Calcium malate is a calcium salt of malic acid, a chemical compound found naturally in humans as well as a whole host of plants and animals. It is one of the more bioavailable forms of calcium for humans, especially when combined with calcium citrate.
This makes calcium malate a very popular option for supplement makers desiring to add calcium benefits to their formulas. One of the main reasons behind calcium malate's high bioavailablity lies in the fact that it's also water-soluble.
According to the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body. In fact, some estimates suggest calcium makes up as much as 2% of total body weight in the average human.
The vast majority of calcium in our bodies (99%) is contained in our bones and teeth, giving them strength and structural integrity. The remaining 1% is used by the body to help encourage proper metabolic function.
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The Need for Calcium Supplementation Although calcium is naturally found in many of the foods we eat, in those forms it is not absorbed by the body all that well. Some studies suggest that absorption rates could be as little as 20% to 30% in some cases. Since calcium malate is water so... more
Although calcium is naturally found in many of the foods we eat, in those forms it is not absorbed by the body all that well. Some studies suggest that absorption rates could be as little as 20% to 30% in some cases.
Since calcium malate is water soluble and bioavailable, it's believed that taking supplements containing it provide the body with calcium that is more readily absorbed. However, there is no conclusive clinical evidence to support this.
Regardless of the efficacy of calcium malate supplements, it is well known that proper calcium intake is necessary for strong bones and teeth. Calcium deficiency can result in the development of certain conditions like osteoporosis, hypoglycemia, abnormal heart rhythm, and muscle cramps and fatigue.
Government standards set by the U.S.FDA suggest that daily calcium intake for young girls is important because of the higher rate of osteoporosis among adult women. By increasing calcium intake during childhood it is believed the chances of developing osteoporosis later in life will be reduced.
According to Harvard Medical School all adults over the age of 50 should supplement their diets with up to 1,200mg of calcium daily.
It is possible to find calcium malate as an ingredient in a multivitamin and mineral formula designed for older people. However, because the benefits of calcium supplementation are so widespread, it's becoming more and more common to find standalone calcium malate supplements.
Calcium malate supplements are normally sold in tablet form to be taken on a daily basis. Some even include vitamin D because of its known benefits for good bone health.
Although there are no hard and fast rules regarding calcium malate dosages, a common dosage for maintenance purposes is 1000mg per day for the average adult. Individuals who have been specifically diagnosed with osteoporosis are given dosages ranging between 1,200mg and 1,500mg per day.
It is generally agreed that calcium malate is rather "bulky", so taking an entire daily dose in a single tablet would cancel out its bioavailability properties. To get around this doctors recommend that dosages be broken down into intakes of no more than 600mg at a time.
Furthermore, they suggest calcium malate be consumed with food to help its absorption. If a calcium malate supplement also includes calcium citrate, it is highly soluble and can be taken separately from food.
Under normal circumstances, calcium malate is considered to be safe when taken in dosages of 1,500mg per day or less. In some people this dosage may cause a slight stomach discomfort.
Individuals who suffer from any number of disorders which lower stomach acid production should avoid taking calcium malate supplements unless directed to do so by a doctor. Since calcium absorbs stomach acid, taking such supplements under these circumstances could mess up the digestive system.
In some cases calcium malate overdose could have serious side effects for people already diagnosed with malabsorption conditions, cardiovascular disease, kidney or liver issues, kidney stones, Whipple's disease, or Crohn's disease.
Such side effects include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, fatigue, frequent urination, unusual thirst, headache, and mood changes. If you have any of these side effects, discontinue your use of calcium malate right away and contact your doctor.
Chewable calcium malate tablets often contain sugar or alternative sweeteners. WebMD suggests that individuals with diabetes or PKU consult a doctor as to whether these types of supplements are safe. If not, there are alternatives that don't contain any sweeteners.
To locate and compare supplements containing calcium malate use the supplement finder now!
| Contraindicated For Certain Medical Conditions |
| Overdose May Cause More Serious Side Effects |
| Stomach Discomfort |
| Bone Strength |
| Fatigue |
| Metabolic Function |
| Prevents Osteoporosis |
| Prevents Abnormal Heart Rythm |
| Prevents Hypoglycemia |
| Prevents Muscle Cramps |