What is the Difference Between Calcium Lactate and Calcium Carbonate?

Calcium lactate and calcium carbonate are two different forms of calcium supplements. Here are the main differences between them:

1. Elemental calcium content: Calcium carbonate contains about 40% elemental calcium, while calcium lactate contains around 13% elemental calcium. This means that a larger dose of calcium lactate would be required to achieve the same amount of elemental calcium as calcium carbonate.
2. Constipation: Calcium lactate is less constipating than calcium carbonate. Calcium carbonate may cause more adverse events, such as constipation, intestinal bloating, and excess gas.
3. Lactose intolerance: Despite its name, calcium lactate does not contain lactose, making it safe for people with lactose intolerance.
4. Bioavailability: Calcium citrate, another form of calcium supplement, has a 27% higher absorption rate than calcium carbonate. While there is no direct comparison between calcium lactate and calcium citrate absorption, it is possible that calcium lactate may be less bioavailable than calcium citrate.
5. Intended use: Calcium lactate is seldom used as a main ingredient in calcium supplements due to its lower elemental calcium content. It is more commonly used as a food additive in packaged foods, such as nectars, jams, jellies, butter, and margarine, to help stabilize, thicken, flavor, firm, or leaven foods. Calcium carbonate, on the other hand, is primarily used as a calcium supplement for conditions like GERD, Erosive Esophagitis, Hypocalcemia, Duodenal Ulcer, Stomach Ulcer, Indigestion, Osteopenia, and Osteoporosis.

In summary, calcium lactate contains a lower concentration of elemental calcium compared to calcium carbonate and is less constipating. Calcium lactate is also safe for people with lactose intolerance and is commonly used as a food additive. Calcium carbonate is primarily used as a calcium supplement for various conditions and has a higher elemental calcium content. However, it may cause more constipation and other digestive issues.

Comparative Table: Calcium Lactate vs Calcium Carbonate

Calcium lactate and calcium carbonate are both inorganic salts of calcium, but they have different chemical formulas, molar masses, and elemental calcium contents. Here is a table comparing the differences between the two:

Calcium lactate is useful as an antacid, to treat hypocalcemia, as an ingredient in mouthwashes, and as a food additive. On the other hand, calcium carbonate is used as a building material, blackboard chalk, and an inexpensive dietary calcium supplement. Calcium carbonate has a higher concentration of elemental calcium than calcium lactate, which means that a smaller amount of calcium carbonate is needed to provide the same amount of elemental calcium.