What is the Difference Between Calcium and Calcium Citrate?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between calcium and calcium citrate lies in their absorption and the amount of elemental calcium they contain. Calcium carbonate and calcium citrate are the two primary forms of calcium supplements. Here are the key differences between them:
- Absorption: Calcium citrate supplements are absorbed more easily than calcium carbonate and can be taken on an empty stomach. Calcium carbonate, on the other hand, requires stomach acid for absorption and should be taken with food.
- Concentration of Elemental Calcium: Calcium carbonate contains the highest concentration of elemental calcium (about 40% by weight), while calcium citrate yields only about half the elemental calcium compared to the same amount of calcium carbonate.
- Tablet Size and Number: Calcium carbonate is more concentrated, allowing for smaller or fewer tablets. This means a bottle of calcium carbonate supplements may last longer compared to calcium citrate products, which require more tablets or larger tablets to achieve the same amount of calcium.
- Cost: Calcium carbonate is generally the best value, as it contains the highest amount of elemental calcium per serving and is often available at a lower cost than other types of calcium supplements.
Some well-known calcium carbonate products include Caltrate, Viactiv Calcium Chews, Os-Cal, and Tums, while calcium citrate products include Citracal and GNC Calcimate Plus 800. When choosing a calcium supplement, it's essential to consider factors such as cost, convenience, and personal preferences, as well as the amount of elemental calcium per serving.
Comparative Table: Calcium vs Calcium Citrate
Calcium carbonate and calcium citrate are two common forms of calcium supplements. Here is a table comparing their differences:
Feature | Calcium Carbonate | Calcium Citrate |
---|---|---|
Elemental Calcium | Contains 40% elemental calcium | Contains 20% elemental calcium |
Concentration | Most concentrated form of calcium | Less concentrated than calcium carbonate |
Tablet Size | Provides the same amount of calcium in a smaller-sized tablet than calcium citrate | Requires more tablets or larger tablets to get the same amount of calcium |
Absorption | Requires stomach acid for absorption, best taken with food | Can be taken on an empty stomach and is more readily absorbed |
Digestibility | May cause mild constipation or bloating in some people | Easier to digest and does not encourage acid rebound, suitable for those with sensitive stomachs |
Calcium carbonate is more concentrated and provides more elemental calcium per dose than calcium citrate. However, it requires stomach acid for absorption and may cause mild side effects in some people. On the other hand, calcium citrate is easier to digest and can be taken on an empty stomach, making it a better choice for those with sensitive stomachs or who prefer not to take their calcium supplement with food.
- Calcium Carbonate vs Calcium Citrate
- Calcium Citrate Malate vs Calcium Carbonate
- Magnesium vs Magnesium Citrate
- Citracal vs Caltrate
- Calcium vs Calcium Carbonate
- Chelated Magnesium vs Magnesium Citrate
- Magnesium Glycinate vs Citrate
- Magnesium Malate vs Magnesium Citrate
- Calcium Lactate vs Calcium Carbonate
- Calcium vs Magnesium
- Calcium Gluconate vs Calcium Chloride
- Magnesium Oxide vs Magnesium Citrate
- Calcium Acetate vs Calcium Carbonate
- Calcium Carbonate vs Calcium Bicarbonate
- Magnesium Citrate Malate vs Glycinate
- Magnesium Orotate vs Magnesium Citrate
- Calcium vs Vitamin D
- Sodium Citrate vs Citric Acid
- Calcium Carbonate vs Calcium Oxide