Calcium Citrate vs Calcium Carbonate
MAYO CLINIC:
"calcium citrate is better absorbed on an empty stomach. The CITRATE
form does not require gastric acid for absorption. It's the
PREFERRED supplement for those lacking gastric acid, including older
people, THOSE WHO HAVE HAD STOMACH SURGERY or those taking
medications that block gastric acid production."
"Increase absorption - Some calcium compounds dissolve easier and are
better absorbed than others. For example, calcium CITRATE
supplements may be more easily absorbed and better tolerated than
calcium carbonate."
"Vitamin D is necessary for effective absorption of dietary calcium.
It also HELPS DEPOSIT CALCIUM IN BONE and teeth." A daily supplement
containing 400 IU of vitamin D is commonly recommended.
"It is true that calcium can interfere with absorption of iron (also
zinc, magnesium and phosphorus). And, in order to keep calcium from
interfering with absorption, it is probably best to take calcium
supplements separately from these minerals. Take calcium and iron
supplements at different times."
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center of Dallas:
Researchers show that calcium CITRATE is better absorbed than calcium
carbonate and is effective at preventing osteoporosis in early post-
menopausal women. Osteoporosis - or brittle bones disease is a major
health threat to 28 million Americans.
American Journal of Therapeutics (Nov/Dec. issue:
Dr. Sakhaee, chief of mineral metabolism, published his analysis and
found CITRATE to be the better absorbed.
Journal of Clinical Pharmacology (Nov. issue):
Dr. Howard Heller, assistant professor of internal medicine compared
the absorption of citrate with carbonate. His finding confirmed
CITRATE was better absorbed than carbonate.
Dr. Steve Harris, bone specialist at the University of California,
San Francisco stated,
"For those at risk of kidney stones, calcium citrate might be a wiser
choice."
Metacrawler Search - Osteoporosis FAQ's:
Ouestion:
3. I am taking Tums (registered trademark) as a supplement for
prevention of osteoporosis. How often and how many should I be
taking daily?
Answer:
"Unfortunately, this medication is not one I would recommend. I see
two basic faults with the manufacturer and their claims that you need
their product to prevent osteoporosis. The first problem that I see
is that this product contains calcium-carbonate (chalk). In my
opinion the above named product is not a practical good source of
calcium. This particular form of calcium is not as readily absorbed
in the gut as either calcium -oxalate, calcium-malate or CALCIUM
CITRATE. If you want to take a calcium supplement look for
combinations of these three forms of calcium, also expect to pay a
higher price for these products since their manufacture is more
expensive.
