Calcium citrate is the calcium salt of citric acid, chemically known as trisodium 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylate. With the CAS number 5785-44-4, this compound appears as a white, odorless powder that is highly soluble in water. It is widely used as a food additive (E333) and as a dietary supplement.
Unlike calcium carbonate, calcium citrate does not require stomach acid for absorption, making it an excellent choice for individuals with lower stomach acid production or those taking acid-reducing medications. This organic form of calcium offers superior bioavailability, with studies showing it is absorbed 20-27% better than calcium carbonate in various conditions.
What is Calcium Citrate?
Calcium citrate is the calcium salt of citric acid, chemically known as trisodium 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylate. With the CAS number 5785-44-4, this compound appears as a white, odorless powder that is highly soluble in water. It is widely used as a food additive (E333) and as a dietary supplement.
Unlike calcium carbonate, calcium citrate does not require stomach acid for absorption, making it an excellent choice for individuals with lower stomach acid production or those taking acid-reducing medications. This organic form of calcium offers superior bioavailability, with studies showing it is absorbed 20-27% better than calcium carbonate in various conditions.
Calcium Citrate vs. Calcium Carbonate
While both are popular calcium supplements, there are key differences:
- Absorption: Calcium citrate is absorbed better on an empty stomach and does not require stomach acid
- Elemental calcium: Calcium carbonate contains more elemental calcium (about 40% by weight)
- Food fortification: Calcium carbonate is more commonly used to fortify foods due to better absorption within food matrices
- Side effects: Calcium citrate causes less gastrointestinal discomfort compared to calcium carbonate
What Are the Benefits?
Bone Health Support
Calcium is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth. Calcium citrate helps:
- Increase bone mineral density
- Prevent bone loss in postmenopausal women
- Reduce the risk of osteoporosis
- Support bone mineralization
Cardiovascular Health
Adequate calcium intake plays a role in:
- Maintaining normal heart rhythm
- Supporting blood pressure regulation
- Aiding in proper muscle function
Muscle and Nerve Function
Calcium citrate supports:
- Normal muscle contractions
- Nerve signal transmission
- Blood clotting mechanisms
Enhanced Bioavailability
Research published in PubMed demonstrates that calcium citrate absorption is consistently 20% higher than calcium carbonate:
- 24% higher in category A subjects
- 27.2% higher on an empty stomach
- 21.6% higher when taken with meals
What Are the Uses?
Nahrungsergänzungsmittel
Calcium citrate is primarily used in:
- Multivitamin formulations
- Calcium-only supplements
- Chewable tablets
- Liquid supplements
- Capsules
Food Additive (E333)
As a food additive, calcium citrate serves as:
- Preservative: Helps preserve the freshness of foods
- Flavor enhancer: Provides a subtle citrus note
- Calcium fortifier: Added to juices, plant-based milks, and other foods
- Buffering agent: Maintains pH levels in processed foods
Pharmaceutical Applications
In the pharmaceutical industry, calcium citrate is used:
- As an excipient in tablet formulations
- In antacid preparations
- For treating calcium deficiencies
- As a phosphate binder in kidney disease patients
Agricultural and Industrial Uses
- Animal feed supplementation
- Food processing
- Cosmetic formulations
Safety and Side Effects
Common Side Effects
Most people tolerate calcium citrate well, but some may experience:
- Verstopfung
- Gas and bloating
- Stomach upset
- Nausea
- Decreased appetite
Drug Interactions
Calcium citrate can interact with certain medications. It is recommended to:
- Take other medications at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after calcium citrate
- Space doses from antibiotics (tetracyclines, quinolones)
- Separate from levothyroxine by 4 hours
- Use caution with HIV medications (dolutegravir)
- Monitor interactions with bisphosphonates
Who Should Avoid?
Consult a healthcare provider before use if you:
- Have kidney stones or kidney disease
- Take prescription medications
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have parathyroid disorders
- Have sarcoidosis
Empfohlene Dosierung
- Adults typically need 1000-1200 mg of calcium daily
- Divide doses (no more than 500 mg at a time) for better absorption
- Take with food if stomach upset occurs
- Stay hydrated to help prevent constipation
Chemical Specifications
| CAS-Nummer | 5785-44-4 |
| Molekulare Formel | C₁₂H₁₀Ca₃O₁₄ |
| Molekulargewicht | 498.43 g/mol |
| Erscheinungsbild | Weißes kristallines Pulver |
| Löslichkeit | Highly soluble in water |
| Grade | Food grade, USP, Pharmaceutical |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is calcium citrate better than calcium carbonate?
Calcium citrate offers better absorption, especially for people with low stomach acid or those taking acid-reducing medications. However, calcium carbonate provides more elemental calcium per dose and is more cost-effective.
Can I take calcium citrate on an empty stomach?
Yes! One advantage of calcium citrate is that it absorbs well on an empty stomach, unlike calcium carbonate which requires stomach acid and food for optimal absorption.
How long does it take for calcium citrate to work?
Calcium supplements work gradually. Bone health benefits are typically seen after 6-12 months of consistent use.
Does calcium citrate cause kidney stones?
Calcium citrate may actually help prevent kidney stones in some people, as it is more easily absorbed and less likely to form stones compared to calcium carbonate. However, consult your doctor if you have a history of kidney stones.
Can I take vitamin D with calcium citrate?
Yes, vitamin D enhances calcium absorption and is often included in calcium supplements. This combination is particularly beneficial for bone health.
Why Choose Our Calcium Citrate?
When sourcing calcium citrate for your formulations, consider these advantages:
- High purity: Our calcium citrate meets USP and food grade standards
- Consistent quality: Batch-to-batch consistency for reliable formulations
- Competitive pricing: Direct sourcing from manufacturer
- Technical support: Our team can assist with formulation questions
- Flexible quantities: Available for both small and large orders
- Global shipping: Reliable delivery worldwide
Industries We Serve
- Nutritional supplement manufacturers
- Food and beverage companies
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Animal feed producers
- Cosmetic manufacturers
Contact us today for a quote on calcium citrate (CAS 5785-44-4) or browse our complete catalog of calcium compounds and food additives.
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