No safety concerns have been reported for hydroxyapatite used in toothpaste.[1] In supplements taken by mouth, ossein-hydroxyapatite has been used in studies for up to four years without safety issues, while microcrystalline hydroxyapatite has been used for up to one year.[2][3] Common adverse effects are gastrointestinal (constipation, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, vomiting, etc) and seem to occur at a slightly lower rate than with calcium carbonate supplements.[4][2] Since hydroxyapatite dietary supplements are typically from bovine sources, improper manufacturing processes might increase the risk of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease(vCJD), also known as “human mad cow disease”.[5][6][7]
What are hydroxyapatite’s main drawbacks?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Hydroxyapatite in toothpaste or oral supplements has no known safety concerns. However, mild gastrointestinal side effects are possible with oral use, and improperly manufactured bovine-sourced supplements may carry a risk of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (human mad cow disease).