| Common Brands | Citracal, Cal-Citrate, Viactiv Calcium Chews |
|---|---|
|
Drug Class |
Dietary Supplement |
|
Controlled Substance Classification |
Not a controlled medication |
|
Generic Status |
Lower-cost generic available |
|
Availability |
Over the counter (OTC) |
Calcium citrate is one of the most widely available forms of calcium supplements. It is usually prescribed to patients whose bodies require extra calcium in order to strengthen the bones, especially for those patients who have osteoporosis or people who are not taking enough calcium through their diet. Calcium citrate is a highly bioavailable form of calcium, which means it is easily absorbed by the body, making it an excellent choice for supplementation.
Here is the detailed calcium citrate guide that covers its definition, mechanism of action, benefits, side effects, precautions, and dosage instructions.
Calcium citrate comes in various forms including tablets, capsules, chewable tablets, and powder. The appropriate form of calcium citrate for an individual depends on the preference of an individual and his convenience of use.
Tablets and capsules: Usually, an adult needs to be given 500–600 mg of calcium citrate per dose, and often several doses are taken throughout the day to enhance absorption.
Chewable Tablets: These are suitable for those who cannot swallow pills, as they can chew on them. Calcium citrate is usually flavored in its chewable form.
Powder: For those who would rather have it in liquid or have difficulty swallowing pills, calcium citrate powder may be mixed with water or other liquids for easy intake.
Calcium citrate should be taken with or without food, as desired. Because calcium citrate is easily absorbed regardless of the intake of food, it differs from calcium carbonate, which needs stomach acid to absorb optimally.
Calcium citrate provides bioavailability to the body and, more specifically, serves as a major essential mineral that plays very vital roles in many physiological phenomena. The mineral is required mainly for maintaining healthy bones and teeth, muscle functions, nerve-signaling functions, and blood clotting.
Once calcium citrate is taken, it dissolves in the stomach and gets absorbed into the small intestine. Its absorption is quite efficient as compared to other forms of calcium, like calcium carbonate. It also does not need stomach acid to get properly absorbed; hence it’s an excellent option for individuals who have acid reflux or low stomach acid.
The citric acid part of calcium citrate increases calcium absorption, making the mineral available for use in the body for bone strength, contraction of muscles, and multiple enzymatic activities.
While calcium citrate is considered safe when used as directed, some individuals may experience side effects, especially when taking higher-than-recommended doses.
Common side effects are:
Constipation: Of all the calcium supplements, most tend to be constipating on people, although this tends to be worse with calcium carbonate.
There has only been a relatively minor incident described related to mild bloating and gas; still, with calcium citrate, that is significantly rare compared with other types of forms.
Kidney Stones: Long-term or excessive consumption of calcium supplements, including calcium citrate, may promote kidney stones in susceptible persons.
Stomach Discomfort: Although calcium citrate is less likely to cause stomach irritation than calcium carbonate, some individuals will still experience mild stomach discomfort or nausea.
Kidney Disease: For individuals affected with conditions in the past, the interaction of a physician with a patient is very highly recommended before an injection to prevent stones, because calcium creates stones within kidneys when in excess.
Hypercalcemia: Sometimes, too much calcium in the blood leads to a situation known as hypercalcemia where calcium levels get very high. Symptoms for hypercalcemia include nausea, vomiting, urination, confusion, and even muscle weakness. In any of these conditions, immediate medical attention should be provided.
Medication interactions : Calcium citrate interacts with a few types of medications, like diuretics, antibiotics, and certain treatments of osteoporosis and thyroid disorders. As with all supplements, discussion with the healthcare professional before starting would prevent any adverse medication interaction.
Pregnancy and lactation. Calcium citrate has not been demonstrated to have a cause for major adverse effects throughout pregnancy and lactation when used as directed. Although it can always be said that during any supplementation phase in such states, a provider should first be consulted.
Overall, calcium citrate is less likely to cause digestive issues than calcium carbonate and can be taken with or without food, making it a good option for many people. However, it’s important to manage interactions with other medications by spacing out the doses and consulting a healthcare provider when combining supplements or medications.
The recommended daily intake of calcium is different for different ages and sexes.
It is also important to have calcium doses spread throughout the day so that it can absorb well since the body is only able to absorb some 500-600 mg of calcium at one sitting.
So, if you have to increase the dosage, then space out the servings. Most calcium citrate supplements contain about 200-400 mg of calcium per dose.
Depending on your calcium needs, your healthcare provider may recommend taking one or two doses per day.
Calcium citrate can be purchased over the counter. It is not a medication that needs a doctor’s prescription, but healthcare providers can prescribe calcium citrate in some conditions, should they feel a patient might have specific deficiencies in calcium or a condition that would necessitate doses of calcium beyond what can be obtained from diet alone.
Calcium citrate is a calcium salt of citric acid, commonly used as a dietary supplement to support bone health and calcium intake.
Unlike other forms like calcium carbonate, calcium citrate can be taken on an empty stomach and is better absorbed by individuals with low stomach acid.
Calcium citrate supports bone health, may reduce the risk of osteoporosis, and helps maintain proper muscle and nerve function.
Individuals at risk of calcium deficiency, postmenopausal women, those with osteoporosis, or people with specific dietary restrictions may benefit from supplementation.
The typical daily dosage ranges from 500 to 1,200 mg, depending on individual needs and dietary calcium intake. It’s best to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.
Common side effects may include gastrointestinal discomfort, bloating, or constipation. It’s advisable to start with a lower dose and increase gradually.
Yes, calcium can interfere with the absorption of certain medications, such as antibiotics and bisphosphonates. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Yes, calcium citrate is plant-derived and generally considered suitable for both vegetarians and vegans.
Calcium is important during pregnancy, but it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider for specific recommendations regarding dosage and supplementation.
Calcium citrate is more soluble and typically better absorbed than calcium carbonate, especially in individuals with low stomach acidity.
Calcium citrate is not commonly found in foods but is present in citrus fruits. However, dietary sources of calcium include dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods.
Yes, combining calcium citrate with vitamin D can enhance calcium absorption and promote better bone health.
Generally, Calcium Citrate is safe for long-term use, but monitoring blood calcium levels and overall health with a healthcare provider is recommended.
No, Calcium Citrate is available over the counter in most health stores and pharmacies.
Research suggests that calcium citrate can be effective in improving bone density when combined with other bone health measures, like exercise and nutrition.
Symptoms may include muscle cramps, numbness, fatigue, brittle nails, and in severe cases, osteoporosis.
Yes, older adults often require more calcium to maintain bone density and prevent osteoporosis, making Calcium Citrate a beneficial supplement option.
It can be taken with or without food, but taking it with a meal may enhance absorption for some individuals.
It’s generally recommended to limit calcium from supplements and diet to about 2,500 mg per day for adults to avoid toxicity.
Yes, alternatives include calcium carbonate, calcium gluconate, and lactate, but their absorption rates and interactions may vary.
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