Sodium Content of Tums
Tums (calcium carbonate) chewable tablets contain 2 mg of sodium per tablet, which is negligible and clinically insignificant for most patients. 1
Specific Sodium Content by Formulation
The FDA drug label data confirms that standard Tums tablets contain minimal sodium:
- Each tablet contains 2 mg of sodium 1
- This represents less than 0.1% of the maximum recommended daily sodium intake of 2,300 mg 2
Clinical Context and Implications
For General Population
- The 2 mg sodium per Tums tablet is considered "low sodium" by FDA standards, which define low sodium as less than 140 mg per serving 2
- Multiple tablets can be taken without significant sodium burden—even 10 tablets would provide only 20 mg sodium 1
For Sodium-Restricted Patients
Tums is safe for patients requiring sodium restriction, including those with:
- Hypertension: The negligible sodium content (2 mg/tablet) will not interfere with blood pressure management 2, 3
- Chronic kidney disease: The minimal sodium load is appropriate even for children with CKD stages 3-5 who require sodium restriction to 1-2 mmol/kg/day 2
- Heart failure: The 2 mg sodium per tablet poses no risk for fluid overload 2
Important Contrast with Other Antacids
Not all antacids are low in sodium—certain medications can be significant sodium sources 2:
- Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate) contains 100 mg sodium per 100 g 2
- Effervescent antacid tablets can contain 157-474 mg sodium per tablet 4
- Tums' 2 mg sodium content makes it preferable for sodium-restricted patients 1
Calcium Carbonate Considerations
While sodium content is minimal, calcium carbonate (the active ingredient) provides 40% elemental calcium 5, 6:
- Regular strength Tums (500 mg calcium carbonate) = 200 mg elemental calcium 2
- Extra strength Tums (750 mg calcium carbonate) = 300 mg elemental calcium 1
- Ultra strength Tums (1,000 mg calcium carbonate) = 400 mg elemental calcium 2
Total daily calcium intake should not exceed 2,000-2,500 mg from all sources to avoid hypercalcemia, kidney stones, and potential cardiovascular risks 5, 6, 7.