| We all grew up knowing that we needed calcium for | | | | citrate may be absorbed at a better rate than |
| strong bones and teeth. "Drink your milk," moms | | | | calcium carbonate, but it is necessary to swallow |
| would say. But not everyone drank milk, and many | | | | more pills each day to reach the recommended 1000 |
| of us moved away from milk when we became | | | | mg, making it a more expensive and more |
| adults. | | | | cumbersome option. |
| Today, the most common reason to add a calcium | | | | The best absorption seems to be from calcium |
| supplement to a diet is to prevent osteoporosis | | | | citrate/malate (CCM). Although similar, it should not be |
| (bone loss). Osteoporosis is primarily a concern of | | | | confused with calcium citrate. |
| women, especially White and Asian women. To help | | | | MCHC, a form of bone meal, should be mentioned, as |
| avoid osteoporosis, physicians often suggest a | | | | studies have shown it to increase bone mass better |
| calcium supplement, and many women decide to take | | | | than other forms. However, MCHC rates poorly in |
| them on their own, as well. But which kind is best? | | | | solubility and absorption. There is little evidence to |
| Calcium supplements are available in many forms: | | | | indicate that either coral calcium or oyster shell is |
| calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, and calcium citrate | | | | superior to the other forms of calcium discussed |
| malate, as well as bone meal, coral calcium, and | | | | here. |
| oyster shell. Many medical studies investigating calcium | | | | A question that comes up from time to time |
| have been conducted, and as with all studies, some | | | | concerns whether antacids such as Tums® and |
| have indicated conflicting results. Most seem to agree | | | | similar products can be used as calcium supplements. |
| on the following few aspects. | | | | In reality, nearly all forms of calcium, including CCM |
| Calcium carbonate offers 40% elemental calcium. It is | | | | and calcium citrate, act as antacids, and concerns |
| a good choice for those concerned about cost and | | | | about interference from this property are not valid. |
| those who want to take fewer pills each day. It may | | | | Finally, all calcium supplements are absorbed better |
| be absorbed slightly less well than some other forms, | | | | when they are taken with meals, and adding |
| but appears to be absorbed as well as the calcium in | | | | supplemental vitamin D (400 IU) is also |
| milk. (Dairy foods are still the best source of calcium.) | | | | recommended. |
| Calcium citrate offers 24% elemental calcium. Calcium | | | | |