Elemental Calcium Content in Caltrate Plus
Caltrate 600™ contains 600 mg of elemental calcium per tablet, which is 40% of the 1,500 mg calcium carbonate content. 1
Understanding Calcium Supplements
- Calcium supplements are available in various formulations, with calcium carbonate being the most common and cost-effective form, providing 40% elemental calcium by weight 1
- Calcium citrate provides less elemental calcium (21%) but may be better absorbed when taken without food 1
- Other forms include calcium lactate (13% elemental calcium) and calcium gluconate (9% elemental calcium), which are less commonly used due to their lower calcium content 1
Caltrate Plus Composition and Dosing
- Caltrate 600™ contains 1,500 mg of calcium carbonate, which provides 600 mg of elemental calcium per tablet 1
- To obtain 1,500 mg of elemental calcium (a common therapeutic dose), one would need to take 2.5 tablets of Caltrate 600™ 1
- Calcium carbonate supplements like Caltrate should be taken with meals to ensure optimal absorption, as gastric acidity improves absorption 1
Optimal Calcium Supplementation Practices
- The maximum dose of elemental calcium that should be taken at one time is 500 mg to optimize absorption 2
- If daily supplementation exceeds 500 mg of elemental calcium, divided doses are recommended to improve absorption and minimize gastrointestinal side effects 1
- Calcium carbonate is more likely to cause constipation and bloating compared to other calcium supplements 1
Clinical Considerations
- Recommended daily calcium intake varies by age and sex: 1,000 mg for adults 19-50 years and men 51-70 years; 1,200 mg for women over 50 and men over 70 1
- Upper intake levels should not exceed 2,500 mg per day (2,000 mg per day in persons >50 years of age) 1
- Calcium from dietary sources (dairy products, leafy greens, fortified foods) is generally preferred over supplements when possible 1
Common Pitfalls
- Taking calcium supplements simultaneously with bisphosphonates can reduce the absorption of the latter 3
- Calcium carbonate requires gastric acid for optimal absorption; patients on acid-reducing medications may benefit from calcium citrate instead 1
- Excessive calcium supplementation (>1,500 mg/day) has been associated with increased risk of advanced prostate cancer 2 and may potentially increase the risk of vascular calcification, particularly in patients with chronic kidney disease 4