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What Does Calcium Citrate Malate Do in the Body?

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7 min read

Scientific studies have shown that calcium citrate malate (CCM) offers superior bioavailability compared to many other calcium supplements, meaning it is more easily absorbed and utilized by the body. What does calcium citrate malate do in the body? This chelated form of calcium delivers essential mineral support for skeletal strength, nerve signaling, and muscle contraction, making it a highly effective dietary addition.

Quick Summary

Calcium citrate malate (CCM) provides a highly bioavailable form of calcium that is crucial for bone formation and maintenance, efficient muscle contraction, and proper nerve signaling. Its enhanced absorption profile makes it particularly effective for individuals with low stomach acid. CCM also supports dental health and may help regulate blood pressure and prevent kidney stones.

Key Points

  • Enhanced Absorption: Calcium citrate malate offers superior bioavailability, absorbing efficiently with or without food, unlike calcium carbonate which requires stomach acid.

  • Supports Bone Health: It provides essential calcium for building and maintaining strong bones, helping to prevent conditions like osteoporosis.

  • Aids Muscle Function: By facilitating calcium release in muscle cells, it supports proper muscle contraction and overall function.

  • Crucial for Nerve Transmission: CCM plays a vital role in transmitting nerve signals throughout the body, ensuring proper nervous system communication.

  • Gentle on Digestion: This form of calcium is less likely to cause common side effects like constipation, bloating, or gas.

  • Protects Against Kidney Stones: Unlike some other calcium supplements, CCM does not increase the risk of kidney stone formation.

  • Beneficial for Specific Groups: It is especially useful for older adults, individuals on acid-blocking medications, and those with low stomach acid due to its superior absorption profile.

  • Promotes Dental and Cardiovascular Health: Beyond skeletal health, CCM contributes to strong teeth and supports normal heart function.

In This Article

The Core Function: Enhanced Calcium Absorption

Calcium is a vital mineral, but its effectiveness depends on how well the body can absorb it. This is where calcium citrate malate (CCM) stands out. Unlike calcium carbonate, which requires a highly acidic stomach environment, CCM's chelated structure, combining calcium with citric and malic acids, makes it highly soluble. This allows it to be absorbed efficiently across a wider range of gastric pH levels, with or without food.

How CCM's Structure Boosts Bioavailability

  • Solubility: The combination of citric and malic acids forms a soluble calcium complex that readily dissolves in the gastrointestinal tract, allowing for quick absorption.
  • Independence from Stomach Acid: The need for strong stomach acid is bypassed, which is a major advantage for older adults, individuals with digestive disorders, or those taking acid-blocking medications.
  • Efficient Delivery: Once absorbed, the calcium ions are transported into the bloodstream to be used for various physiological functions throughout the body.

Key Roles of Calcium in the Body

Bone Health and Density

Approximately 99% of the body's calcium is stored in bones and teeth, providing them with structure and strength. CCM supplementation has been shown to increase bone mineral density and reduce the risk of fractures, especially in postmenopausal women who are at a higher risk for osteoporosis. The body constantly draws from its bone calcium stores to maintain proper blood calcium levels. If dietary calcium intake is insufficient, this can weaken bones over time.

Muscle Function

Calcium is essential for proper muscle contraction and relaxation. When nerve impulses stimulate a muscle, calcium is released within the muscle cells, which triggers the fibers to contract. Adequate calcium supply from sources like CCM ensures optimal muscle function and can help prevent cramps and weakness. This is particularly important for athletes and active individuals.

Nerve Transmission

Nerve cells communicate through chemical messengers called neurotransmitters, and calcium plays a vital role in their release. The influx of calcium ions into nerve cells is what facilitates the transmission of signals throughout the nervous system. For the nervous system to function correctly, optimal calcium levels are necessary. CCM provides the bioavailable calcium needed to support this critical function.

Other Benefits

Beyond bone, muscle, and nerve health, CCM has other noteworthy roles:

  • Cardiovascular Support: Calcium helps regulate blood pressure and supports normal heart rhythm. However, some studies have raised concerns about excessive calcium from supplements and cardiovascular risk, emphasizing the importance of getting calcium primarily from dietary sources.
  • Dental Health: Calcium strengthens tooth enamel, which helps prevent tooth decay and erosion.
  • Reduced Kidney Stone Risk: Unlike calcium carbonate, CCM does not increase the risk of kidney stones and may even protect against their formation.
  • PMS Relief: Some research suggests calcium can help alleviate certain premenstrual symptoms like bloating and mood swings.

CCM vs. Calcium Carbonate: A Comparison

Feature Calcium Citrate Malate (CCM) Calcium Carbonate
Bioavailability Higher, especially with low stomach acid. Lower, as it requires strong stomach acid for absorption.
Absorption with Food Can be taken with or without food. Must be taken with food for optimal absorption.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects Less likely to cause constipation, bloating, and gas. Can cause constipation, bloating, and gas in some individuals.
Elemental Calcium Content Approximately 20-24% elemental calcium. Approximately 40% elemental calcium.
Kidney Stone Risk Does not increase risk and may even offer protection. Does not protect against stone formation and may increase risk in some.
Cost Generally more expensive. Generally less expensive.

Conclusion

Calcium citrate malate serves a critical function in the body by providing a highly absorbable form of calcium that supports bone strength, muscle contraction, and nerve function. Its superior bioavailability, even in individuals with low stomach acid, makes it a more effective choice for many compared to more common forms like calcium carbonate. Regular supplementation with CCM, alongside a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, helps maintain proper calcium levels and contributes to overall health and wellness. While a balanced diet is always the best primary source of nutrients, CCM is a powerful tool for preventing deficiency and managing conditions like osteoporosis. You can learn more about its clinical applications by reviewing research available on the National Institutes of Health website.

