Question

Karin from Wisconsin asks: I was told that I should buy only calcium that is labeled as "elemental". Very few bottles state this. What does it mean in terms of absorption?

Answer

Calcium is never found free in nature since it easily forms compounds, otherwise known as molecules. For example, calcium combines with carbon and oxygen, two other elements, to make calcium carbonate, which is the main ingredient in TUMS. If you see the term “elemental” for calcium, it is still in a compound such as calcium citrate or calcium carbonate. The label is probably just trying to tell you what proportion of the substance is pure calcium. For example, calcium carbonate is 40% calcium and the citrate form is 21%. Using calcium carbonate as an example, for every tab that contains 1000 mg of calcium carbonate, 400 mg (the 40%) of that tablet is elemental calcium. The recommended dose is adjusted for the fact that it is not 100% calcium. The absorption rate also varies between different forms so you cannot use just the net calcium amount to determine the supplement that meets your needs. Newsletter 20 in 2001 contains an entire chapter on calcium supplements. If you did not keep your old newsletter or were not a reader then, it is also found on page 206 of the Dr. Irene’s Nutrition Tidbits paperback (available at see URL1 below). The chapter provides more detail on the difference in types, such as calcium citrate and calcium carbonate and is surrounded by information, including recipes, relating to calcium and bone health. Dr. Irene

For More Information

Health Program Planning Website