Calcium acetate is prescribed as a phosphate binder for CKD. Which statement describes its role?

• A. It binds dietary phosphate in the gastrointestinal tract to reduce serum phosphate.
• B. It increases absorption of calcium from the gut to treat hypocalcemia.
• C. It decreases serum calcium to prevent calcifications.
• D. It acts as an antihypertensive agent.

Answer: (A)

Calcium acetate acts as a phosphate binder in CKD. Taken with meals, it binds dietary phosphate in the gastrointestinal tract, forming insoluble calcium phosphate that is excreted in the stool. This reduces intestinal phosphate absorption and lowers serum phosphate, which helps prevent secondary hyperparathyroidism and vascular calcifications. Because it contains calcium, it can help with hypocalcemia but can raise calcium levels if overused, so calcium and phosphate levels must be monitored. It is not an antihypertensive and its effect is not to decrease calcium; its primary role is binding phosphate in the gut (with a potential calcium-related impact).