by
Calcium is one of the most important minerals required for maintaining bone and teeth health. Millions of people regularly take calcium supplements to meet their daily calcium needs. Among various calcium supplements available, calcium citrate malate is considered as one of the most superior forms due to its unique advantages.
Understanding Calcium Citrate Malate
Calcium citrate malate is a combination of three compounds – calcium, citric acid and malic acid. Calcium is the main mineral component, while citric acid and malic acid help in better absorption of calcium in the body. Citric acid improves solubility of calcium making it easily dissociable in the digestive tract. Malic acid, on the other hand, helps in transporting calcium across cell membranes into the bloodstream. This synergetic combination of calcium, citric acid and malic acid makes calcium citrate malate highly bioavailable as compared to other calcium supplements.
High Bioavailability
Bioavailability refers to the amount of a substance that reaches systemic circulation and is available for physiological functions. Studies have shown that Calcium Citrate Malate has significantly higher bioavailability than other calcium compounds like calcium carbonate. Around 30-40% of calcium from calcium citrate malate is absorbed by the body as compared to only 5-30% absorption seen with calcium carbonate. This is because calcium carbonate requires an acidic environment for absorption. But calcium citrate malate works independently of gastric pH levels and intestinal conditions, thus ensuring consistent and optimal calcium uptake.
Improves Calcium Balance
Low bioavailability of calcium from other supplements can upset calcium balance in the body. Poorly absorbed calcium may remain trapped in the digestive tract affecting functions like mineralization of bones. In contrast, calcium citrate malate supports healthy calcium balance as a major portion of supplemented calcium is transported into circulation via active transport mechanism. This maintains optimal calcium levels in blood plasma and delivers calcium where it is required – bones and teeth.
pH Independent Absorption
Calcium absorption primarily takes place in small intestine which requires acidic pH for calcium carbonate to dissolve. However, several medications like proton pump inhibitors, H2 blockers, antacids raise gastric pH levels limiting calcium carbonate assimilation. Calcium citrate malate works excellently even in alkaline conditions as citric acid keeps it solubilized while malic acid facilitates membrane transport. This makes it suitable for persons on long term acid suppressing therapy.
Reduces Calcium Excretion
Excess calcium not absorbed puts additional workload on kidneys to filter and excrete it from the body. Long term kidney stress can potentially lead to complications. Due to superior bioavailability, calcium citrate malate supplementation minimizes urinary excretion of unabsorbed calcium. This protects kidney functions long term.
Bone and Teeth Health
Circulating usable calcium assists in maintaining bone mineral density and teeth structure by continuously depositing calcium at skeletal sites. Adequate bone mineralization through life is key to preventing osteoporosis and fractures in older age. Proper enamel and dentin formation and maintenance helps prevent cavities and dental issues. So optimal calcium absorption provided by calcium citrate malate plays a vital role in lifelong bone and oral health.
Recommended Dosage
The standard dosage recommendation for calcium citrate malate supplementation is 500-600mg elemental calcium per day. For people above 50 years of age, the dosage may be increased to 1000-1200mg daily ideally split into 2 doses. The supplements should be taken with meal for better absorption. In case of any underlying health condition, it is advisable to consult doctor before starting calcium supplementation.
As body’s natural calcium levels deplete with age, calcium supplements become necessary for most adults to maintain healthy bones and teeth. Among various calcium supplements available, calcium citrate malate emerges as the preferred choice due to its distinct benefits of higher bioavailability, balanced calcium levels, reliable absorption and protection of kidney functions. Its pH independent assimilation also makes it a suitable choice for individuals on antacid medications long term. Overall, calcium citrate malate delivers superior bone and dental health.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
