Dear Colleagues, in this article, I will share with you a formula also known as Joulie’s solution, used as a dietary supplement for patients who cannot get adequate phosphate. This formula, which is also used as an adjuvant in urinary tract infections to acidify urine, is likewise prescribed to prevent the formation of calcium stones in the urinary tract.
It is used in cases of low phosphate (sodium and potassium phosphate) in the blood. Phosphate salts are highly effective in preventing certain types of kidney stones. In addition, sodium phosphate is used as a laxative agent to cleanse the bowels in preparation for certain bowel examinations, such as a colonoscopy.
These salts are also beneficial for sensitive teeth and heartburn. Some individuals also use them to enhance athletic performance.
I would like to remind you that phosphate salts should be taken under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
A balanced diet is essential for healthy living. Dietary sources rich in phosphorus include dairy products, meat, poultry, fish, and cereal products.
The required daily amount of phosphorus is defined in several different ways. The daily amount of phosphorus may vary depending on the individual’s age, gender, and physiological condition (e.g., pregnancy).
The amount of phosphorus that individuals need to intake for a healthy and balanced diet also varies by country. In the table below, you can see the recommended phosphorus values for individuals in the USA and Canada.
| Group | USA (mg) | Canada (mg) |
|---|---|---|
| Infants from birth up to 3 years | 300–800 | 150–350 |
| Children aged 4 to 6 years | 800 | 400 |
| Children aged 7 to 10 years | 800 | 500–800 |
| Adolescent and adult males | 800–1200 | 700–1000 |
| Adolescent and adult females | 800–1200 | 800–850 |
| Pregnant women | 1200 | 1050 |
| Lactating women | 1200 | 1050 |
TOLERABLE UPPER INTAKE LEVELS FOR PHOSPHATE SALTS
| AGE | AMOUNT |
|---|---|
| Children 1-8 years | 3 grams per day |
| Children and adults 9-70 years | 4 grams per day |
| Adults older than 70 years | 3 grams per day |
| Pregnant women, 14-50 years | 3.5 grams per day |
| Lactating women, 14-50 years | 4 grams per day |
Medical Conditions
The presence of medical conditions may affect the use of dietary supplements containing phosphorus. If any of the following medical conditions exist, the prescribing physician must be informed in particular:
In cases of burns, pregnancy, heart disease, pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), bone weakening, parathyroid gland disorders, dehydration or adrenal gland disorders, high blood pressure, and liver diseases, phosphates containing sodium or potassium may adversely affect these conditions.
If there are infected kidney stones and kidney disease, phosphates may worsen this condition.
For patients on a sodium-restricted diet:
If the patient has any concerns in this regard, they should consult healthcare professionals.
Furthermore, the prescribing physician must be informed immediately in the event of certain side effects such as:
- convulsions (seizures)
- decrease in urine volume or frequency
- fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
- headache or dizziness
- increased thirst
- diarrhea
- nausea or vomiting
- stomach pain
- muscle cramps
- numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in the hands or feet
- numbness or tingling around the lips
- shortness of breath or troubled breathing
- swelling in the feet or lower legs
- tremor
- unexplained anxiety
- unusual fatigue or weakness
- weakness
- weight loss
Joulie’s Solution
Rp
Dibasic sodium phosphate …………136 g
Phosphoric acid ………………………58.8 g
Eau Distillée ………………..qs..1000 ml
Preparation of the Formula
Dibasic sodium phosphate is dissolved in distilled water, and the formula is completed by adding phosphoric acid. Each milliliter of this solution contains 30.4 mg of phosphorus. When administered to patients, phosphorus should be given in at least 4 divided doses.
It is also possible to administer phosphate salts to patients as potassium phosphate salts. This formula, which is another option, is referred to as neutral phosphate solution.
| Substance | 100 ml | 1000 ml |
|---|---|---|
| Monobasic sodium phosphate (NaH2PO4·2H2O) | 1.82 g | 18.20 g |
| Dibasic sodium phosphate (Na2HPO4·7H2O) | 14.5 g | 145 g |
| Distilled water ………………………qs…………….. | 100 ml | 1000 ml |
1 ml of the formula contains 20.38 mg of phosphorus.
Preparation of the Formula
The formula is prepared by freely dissolving the salts in distilled water. The pH of this solution is neutral, and each milliliter contains 20.8 mg of phosphorus. Patients receiving treatment should be monitored for parathyroid hyperfunction, hypercalcemia, and hypercalciuria.
Solutions should be stored at room temperature away from heat, moisture, and direct light. The solution must be protected from freezing and kept out of reach of children.
Wishing you a good week…
