Methods of controlling calcium intake and phosphate metabolism and metabolic acidosis in patients suffering from renal failure and associated hyperphosphatemia or patients predisposed to development of a hyperphosphatemic condition are provided. The method in accordance with this invention comprises administering to a patient a calcium glutarate compound. Therapeutic benefit can be realized in accordance with such method by administering the compound orally to a patient to increase available calcium and contact and bind with ingested phosphate in the patient's digestive tract, and thereby prevent its intestinal absorption.