What are the key takeaway points for calcium citrate malate?

  • High Bioavailability: CCM is readily absorbed by the body, making it a highly effective source of calcium.
  • Supports Bone Density: It is crucial for building and maintaining strong bones, helping to prevent osteoporosis.
  • Essential for Muscle Contraction: CCM provides the calcium needed for efficient and healthy muscle function throughout the body.
  • Aids Nerve Signaling: It plays a key role in the transmission of nerve impulses, supporting proper nervous system function.
  • Gentle on the Stomach: Unlike some other calcium forms, CCM is less likely to cause digestive side effects like constipation.
  • Effective Without Food: Its absorption is not dependent on stomach acid, so it can be taken at any time.
  • May Protect Against Kidney Stones: Research suggests it can help protect against kidney stone formation.

Frequently Asked Questions

question: What is the primary difference between calcium citrate malate and calcium carbonate? answer: The main difference is absorbability. Calcium citrate malate is a highly bioavailable form that can be absorbed with or without food, while calcium carbonate is less expensive but requires stomach acid for proper absorption and can cause more digestive issues.

question: Is CCM safe for individuals with low stomach acid? answer: Yes, CCM is particularly beneficial for individuals with low stomach acid (hypochlorydia), which is common in older adults and those on certain medications, because its absorption does not rely on a highly acidic environment.

question: Does CCM cause constipation? answer: CCM is known for being gentler on the digestive system and is less likely to cause constipation and other gastrointestinal side effects compared to calcium carbonate.

question: Who can benefit from taking calcium citrate malate? answer: CCM can benefit anyone needing to supplement their calcium intake, particularly postmenopausal women, older adults, individuals with digestive disorders, and those taking acid-blocking medications.

question: Can calcium citrate malate be taken with other supplements? answer: Yes, it can often be taken with other supplements. It is frequently paired with vitamin D, which further enhances calcium absorption. However, it's wise to consult a healthcare professional, especially when taking other medications, as calcium can interact with some drugs.

question: How much elemental calcium does CCM contain? answer: CCM contains approximately 20-24% elemental calcium by weight. This is lower than calcium carbonate, so a higher total dose may be needed to achieve the same amount of elemental calcium.

question: Is CCM suitable for vegans? answer: Yes, calcium citrate malate is derived from mineral sources and does not contain any animal-derived ingredients, making it suitable for vegans.

question: Can CCM be used during pregnancy? answer: Yes, calcium is crucial during pregnancy for the mother and fetus. CCM is considered a good option due to its high absorbability, but always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen during pregnancy.

question: Are there any side effects associated with CCM? answer: While generally safe, some individuals might experience mild side effects like upset stomach, nausea, or bloating. Excessive intake can lead to high calcium levels, so sticking to recommended dosages is important.

question: Does CCM help with dental health? answer: Yes, as a source of bioavailable calcium, CCM can help strengthen tooth enamel and support overall dental health.

Citations

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary function of calcium citrate malate is to provide a highly bioavailable source of calcium for the body. Its key advantage is its ability to be readily absorbed, with or without food, which supports bone health, muscle contraction, and nerve function.

CCM supports bone health by providing the essential calcium needed for bone formation and maintenance. Its superior absorption helps to increase bone mineral density and reduce the risk of fractures, especially in at-risk populations like postmenopausal women.

Yes, calcium is critical for proper muscle function. When a nerve impulse stimulates a muscle, calcium is released to trigger muscle contractions. CCM ensures an adequate supply of this mineral for optimal muscle performance and to prevent cramps.

CCM is often preferred for individuals with low stomach acid, such as older adults or those taking certain medications. It is absorbed more efficiently and is less likely to cause digestive side effects like constipation compared to calcium carbonate.

Yes, one of the main benefits of CCM is that it can be taken effectively with or without food. This is because its absorption does not depend on a highly acidic stomach environment.

Calcium helps regulate blood pressure and supports normal heart function. CCM provides a bioavailable source of calcium that assists in these processes. However, it is essential to consult a doctor, as high doses of calcium from supplements can be a concern for some individuals.

Studies have shown that CCM does not increase the risk of kidney stones and may even have a protective effect against stone formation.

Vitamin D is crucial for the optimal absorption of calcium from the intestines. CCM is often combined with vitamin D in supplements to enhance its effectiveness and maximize the amount of calcium the body can use.

While generally safe, some people may experience mild gastrointestinal side effects like bloating or nausea. Taking very high doses over a long period can lead to excessive calcium levels in the blood, so it is important to follow dosage recommendations.

Yes, CCM is sourced from minerals and does not contain animal products. This makes it a suitable calcium supplement for individuals following a vegan lifestyle.

References

  1. 1
    The health benefits of calcium citrate malate
  2. 2
    Calcium Citrate Malate: The Ultimate Powerhouse for Health & Wellness
  3. 3
    Calcium Supplementation: Why, Which, and How?
  4. 4
    Calcium and Vitamin D: Important for Bone Health
  5. 5
    Calcium Citrate Malate – Uses, Benefits, Side Effects And More

Related Topics:

#bone health #bioavailability #osteoporosis #mineral supplements #muscle function #calcium absorption #Calcium Citrate Malate #CCM

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.