Consumer concerns on calcium supplements: bioavailability, source sustainability, cost and marketplace positioning impact calcium supplementation choices

Prepared Foods, Sept, 2003 by Kerry Hughes

"In general, in order to have more absorption, it is necessary to have soluble calcium salts, Indeed, there are advantages and disadvantages to have more soluble or insoluble forms, as shown in the accompanying chart," says Chaudhari.

Forms for Fortifying Food

Calcium Form:        Soluble             Insoluble

Examples of types:   Calcium gluconate   Calcium carbonate
                     Calcium lactate     Dicalcium phosphate

Absorption:          Higher              Lower (organic acid
                                         addition improves)

Comments:            Possible inter-     Could give sediment,
                     action with         chalkiness, gritty
                     product and         mouthfeel
                     flavor impact

Calcium Form:        Blend of Calcium Sources

Examples of types:   Calcium citrate
                     Dicalcium phosphate
                     Calcium lactate

Absorption:          Acceptable absorption

Comments:            Technologically a good solution

Source: Fortitech Inc.

--Claudia D. O'Donnell, Chief Editor

On the Web: CALCIUM AND SUPPLEMENTS

* www.optimalnutrients.com/chelatedminerals.html--information on mineral chelates, including reference to NNFA's definition

* www.calciuminfo.com/prof/3 9.htm--Calcium carbonate vs. citrate--for the professional

* www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/calcium.html--Harvard School of Public Health--calcium and milk

References:

(1) Cook, J.D., et al., 1991, "Calcium Supplementation: Effect on Iron Absorption," American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 53:106-111.

(2) Sakhaee K., et al., 1999. "Meta-analysis or Calcium Bioavailability: A Comparison of Calcium Citrate with Calcium Carbonate." Am J Ther. Nov; 6(6):313-21.

(3) Sheikh, M.S., et al. 1987. "Gastrointestinal Absorption of Calcium from Milk and Calcium Salts," New England Journal of Medicine, 317:532-536.

See Also:

Ishitani K., et al., 1999. "Calcium Absorption from the Ingestion of Coral derived Calcium by Humans," J. Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo), Oct; 45(5):509-17

Levenson, D.J. and R.S. Bockman, 1994. "A Review of Calcium Preparations," Nutrition Reviews, 50: 221-232.