What does it mean on a label when it talks of “elemental” calcium?
Calcium in supplements (and in our diet) is always associated (in a chemical or molecular bond) with another substance. That substance may be carbon (forming calcium carbonate), citric acid (forming calcium citrate), or several others. Most labels will list the amount of calcium (without the other carrier substance) to allow consumers to compare one product with another based on the amount of calcium (called “elemental” calcium). This is somewhat misleading, however, as different forms of calcium (calcium carbonate, calcium gluconate, etc.) may have different effects on the body. For example, calcium carbonate (one commonly available form), may be poorly absorbed, especially by older people. Calcium carbonate interferes with the production of the very digestive juices required to prepare calcium for absorption. In contrast, calcium as found in MCHC or as calcium citrate, may be better absorbed by many people. Thus, 500 milligrams of “elemental calcium” from calcium carbonate may not pr
