Calcium carbonate vs. citrate

Statlady · 04-18-2003, 11:17 AM

The last time I bought calcium, I got Calcium Complete from GNC. Each capsule had 400mg calcium carbonate and 200mg magnesium (as well as Vit. D, I think). I usually took 2 pills--one in the morning and one at night. I figured that I could get the rest of my daily calcium from my diet.

This time I bought calcium citrate because I heard it was better. The problem is that the capsules I bought don't have any magnesium. So, I bought a bottle of magnesium as well. Now I'm taking 2 250mg calcium pills and 1 500mg magnesium pill every morning, and one 250mg calcium pill at night--so my daily total is 750mg calcium citrate and 500mg magnesium.

My question is: Is it worth the extra money and trouble to get the calcium citrate instead of the calcium carbonate? It was much easier to only take 2 pills a day instead of 4. What do you all think? The main reason I take calcium is that I have fairly high risk of developing osteoperosis (sp?) becasue of my body size.

Thanks!

scarlet · 04-18-2003, 07:10 PM

Unfortunetly I don't know much about the difference between the two types. My advice is to do a google search to see what it throws up.

kepley5 · 04-18-2003, 07:19 PM

I do know from the nutritionist with my surgery that Citrate is easier for the body to absorb therefore you get more of the benefit. I take one from that GNC that has the D and mag combined. Also, when you take calcium make sure that you aren't mixing it with iron supplement as that depletes what you absorb as well. Since you already have used GNC in the past use their resource computer in the store.. it's quick but very imformative, has a whole section on calcium and our bodies.
Hope that helps you a little.. sounds like you are doing good though by just researching what is best for you!
Patty