An anti-caking agent, keeping solid self-preserving products, and food, fresh and dry. It is widely used in toothpastes for its polishing properties, removing plaque, and because it is tasteless.
A calcium salt, which is inert. It can also be classified as an ionic salt, made up of charged particles of calcium and phosphate, both of which are needed in the human diet. It is for this reason it is used as a calcium supplement, such as in breakfast cereals.