Calcium Content in Tums
Tums products contain varying amounts of elemental calcium depending on the formulation: regular Tums EX (extra strength) provides 300 mg of elemental calcium per tablet, Tums Ultra provides 400 mg, and Tums 500 provides 500 mg of elemental calcium per tablet. 1
Understanding Tums Formulations
The calcium content varies by product strength:
- Tums EX (extra strength): Contains 750 mg calcium carbonate, providing 300 mg elemental calcium per tablet 1
- Tums Ultra: Contains 1,000 mg calcium carbonate, providing 400 mg elemental calcium per tablet 1
- Tums 500: Contains 1,250 mg calcium carbonate, providing 500 mg elemental calcium per tablet 1
Why the Difference Between Total and Elemental Calcium
Calcium carbonate contains 40% elemental calcium by weight 1. This means that only 40% of the total calcium carbonate weight represents absorbable calcium. For example, a 750 mg calcium carbonate tablet (Tums EX) provides 300 mg of elemental calcium (750 mg × 0.40 = 300 mg). 1
Practical Dosing Considerations
- To achieve 1,500 mg of elemental calcium daily, you would need 5 tablets of Tums EX or 3.75 tablets of Tums Ultra 1
- Take Tums with meals to optimize absorption, as calcium carbonate requires gastric acid for proper dissolution 1, 2
- Divide doses into 500 mg or less of elemental calcium per administration to maximize absorption and minimize gastrointestinal side effects 1, 2
Important Caveats
- Calcium carbonate is more likely to cause constipation and bloating compared to other calcium forms 1
- If you take acid-reducing medications (proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers), calcium citrate is preferred over calcium carbonate because it doesn't require stomach acid for absorption 1, 2
- Do not exceed 2,000-2,500 mg of total elemental calcium per day from all sources (diet plus supplements) to avoid kidney stones and potential cardiovascular concerns 1, 2