Dicalcium phosphate has many purposes. Manufacturers add it to cosmetics. Doctors use it to aid healing. And, you can take it to get more phosphorus and calcium.

Sodium phosphate is an additive contained in food and beverages, such as sodas, and is also used as a means of purging the large intestine before a colonoscopy. It has been associated with side effects such as diarrhea, but its consumption might also expose you to other hazards such as organ damage.

Magnesium phosphate is an important mineral, often simply known as magnesium, that helps keep your body working properly. This mineral is involved in more than 300 chemical reactions in your body. It can be used as a laxative for constipation or as an antacid for acid indigestion.

Trisodium phosphate is commonly used as a food additive. It also functions as a degreasing agent, a stain remover and a general cleaning agent.

Tricalcium phosphate is one of many different calcium salts found in dietary supplements. You can take tricalcium phosphate to supplement your daily calcium needs if you are concerned that you're not getting enough calcium from food sources alone.