Calcium ascorbate combines calcium and vitamin C, providing necessary nutrients while minimizing gastrointestinal upset. It is available in various forms and is used as a source of vitamin C food supplements and as an additive to keep fruits fresh. However, excessive intake can have risks such as damaging healthy DNA and causing kidney stones.
Calcium ascorbate is one of the mineral ascorbates, or mineral salts of ascorbic acids. It combines calcium, a mineral, with ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C. Adding calcium salts to ascorbic acid buffers the acidity of ascorbic acid, making it much easier for a person to digest the mineral salt and making it absorbed by the digestive tract. The combination is also convenient as it provides supplements for calcium and vitamin C in a single dose. In general, 1,000 milligrams of calcium ascorbate provides approximately 900 milligrams of vitamin C and 100 milligrams of calcium.
Vitamin C is an essential vitamin and antioxidant, providing vital functions like boosting the immune system and destroying free radical cells that can cause cancer. Calcium is essential for strong bone and tooth development. Combined in supplements, calcium ascorbate provides necessary nutrients while minimizing gastrointestinal upset such as diarrhea and nausea. This substance is especially useful for seriously ill patients who require increased nutrition for recovery, but cannot tolerate more acidic supplements such as vitamin C.
Available as a powder, chewable tablet, and oral tablet, calcium ascorbate is best taken with food. Food slows down the digestive system, allowing the body to slowly absorb the calcium ascorbate supplement into the bloodstream and therefore receive maximum benefits. Slow-release capsules are available for patients who cannot eat. Studies have shown that the rate of absorption of calcium ascorbate remains largely the same, regardless of whether it is taken as a powder or a capsule.
However, this supplement is not without risk. Vitamin C is water soluble, which means that the body removes it from the body through the urinary tract. Even so, excessive vitamin C intake of 500 milligrams or more has been shown to damage healthy DNA and increase the chances of hemochromatosis, a disease in which the body stores too much iron. High calcium levels can cause kidney stones, soft tissue calcification, and kidney failure.
Calcium ascorbate has limited uses. In addition to supplements, it is also used as a source of vitamin C food supplements and as an additive to keep fruits fresh. It is added to freshly cut fruits and vegetables to prevent them from turning brown and to extend their shelf life.
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