When it comes to calcium supplements, there are two main types: calcium carbonate and calcium citrate. While they both provide your body with the nutrient it needs, they have different benefits and drawbacks. Here’s a look at the key differences between these two types of calcium supplements.
What is Calcium Citrate?
Calcium citrate is a calcium salt that is derived from citric acid. It is commonly used as a dietary supplement to help prevent and treat calcium deficiencies. Calcium citrate is also used as an antacid to relieve indigestion and heartburn. The body needs calcium for many different reasons, including building and maintaining bones and teeth, regulating blood pressure, and clotting blood. Calcium citrate is absorbed more easily than other forms of calcium, making it an ideal supplement for people who are unable to get enough calcium through their diet.
What is Calcium Carbonate?
Calcium carbonate is a chemical compound with the formula CaCO3. It is a common substance found in rocks as the minerals calcite and aragonite (most notably limestone, which contains both of those minerals) and is the main component of pearls and the shells of marine organisms, snails, and eggs.
- Calcium carbonate is the active ingredient in agricultural lime and is created when calcium ions in hard water react with carbonate ions to create limescale. It can also be precipitated by mixing calcium chloride and sodium carbonate.
- Calcium carbonate is used therapeutically as a phosphate buffer in hemodialysis, as an antacid in gastric hyperacidity for temporary relief of indigestion and heartburn, and as a calcium supplement or antacid.
- Calcium carbonate is one of the most prevalent compounds on Earth. Calcium carbonate also finds use in industry as a building material and raw material for many home goods.
It has medical uses but may cause serious side effects including abdominal pain and constipation when taken orally, and can be dangerous if inhaled or injected due to its low solubility.
Difference between Calcium Citrate and Calcium Carbonate
Calcium is an essential mineral for human health, and it can be found in many different forms. Calcium citrate and calcium carbonate are two of the most common forms of calcium supplements on the market.
- Both forms are well absorbed by the body and can be used to prevent or treat calcium deficiencies. However, there are some important differences between these two types of calcium.
- Calcium citrate is more expensive than calcium carbonate, but it is also more easily absorbed by the body, making it a good choice for people with absorption issues.
- Calcium carbonate is less expensive but not as easily absorbed, so it may need to be taken in higher doses to be effective. Ultimately, the best form of calcium supplement for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a calcium supplement, it is important to understand the difference between calcium citrate and calcium carbonate. Calcium citrate is more easily absorbed by the body than calcium carbonate, making it a good option for those who have difficulty digesting supplements. Calcium carbonate is less expensive and contains more elemental calcium per dose, making it a good choice for those on a budget or who need to take larger doses of calcium. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.
