Why “citrate” minerals?
A. The citrate form of calcium contributes to optimal calcium absorptionand demonstrates superior absorption over calcium carbonate. Stomach acid is an important factor in optimal calcium absorption, but the citrate form of calcium is able to compensate for diminished stomach acid, unlike the carbonate form. To give some perspective on acid deficiency, in general approximately 45% of calcium is absorbed from calcium citrate in people with reduced stomach acid, compared to approximately 4% absorption for calcium carbonate (Murray, Michael T., Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements, Prima Publishing, Rocklin, CA, 1996). The acid factor is extremely pertinent if one is fighting a battle with declining bone density.
