Calcium is an essential mineral required by the body for several functions including bone health, muscle contraction, nerve function, and blood clotting. There are several types of calcium supplements available in the market, including Calcium Citrate Malate, Calcium Bisglycinate, and Tribasic Calcium Phosphate. Each of these calcium supplements has unique properties that make them beneficial for bone health and overall calcium absorption.
1. Calcium Citrate Malate
Calcium Citrate Malate is a combination of calcium, citrate, and malate. It is a water-soluble form of calcium that is easily absorbed by the body. Studies have shown that calcium citrate malate has better bioavailability than other calcium supplements such as calcium carbonate (1). It is also less likely to cause digestive problems such as constipation, bloating, and gas.
Research has shown that calcium citrate malate supplementation can improve bone mineral density and reduce the risk of bone fractures in postmenopausal women (2). In another study, calcium citrate malate was found to be effective in preventing bone loss (osteoporosis) in elderly women (3). Calcium citrate malate has also been shown to improve calcium absorption in individuals with low stomach acid (4).
2. Calcium Bisglycinate
Calcium Bisglycinate is a chelated form of calcium, which means that it is bound to glycine, an amino acid. This form of calcium has been shown to have high bioavailability and is easily absorbed by the body (5). Unlike other forms of calcium, calcium bisglycinate does not require stomach acid for absorption and is therefore ideal for individuals with low stomach acid.
Studies have shown that calcium bisglycinate supplementation can improve bone mineral density and reduce the risk of bone fractures in postmenopausal women (6). In another study, calcium bisglycinate was found to be effective in preventing bone loss in elderly women (7). Calcium bisglycinate has also been shown to improve calcium absorption in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (8).
3. Tribasic Calcium Phosphate
Tribasic Calcium Phosphate is a natural form of calcium that is found in bones and teeth. It is a slow-release form of calcium that is absorbed over a longer period of time. Studies have shown that tribasic calcium phosphate supplementation can improve bone mineral density and reduce the risk of bone fractures and osteoporosis (9).
Tribasic calcium phosphate has also been shown to improve calcium absorption in individuals with low stomach acid (10). Unlike other forms of calcium, tribasic calcium phosphate does not cause digestive problems such as constipation, bloating, and gas.
In conclusion, Calcium Citrate Malate, Calcium Bisglycinate, and Tribasic Calcium Phosphate are three types of calcium supplements that can benefit bone health and overall calcium absorption.
Calcium Citrate Malate and Calcium Bisglycinate have high bioavailability and are easily absorbed by the body. Tribasic Calcium Phosphate is a slow-release form of calcium that is absorbed over a longer period of time. All three forms of calcium have been shown to improve bone mineral density and reduce the risk of bone fractures and osteoporosis in various populations.
