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What is Calcium L-Lactate (13% calcium)?

As a strong acidifying calcium, calcium lactate corrects deficiencies of calcium from insufficient dietary intake or absorption. This water soluble salt of lactic acid is also used in foods as a baking powder.

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body, important for proper function. Having the right level of calcium in the body is crucial for building and maintaining strong bones. The body will actually take calcium from bones if there are low calcium levels. Cellular functioning, blood clotting, muscle contraction, nerve impulse transmission and formation of healthy teeth are all affected by calcium levels in the body. Calcium can also bind to other minerals (such as phosphate) and assist in eliminating them from the body. Calcium naturally exists in many foods including dairy products, seaweed, quinoa, beans and nuts.

Some people suffer from a disorder known as hypocalcemia (Wikipedia), a calcium deficiency in the blood. The most common cause of hypocalcemia is vitamin D deficiency, due to poor diet or lack of exposure to the sun. Adequate amounts of vitamin D are required for proper absorption of calcium.

Calcium supplements exist in different compounds -- calcium carbonate, calcium citrate,calcium gluconate, calcium lactate gluconate and calcium pyruvate.

Although all of these provide calcium, their value depends on different factors like concentrations and absorption capabilities. The amount of elemental calcium in a compound influences the effectiveness of the calcium supplement. Elemental calcium refers to the amount of calcium in each compound. Calcium carbonate is 40 percent calcium, whereas calcium citrate is 21 percent calcium and calcium gluconate is only 9 percent calcium. Calcium L-lactate is 13 percent elemental calcium. Keep in mind the calcium content is only one factor. Bioavailability, or absorption rate, solubility, interactions with other medications or supplements, specific medical conditions of the individual, taste and cost are other factors to consider when selecting a calcium product. Absorption capabilities vary, with calcium citrate and calcium glucolactate having the best absorption rates.

Calcium Lactate is one form of calcium that is present in milk, however it does not contain lactose and thus does not have the same allergic reactions as milk.

Benefits of Calcium Lactate

The replenishment of lost calcium is critical because the body takes calcium from the bones when it does not have enough to support other body functions.

Many use calcium lactate to ensure they are getting enough calcium, especially pregnant, nursing or postmenopausal women, and people taking certain medications like phenytoin, phenobarbital or prednisone (which can obstruct calcium from reaching the muscle cells of the arteries and the heart). Calcium lactate aids in providing optimal levels of calcium to people taking these medications.

Aside from treating calcium deficiencies, calcium lactate is used as an antacid. Calcium lactate can be effective at various pHs and does not need to be ingested with food for absorption. To prevent tooth decay, calcium lactate is added to sugar-free foods and mouth washes because it increases the remineralization of tooth enamel when added to products containing xylitol. It is also added to fresh-cut fruits (such as cantaloupes) to keep them firm and extend their shelf life.

While natural foods provide the best sources of calcium (one serving of dairy product provides 300 mg of calcium) those who do not consume enough calcium from food sources may need to supplement their daily requirement.

Purity and Concentration of Calcium Lactate

This pharmaceutical grade calcium L-Lactate is assayed by the manufacturer to contain 12.7-13.2% elemental calcium. It contains no fillers, additives or anti-caking agents. You will receive a resealable bag of this powder. Store in a cool, dry area protected from light. Reseal after each use.

Potential Side Effects of Calcium Lactate

Calcium supplements are generally well tolerated. Minor gastrointestinal side effects, headaches, irregular heartbeat and increased urination may occur from taking excessive amounts of calcium. Calcium in excess of 2.5 grams daily can cause mineral imbalances of zinc or iron. Calcium supplements are not advisable for people with medical conditions that affect the body's ability to regulate calcium absorption and excretion. Calcium supplements may negatively affect the absorption of the antibiotic tetracycline.

Suggested Use of Calcium Lactate

While natural foods provide the best sources of calcium (one serving of a dairy product provides 300 mg of calcium), those who do not consume enough calcium from food sources may need to supplement their diet.

The FDA recommends a Daily Value(DV) of 1000 mg calcium (for adults and children over 4 years of age).

Suggested serving size: one & one fourth teaspoon (~4.1 g) taken once or twice daily,preferably with meals (or as directed by physician).

Because calcium lactate is 13 percent elemental calcium, taking 4.1 grams will yield 534 milligrams elemental calcium, or 53% of the Daily Value.

Individual needs may vary. The FDA recommends the following Daily Intake Values of Calcium:.... ..For Infants: 600mg ..For Children Less than 4 years of age: 800 mg ..For Pregnant and Lactating Women: 1300 mg Use the full bulk density/volumetric conversion chart for Calcium Lactate here.

Bioavailability, Mixing and Solubility of Calcium Lactate

This calcium lactate supplement is best taken with meals to improve calcium absorption, and minimize possible stomach upset

References & Further Research

The New England Journal of Medicine: A controlled trial of the effect of calcium supplementation on bone density in postmenopausal women

University of Maryland: Calcium

Southern Medical Journal: Role of Calcium in Preserving the Skeletal Health of Aging Women

NOTE: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

The information at Purebulk.com is NOT a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not use any dietary supplement as a replacement for conventional care, or as a reason to postpone seeing a doctor about a medical problem. Tell all your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates herbal and other dietary supplements differently than conventional medicines. The standards for supplements are found in the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), a federal law that defines dietary supplements and sets product-label­ing standards and health claim limits. To learn more about DSHEA, visit the FDA Web site.