been shown to be a cost-effective option for long-term management of phosphate levels in CKD patients.

What Are the Uses?

Calcium acetate (E263) is utilized across multiple industries:

Food Applications

In the food industry, calcium acetate is employed in:

• Candy and Confections: Used as a stabilizer and buffering agent in various candy products
• Baked Goods: Acts as an antimold agent to extend shelf life
• Beverages: Functions as an acidity regulator and flavor stabilizer
• Dairy Alternatives: Used in calcium-fortified plant-based products
• Processed Foods: Serves as a sequestrant to maintain product quality

Pharmaceutical Applications

In medicine, calcium acetate is prescribed as:

• Phosphate Binder: Brand names include PhosLo, Phoslyra, Eliphos, and Calphron
• Calcium Supplement: Used in patients requiring calcium supplementation with phosphate control
• CKD Management: Integral part of dialysis patient care protocols

Endüstriyel Uygulamalar

Beyond food and pharmaceuticals, calcium acetate is used in:

• Textile Industry: As a mordant to fix dyes in fabric
• Soap Manufacturing: Used as an alkali in soap production
• Lubricant Production: Improves properties of certain lubricants
• Animal Feed: As a calcium supplement in livestock nutrition

Safety and Side Effects

Calcium acetate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for food use. However, certain precautions apply:

Common Side Effects (Pharmaceutical Use)

• Gastrointestinal discomfort
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Hypercalcemia (with excessive use)

Contraindications

• Hypercalcemia
• Kidney stones
• Severe renal impairment (unless under medical supervision)
• Hypersensitivity to calcium or acetate

Patients taking calcium acetate should inform their healthcare provider about all medications and supplements they are taking to avoid potential interactions.

Chemical Specifications

Property	Şartname
CAS Numarası	62-54-4
Moleküler Formül	C4H6CaO4 or Ca(CH3COO)2
Moleküler Ağırlık	158.17 g/mol (anhydrous); 176.18 g/mol (monohydrate)
Görünüş	Beyaz kristal toz
Çözünürlük	Highly soluble in water
pH (1% solution)	7.2-8.5
Erime Noktası	160C (decomposes)
Food Additive Number	E263
Grade	Food Grade, Pharmaceutical Grade

Frequently Asked Questions

Is calcium acetate the same as calcium carbonate?

No, they are different compounds. While both are calcium salts used as phosphate binders, calcium acetate (calcium salt of acetic acid) is more effective at binding phosphate per milligram of elemental calcium compared to calcium carbonate. This means patients can take lower doses to achieve the same phosphate control.

What foods contain calcium acetate (E263)?

Calcium acetate is found in various processed foods including certain candies, baked goods, beverages, and dairy alternatives. It is typically used in small quantities as a stabilizer, preservative, or acidity regulator.

Can I take calcium acetate supplements without a prescription?

Food-grade calcium acetate is available as a supplement, but pharmaceutical-grade calcium acetate for treating hyperphosphatemia requires a prescription. Always consult a healthcare provider before using any calcium supplement for therapeutic purposes.

Is calcium acetate safe during pregnancy?

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should only use calcium acetate under medical supervision. Consult with a healthcare provider to assess the benefits versus risks in individual cases.

What is the difference between calcium acetate and calcium propionate?

While both are calcium salts used as food additives, calcium acetate (E263) is primarily a preservative and sequestrant, while calcium propionate (E282) is specifically used as a mold inhibitor in baked goods. They have different chemical structures and slightly different applications.

Why Choose Our Calcium Acetate?

We supply high-purity calcium acetate (CAS 62-54-4) that meets international quality standards for both food and pharmaceutical applications. Our product features:

• High purity and consistent quality
• Food grade and pharmaceutical grade options available
• Competitive pricing for bulk orders
• Reliable supply chain and global shipping
• Technical support and documentation (COA, MSDS)

Contact us today to request a quote for your calcium acetate requirements.

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