Different Types of Calcium

By Alyssa Devan

Calcium is an element that we need to have stronger bones and teeth. Our bone is the main structure of our body that can be compared to a car's chassis. If it is weak, you can expect several health problems. If our bones are weak, we lose our ability to move properly. For healthy and strong teeth, we also need calcium. Lack of calcium can lead to tooth decays and cavities.

There are different types of calcium. They are not exactly different in their chemical components. It's just that the other calcium type can have an added component to it making it different than the others. The main calcium structure's percentage itself is an issue.

Calcium Citrate

The type is acquired by combining calcium with citric acid derived from citrus fruits. Calcium citrate helps in reducing stomach acids to improve calcium absorption. It also helps in enhancing food flavor and in preserving food.

Calcium Lactate

This calcium is used mainly as antacids. It is a combination of calcium carbonate and lactic acid. It can also be found in aged cheese. It is also used as baking powder or added to xylitol to regenerate the tooth enamel by remineralization process.

Calcium Carbonate

This type is used as a supplement and can be found in most calcium pills available in the market. It is best taken after meals for better absorption. It is also used as antacid and in the production of toothpaste. But this calcium should be used in the right dosage to prevent harmful effects. An overdose of this calcium may result to hypercalcemia, vomiting and altered mental status.

Calcium Citrate Malate

This is the most absorbable calcium known today. It's a combination of calcium carbonate, citric acid and malic acid. It can help women over 50 years of age with their bone problems. Aging women, even men, can experience bone problems as they grow old. One of them is osteoporosis. Calcium supplements should be taken to prevent or cure it.

Calcium Phosphate

It is a main component in the production of fertilizer. However, it can also be used as a nutritional supplement and in some cheese products.

Calcium Gluconate

This is also used as a nutritional supplement to make bones stronger. However, you may need to take more pills to address calcium needs as it contains little amount of elemental calcium.

Various researches have proven the effectiveness of calcium in making bones and teeth stronger. We get our calcium needs from the food we eat as well as from calcium tablet supplements. For some, the taste of calcium pills may not be tolerable so calcium capsules can be taken instead.

The different types of calcium have varying components so it would be best to consult your doctor for the calcium supplement that's right for you. - 17274

About the Author:

Alyssa Devan writes about the nutritional information of the different types of calcium.