Calcium supplements are typically sold as calcium carbonate or calcium citrate.
Calcium citrate is usually more easily absorbed than calcium carbonate.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
Verywell / Getty Images
Verywell / Getty Images
What Are Calcium Citrate Supplements?
Calcium supplementsare typically available OTC as calcium carbonate or calcium citrate.
Calcium citrate is typically more easily absorbed than calcium carbonate.
Calcium citrate contains 21% elemental calcium.
This means that 1,000 milligrams (mg) of calcium citrate contains 210 mg of elemental calcium.
No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Calcium is an essential mineral supporting multiple systems in your body.
You must maintain adequate calcium levels for your heart, nervous system, and muscles to function properly.
Calcium is probably best known for makingstrong bones.
Research supports some of these uses more than others.
Unfortunately, the research has had mixed results.
Researchers found this benefit only in women but not in men.
Researchers found no relationship between bone loss and calcium intake.
However, overall, the research is mixed.
The treatment group did not have significantly lower cancer risk at four years compared with the placebo.
However, another older 2007 study suggested calcium plus vitamin D does have benefits.
Cancer incidence was lowest in the calcium+D group.
However, the results have been mixed, with some research indicating no effects.
However, some studies have found that calcium supplementation increases the risk of heart disease.
Hypoparathyroidism
Hypoparathyroidismis a rare condition resulting in diminished function or absence of parathyroid hormone (PTH).
PTH works to maintain the body’s balance between calcium and phosphorous.
Low PTH results in low levels of calcium and high levels of phosphorous.
This can lead to problems involving muscles, nerve endings, bones, and skin.
Calcium supplementation may be required for this condition.
Gout
Gout(also gouty arthritis) is an extremely painful form of arthritis.
This result suggests calcium citrate may have a protective effect against gout.
Further research is needed.
Are Calcium Citrate Supplements Safe For Me?
Your healthcare provider may recommend you take calcium citrate for bone health.
However, consuming a supplement like calcium citrate may have potential side effects.
These side effects may be common or severe.
Over time, this weakens bones and increases fracture risk.
A calcium deficiency may need to be properly identified and diagnosed by a healthcare provider through specific lab tests.
However, certain symptoms and health conditions may signify a deficiency.
If you’re unsure whether you’re meeting your calcium needs, a dietitian may be able to help.
When it comes to calcium supplements, recognizing the exact dosage can be a challenge.
Read the label to identify how much pure (elemental) calcium is provided per serving.
Children and teens are still forming their bones and should be mindful of getting sufficient calcium.
Sitting down with a healthcare provider to review your dietary habits can help determine whether your intake is adequate.
Calcium is readily available in foods.
Food sources are optimal because they absorb best in the body.
Calcium citrate supplements can help you reach the recommended daily value, especially if you have difficulty absorbing calcium.
For most people, it’s possible to get enough calcium through food alone.
Some people take calcium citrate for bone health and to reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease.
However, the research on those benefits is mixed.
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