What is the difference between carbonate and citrate

Answer: There are many types of calcium supplements , including calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, calcium gluconate, and others. Calcium exists as a compound, bound to something else, that's why it is found in these forms. However, some people debate whether or not one particular type of calcium is better than another. The most important thing to look for when choosing a calcium supplement is the amount of elemental calcium the supplement contains.

Depending on the manufacturer, the amount of elemental calcium may be listed directly on the label, or the weight may be listed on the calcium tablet itself.

Another way to check for the amount of elemental calcium the supplement contains is by looking at the recommended daily allowance RDA. The RDA for most individuals is milligrams mg of calcium per day this varies by age, gender, and special situations, including pregnancy. Calcium supplements are generally made with one of two sources of elemental calcium: calcium carbonate or calcium citrate.

There are several differences to note:. Most people do not experience side effects when taking the RDA for calcium supplements. Contact your healthcare provider if side effects are severe or do not go away, as this could mean you have too much calcium in your system. Although rare, allergic reactions can occur.

Seek medical attention if you develop symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a rash or hives; wheezing; difficulty breathing, swallowing, or talking; tightness in your chest; or swelling of the face, mouth, throat, or lips.

There are limits on how much calcium your body can absorb at once, and other foods and medications can impact calcium absorption. Here are some tips on taking your calcium to maximize its benefits:.

While you should avoid oyster shell calcium, there are positives and negatives to both calcium carbonate and calcium citrate. Read the recommendations for when a supplement you are considering should be taken, and consider if that fits into a reasonable schedule for you. Look at the amount of elemental calcium contained in the supplement to ensure you would be consuming an adequate dose.

Some supplements do contain potentially dangerous levels. Those made from unrefined oyster shell, bone meal, or dolomite tend to have especially high levels of lead. Instead, look for calcium that has the United States Pharmacopeia USP verification symbol, a sign that levels are acceptable.

Calcium citrate is recommended for people at risk for kidney stones. This supplement helps you excrete more urinary citrate, which protects against the formation of stones. Dealing with joint pain can cause major disruptions to your day.

Sign up and learn how to better take care of your body. Citrate salts are widely used in the treatmentof nephrolithiasis, since have shown an inhibitory effect on kidney stone formation.

In particular, we will investigate if calcium citrate compared to calcium carbonate does not affect the risk of renal stones, if it is able to maintain normal calcium levels and, if it has an impact on QOL, in subjects with chronic hypoparathyroidism. Show detailed description. Hide detailed description. Detailed Description:. This sample size will allow to detect a difference of 0. To this end, we will study a sample of 21 people already treated with calcium and vitamin D supplementation.

With the available sample size, we will be able to establish equivalence with an equivalence limit of 0. FDA Resources. Arms and Interventions. Outcome Measures. Primary Outcome Measures : Change in serum calcium level [ Time Frame: 0, 1 and 2 months ] albumin-adjusted calcium levels.

Eligibility Criteria. Information from the National Library of Medicine Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Inclusion Criteria: Diagnosis of postsurgical chronic hypoparathyroidism by at least 6 months No change of treatment over the last 3 months prior to enrollment. Contacts and Locations. Information from the National Library of Medicine To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contact information provided by the sponsor.

Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials. More Information. Parathyroid hormone therapy for hypoparathyroidism. Epub Sep Shoback D. Clinical practice. N Engl J Med. European Society of Endocrinology Clinical Guideline: Treatment of chronic hypoparathyroidism in adults. Eur J Endocrinol. The effect of PTH on quality of life in hypoparathyroidism. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. Epub Apr Well-being, mood and calcium homeostasis in patients with hypoparathyroidism receiving standard treatment with calcium and vitamin D.

Hypoparathyroidism in the adult: epidemiology, diagnosis, pathophysiology, target-organ involvement, treatment, and challenges for future research. J Bone Miner Res. Different types of calcium supplements have different costs.

Comparison shop if cost is a factor for you. Calcium supplements are available in a variety of forms, including tablets, capsules, chews, liquids and powders. If you have trouble swallowing pills, you may want a chewable or liquid calcium supplement. Your body must be able to absorb the calcium for it to be effective.

All varieties of calcium supplements are better absorbed when taken in small doses mg or less at mealtimes. Calcium citrate is absorbed equally well when taken with or without food and is a form recommended for individuals with low stomach acid more common in people over 50 or taking acid blockers , inflammatory bowel disease or absorption disorders.

Dietary calcium is generally safe, but more isn't necessarily better, and excessive calcium doesn't provide extra bone protection. If you take calcium supplements and eat calcium-fortified foods, you may be getting more calcium than you realize. Check food and supplement labels to monitor how much total calcium you're getting a day and whether you're achieving the RDA but not exceeding the recommended upper limit. Be sure to tell your doctor if you're taking calcium supplements.

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This content does not have an Arabic version. See more conditions. Healthy Lifestyle Nutrition and healthy eating. Products and services. Calcium and calcium supplements: Achieving the right balance Calcium is important for bone health. See how much you need and how to get it. By Mayo Clinic Staff. Thank you for Subscribing Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information. Please try again. Something went wrong on our side, please try again. Show references Calcium and vitamin D: Important at every age.

National Institutes of Health. Accessed Oct. Natural Medicines. Calcium fact sheet for professionals.