Calcium: citrate vs. carbonate - ThinnerTimes

cnvh · 06-07-2007, 06:22 AM

Our nutritionists want us to be taking calcium citrate supplements rather than calcium carbonate. I am assuming it's because citrate is more easily absorbed, but is there a reason why we SHOULDN'T take carbonate?

I ask because I have had a beast of a time finding a calcium supplement that I can tolerate without gagging... I found a chewable that is pretty decent, but it's calcium carbonate w/ vitamin D, 600 mg. (By Nature Made)

So is calcium carbonate better than nothing, or am I wasting my time altogether?

Robin · 06-07-2007, 06:42 AM

This was just explained to me by a nut. last night. The calcium carbonate is actually absorbed in a part of your stomach that has been bypassed, so according to her, I don't think it would be harmful or anything, but don't think it will do you any good. Hope this helps!

paige52 · 06-07-2007, 08:14 AM

Bariatric advantage make a decent chewable calcium citrate. I had the same explination as Rain.......

Princess · 06-07-2007, 08:34 AM

I was advised too that you could just chew up one "Tums" a day, so that is what I am doing. Just don't take calcium at the same time as Iron as they interfere with each other!

Miss Kitty · 06-07-2007, 08:37 AM

Thanks for posting this question...I've been taking the wrong kind!! It's time for me to go vitamin shopping!

Dave in NY · 06-07-2007, 10:50 AM

This a very important ? I was advised to take Caltrate plus vit. D. I looked at the bottle and it is carbonate. I need to do more research but I may need to change as well. I just went for a bone density test on Wednesday. The test was fine but I think it is more of a baseline at this point.

Something more to double check. Don't you just love the contradictions we get as we take this journey...

Tracie · 06-07-2007, 06:42 PM

OK...gotta jump in here. Carbonate encourages kidney stones. Please, take citrate.

VanessaSFL · 06-07-2007, 06:54 PM

I have taken two TUMS with Calcium everyday since directed too..2+ years out.I began at one month post-op If I remember correctly.

No Issues.

cnvh · 06-08-2007, 06:40 AM

E-mailed my nutritionist for clarification, and she said carbonate is OK as long as you take it with food, but citrate is still better.

I saw calcium citrate tablets yesterday at the pharmacy; they were marked as "petite" sized tablets. They're not chewable, though... I'm 6 months out and haven't had any problems with what few pills I HAVE had to swallow-- wonder if doing a non-chewable calcium citrate would work?????