The key difference between calcium citrate malate and calcium carbonate is that calcium citrate malate supplements are more easily absorbed by the human body than calcium carbonate supplements.
Calcium is a chemical element that plays a significant role in the body. This chemical element is important in the normal functioning of nerves, cells, muscles, and bones. Reduced levels of calcium in our blood can cause the weakening of the bones. Moreover, vitamin D helps the body to absorb calcium and phosphorous chemical elements.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Calcium Citrate Malate
3. What is Calcium Carbonate
4. Calcium Citrate Malate vs Calcium Carbonate in Tabular Form
5. Summary – Calcium Citrate Malate vs Calcium Carbonate
What is Calcium Citrate Malate?
Calcium citrate malate is a combination of different components used as a supplement in medicinal applications. It is useful in preventing or treating low blood calcium levels in people having a low calcium content from their diet. Moreover, calcium citrate malate supplement is important in treating diseases coming from the low calcium content, e.g. bone loss (osteoporosis), weak bones, reduced activity of parathyroid gland, muscle diseases, etc.
In addition, calcium citrate malate supplement is important for pregnant women as it ensures that they have enough amount of calcium. Nursing or postmenopausal women also are encouraged to take this supplement. Typically, vitamin D is important in the absorption of calcium and phosphorous by the body. Therefore, the calcium citrate malate supplement is also added with some amount of vitamin D in it.
Usually, calcium citrate malate is a medication given by mouth with food. For better absorption, the total dose per day can be divided into two portions and taken in the morning and evening of the same day. However, it is advised to consult a physician before using this medication. There are different forms of this supplement that are commercially available, which include liquid form, chewable form, tablets form, etc.
What is Calcium Carbonate?
Calcium carbonate is a form of calcium-containing supplement that has a low absorption rate. There are many different supplements available for calcium, having different pros and cons. Typically, calcium carbonate supplements provide the highest calcium content (about 40% by weight). However, it shows less absorption by our body.
Moreover, we need to take this supplement with food because it requires stomach acid for better absorption. Mostly, people tend to tolerate calcium carbonate well. However, some people might have mild constipation or a feeling of bloating. Some common calcium carbonate supplements are Clatrate, VIactiv Calcium Chews, Os-Cal, and Tums.
Figure 2: A Clatrate Supplement
What is the Difference Between Calcium Citrate Malate and Calcium Carbonate?
Calcium citrate malate is a combination of different components useful as a supplement in medicinal applications. Calcium carbonate is a form of calcium-containing supplement that has a low absorption rate. The key difference between calcium citrate malate and calcium carbonate is that calcium citrate malate supplements are more easily absorbed by the human body than calcium carbonate supplements. Moreover, calcium citrate malate can be taken with or without food, while calcium carbonate can be taken with food.
The below infographic presents the differences between calcium citrate malate and calcium carbonate in tabular form for side by side comparison.
Summary – Calcium Citrate Malate vs Calcium Carbonate
Calcium is an essential chemical element for our body. Therefore, there are many commercially available calcium supplement forms such as calcium citrate malate and calcium carbonate supplements. The key difference between calcium citrate malate and calcium carbonate is that calcium citrate malate supplements are more easily absorbed by the human body than calcium carbonate supplements.
Reference:
1. “Choosing a Calcium Supplement.” Harvard Health.
2. “Calcium Citrate Malate-Vitamin D3 Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing.” WebMD.
Image Courtesy:
1. “500 mg calcium supplements with vitamin D” By Ragesoss – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia