- Calcium acetate, with the chemical formula Ca(C₂H₃O₂)₂, is a calcium salt of acetic acid. It commonly appears as a white, odorless crystalline powder or granular substance that is highly soluble in water and slightly hygroscopic.
- Calcium acetate has multiple applications in medicine, food processing, and industrial chemistry, with its most prominent use being in the management of phosphate levels in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
- In medical settings, calcium acetate is primarily prescribed as a phosphate binder for individuals with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or advanced CKD. When kidney function declines, the body’s ability to excrete phosphate diminishes, leading to hyperphosphatemia—a condition associated with bone weakening, cardiovascular disease, and other metabolic complications. Calcium acetate works by binding dietary phosphate in the gastrointestinal tract, forming insoluble calcium phosphate complexes that are then excreted in the feces. This helps to lower serum phosphate levels and prevent complications related to mineral imbalance. Compared to other calcium-based phosphate binders like calcium carbonate, calcium acetate is often more effective at binding phosphate on a per-dose basis and has a lower risk of causing hypercalcemia when used correctly.
- Calcium acetate is also used as a food additive, designated as E263, where it functions as a stabilizer, buffer, and preservative. It helps regulate acidity in various processed foods and can prevent microbial spoilage. In baking, calcium acetate acts as a mold inhibitor, extending the shelf life of products like bread and pastries.
- In industrial and laboratory applications, calcium acetate serves as a chemical intermediate or reagent. It can be used to produce acetone through dry distillation, although this method is of historical interest more than commercial importance today. Additionally, calcium acetate is occasionally used in the preparation of certain lubricants, dyes, and soaps.
- Another unique application of calcium acetate is in the formulation of solid fuel or “canned heat” (commonly known by the brand name Sterno). When calcium acetate is mixed with ethanol or methanol, it forms a gelled fuel that burns with a clean flame. This mixture is widely used in catering and camping due to its portability, safety, and ease of use.
- In terms of safety, calcium acetate is generally well tolerated, especially when used under medical supervision. However, excessive use—particularly in combination with other calcium sources—can lead to hypercalcemia, a condition marked by high blood calcium levels, which can result in nausea, confusion, arrhythmias, or kidney stones. Patients using calcium acetate as a phosphate binder must often undergo regular monitoring of calcium and phosphate levels to avoid complications.
