Calcium citrate is the calcium salt of citric acid.

Contents

Uses

It is commonly used as a food additive (E333), usually as a preservative, but sometimes for flavor. In this sense, it is similar to sodium citrate. Calcium citrate is also found in some dietary calcium supplements (e.g. Citracal).

Benefits

This medication is used to prevent or treat low blood calcium levels in people who do not get enough calcium from their diets. It may be used to treat conditions caused by low calcium levels such as bone loss (osteoporosis), weak bones (osteomalacia/rickets), decreased activity of the parathyroid gland (hypoparathyroidism), and a certain muscle disease (latent tetany). It may also be used in certain patients to make sure they are getting enough calcium (e.g., women who are pregnant, nursing, or postmenopausal, people taking certain medicationssuch as phenytoin, phenobarbital, or prednisone).

Calcium plays a very important role in the body. It is necessary for normal functioning of nerves, cells, muscle, and bone. If there is not enough calcium in the blood, then the body will take calcium from bones, thereby weakening bones. Having the right amount of calcium is important for building and keeping strong bones.

Cautions

Do not take calcium citrate or antacids that contain calcium without first asking your doctor if you also take other medicines. Calcium can make it harder for your body to absorb certain medicines.

Calcium citrate works best if you take it with food.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have:

  • a history of kidney stones; or
  • a parathyroid gland disorder.

Interactions

None are recorded.

Other names

E333, tricalcium dicitrate

References

Source: WebMD, http://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-8624/calcium-citrate-oral/details

Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calcium_citrate

Everydayhealth, http://www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/calcium-citrate

 

 

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