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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Calcium and Calcium Carbonate?

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Calcium and calcium carbonate are related but not the same. Calcium is an essential mineral for various bodily functions, including bone health, muscle contractions, and nerve signaling. Calcium carbonate, on the other hand, is a form of calcium that contains elemental calcium bonded with elemental carbon and elemental oxygen.

The main differences between calcium and calcium carbonate are:

  • Elemental Calcium: Calcium carbonate contains 40% elemental calcium, meaning that for every 500 mg of calcium carbonate, 200 mg is actual calcium. Other forms of calcium supplements, such as calcium citrate, have lower concentrations of elemental calcium (around 21%).
  • Absorption: Calcium carbonate requires stomach acid for absorption, so it is best to take it with food. Calcium citrate, on the other hand, can be taken on an empty stomach and is more readily absorbed by people who take acid-reducing medications.
  • Calcium Carbonate Products: Some well-known calcium carbonate products include Caltrate, Viactiv Calcium Chews, Os-Cal, and Tums.
  • Calcium Citrate Products: Calcium citrate supplements include Citracal and GNC Calcimate Plus 800.

In summary, calcium is a mineral essential for various bodily functions, while calcium carbonate is a specific form of calcium supplement that contains 40% elemental calcium. Calcium carbonate is more concentrated than some other calcium supplements, such as calcium citrate, but it requires stomach acid for absorption and should be taken with food.

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  • What is the Difference Between Calcium and Calcium Carbonate?
  • Comparative Table: Calcium vs Calcium Carbonate

    • Comparative Table: Calcium vs Calcium Carbonate

    Here is a table comparing the differences between calcium and calcium carbonate:

    Property Calcium Calcium Carbonate
    Definition Calcium (Ca) is a pure chemical element Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) is a chemical compound containing Ca2+ and CO32- ions
    Formation Calcium cannot be found in pure form in nature; it is found as limestone (CaCO3), gypsum, and fluorite Calcium carbonate is an odorless, water-insoluble, white colored crystal that can be found in nature
    Water Solubility Calcium ions in water cause water hardness, and the removal of Ca2+ ions from water is a process of obtaining soft water Calcium carbonate has a very low solubility in pure water, equaling 1.4 mg/L at 25°C
    Usage Calcium is an essential mineral for the human body, with numerous functions Calcium carbonate is one of the most commonly used raw materials in preparing a wide range of products
    Concentration in Supplements Calcium carbonate is the most concentrated form of calcium and is found in supplements like Caltrate Calcium carbonate supplements yield about twice the amount of elemental calcium as equal amounts of calcium citrate

    Remember that calcium carbonate is a compound containing calcium ions, but it is not the same as pure calcium. The two have different properties and uses, as seen in the table above.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.