Calcium Citrate

Calcium citrate is a calcium salt of citric acid commonly used as a dietary supplement to prevent or treat calcium deficiencies. It is important for maintaining normal nerve, muscle, and cardiac function as well as bone health. Calcium citrate is favored in many cases because it is more easily absorbed than other calcium salts, especially in individuals with low stomach acid. It is available as an over-the-counter supplement and sometimes used as a food additive.

Calcium citrate is a dietary supplement used primarily to provide calcium, an essential mineral important for strong bones and teeth. Nutritional information for calcium citrate includes:

• Elemental Calcium Content: Approximately 21% by weight. For example, 1000 mg of calcium citrate provides about 210 mg of elemental calcium.

• Calcium citrate is often taken as a supplement to meet calcium requirements, particularly for bone health, muscle function, nerve transmission, and enzyme activity.

• It is well absorbed even without stomach acid, making it suitable for people with low stomach acid or digestive issues.

• Common doses range from 400 mg to 1000 mg of elemental calcium per day from supplements.

• Supplement formulations sometimes include vitamin D, which enhances calcium absorption and bone health.

• Calcium citrate supplements are available in various forms such as tablets and powders; for example, 2 chewable tablets might provide 1000 mg of calcium and include vitamin D to support absorption.

Calcium citrate offers several important health benefits:

• Bone Health: It promotes calcium retention and bone accrual, helping to increase bone mineral density and prevent osteoporosis. It is effective in maintaining bone mass in adults and reducing fracture risk, especially when combined with vitamin D.

• Better Absorption: Calcium citrate is absorbed well even without stomach acid, making it suitable for individuals with low stomach acid or those taking acid-reducing medications.

• Versatile Use: It can be taken with or without food and lowers the risk of kidney stone formation compared to some other calcium salts.

• Muscle and Nerve Function: Calcium citrate contributes to normal muscle contractions, nerve transmission, and enzymatic processes essential for overall cellular function.

• Safety: It tends to cause fewer gastrointestinal side effects like constipation and bloating compared to calcium carbonate.