Organic calcium is derived from plant sources like algae, while inorganic calcium is derived from limestone or other mineral sources. Organic calcium supplements, like calcium citrate, are better absorbed by the human body than mineral forms like calcium carbonate. Calcium-rich foods include dairy products, soy products, and vegetables from the cabbage and broccoli family.
Organic calcium is calcium derived from plant sources such as algae, as opposed to calcium derived from limestone or other mineral sources. Although calcium is technically an inorganic mineral regardless of its source, calcium supplements are based on calcium compounds, not the pure element. In this regard, ordinary calcium derived from limestone is, in fact, calcium carbonate, and organic calcium is usually calcium phosphate or calcium citrate.
Calcium supplements that are labeled as organic calcium are often in the form of calcium chelates. A chelate is a hydrogen-bonded organic compound that is bound to a metal ion such as calcium. Although calcium is not often thought of as a metal due to the ways in which it is viewed as supplements, it is in fact one. A common calcium chelate that is marketed as organic calcium is calcium citrate.
The benefits of calcium citrate are that it is highly soluble and is better absorbed by the human body than mineral forms of calcium, such as calcium carbonate. The chemical bond in calcium citrate is one of calcium attached to citric acid, another compound considered beneficial to human health. Approximately 21% of the compound is actual calcium.
Other forms of calcium supplements are also marketed, such as calcium ascorbate and calcium orotate. These compounds are recommended for people with osteoporosis, an impaired bone disorder, or low stomach acid levels, as a supplement that will build bone strength quickly. Calcium carbonate must be ionized by the body before it can be absorbed, and this can limit its absorption rate to only about 4% of the total supplement taken for people with low stomach acid levels. If stomach acid levels are normal, 22% of the calcium carbonate will be absorbed. In contrast to this, people with low stomach acid levels who take organic calcium supplements like calcium ascorbate can absorb 45% of the compound, making it much more effective.
After the human body absorbs a calcium compound into the bloodstream, it must be used to build bone structure. With calcium carbonate, again, much of this is excreted in the urine. The most beneficial formulations such as calcium ascorbate also contain vitamin C, which helps increase collagen levels that are required to form bone structure, and is not excreted as much in the urine. Many of the organic calcium products on the market are also labeled as pesticide-free sources of calcium, which is another important factor to consider when shopping for supplements.
In addition to getting calcium in pill form to help build bones, there are many sources of organic calcium in the food supply. Calcium-rich foods at the top of the list include dairy products, such as skim milk, low-fat yogurt, and cottage cheese. Vegetables that are high in calcium include white and black beans, soy products, and vegetables from the cabbage and broccoli family. Sardines and salmon are also a very high source of calcium.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
