What is Calcium Citrate (Tricalcium Citrate Tetrahydrate - Mineral)?
Calcium citrate is the calcium salt of citric acid; it is a white powder with low solubility in water. It is a well-tolerated, non-irritating source of calcium to the stomach and is used as a food additive with the code E333. Its notable feature is that it requires less stomach acid for absorption and is well absorbed even on an empty stomach.
- Molecular formula: Ca₃(C₆H₅O₇)₂·4H₂O
- CAS number: 5785-44-4
- Form: Powder / Organic Calcium Salt
- Quality: Food / Pharmaceutical Grade
- Calcium citrate (CAS 813-94-5) contains approximately ~21% elemental calcium by weight; 1000 mg ≈ 210 mg elemental Ca. This is a lower ratio compared to calcium carbonate (~40%), but balanced by absorption advantages.
What is Tricalcium Citrate Tetrahydrate - Mineral Used For? Why is it Used?
Calcium citrate is well absorbed even on an empty stomach because it relies less on stomach acid for absorption compared to calcium carbonate; this is a significant advantage for individuals with low stomach acid (elderly, achlorhydric, or PPI users). According to meta-analysis data, it is absorbed ~22–27% better than carbonate. The disadvantage is that it requires larger/more tablets due to its lower elemental ratio.
Main areas of use: Dietary Supplements, Acid Regulator (E333), Pasta and Bread, Beverage Clarifier, Cheese Production, Plant-Based Solution Stabilizer.
Usage in Dietary Supplements
- Bone health supplements: Used as a primary calcium source in supplements aimed at preventing osteoporosis and supporting bone density, often in combination with Vitamin D and K2.
- For individuals with low stomach acid: Preferred for the elderly, PPI users, or those with achlorhydria because its absorption is less dependent on stomach acid.
- Formulas that can be taken on an empty stomach: Used in formulas requiring flexible usage and dosing spread throughout the day, as it does not need to be taken with meals.
- For sensitive stomachs: Preferred in products for users with digestive sensitivity, as it is reported to cause less gas, bloating, and constipation compared to calcium carbonate.
Usage in the Food Industry
- E333 additive: Used as an acid regulator, sequestrant, and firming agent under the code E333 as a food additive (EU 1333/2008).
- Calcium enrichment: A preferred, taste-neutral source for calcium enrichment in fruit juices, plant-based beverages, dairy products, and functional foods.
- Texture and stability: Used in jams, jellies, and dairy products to regulate gelation, firm texture, and provide buffering functions.
Effects on Health
Calcium is a mineral that plays a role in many fundamental functions in the body. The main functions authorized/evaluated by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA):
- Normal bones and teeth: Calcium is necessary for the maintenance of normal bones and teeth; it is also necessary for the normal growth and development of bones in children (EFSA).
- Muscle function: Calcium contributes to normal muscle function (EFSA).
- Blood coagulation: Calcium contributes to normal blood coagulation (EFSA).
- Nerve transmission: Calcium contributes to normal nerve transmission (neurotransmission) (EFSA).
- Energy metabolism: Calcium contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism (EFSA).
- Cell division and digestive enzymes: Calcium plays a role in cell division/differentiation and contributes to the normal function of digestive enzymes (EFSA).
Usage Limits in Dietary Supplements
- Nutrient Reference Value (NRV): Calcium NRV is 800 mg (1169/2011).
- Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) (EFSA): EFSA: Total calcium from all sources for adults UL is 2500 mg/day.
- Turkish legislation (TETGK): Calcium is permitted in TR Dietary Supplements legislation; calcium citrate is among the accepted calcium sources. For exact numerical supplement limits, the current annex should be consulted.
NRV (800 mg) is the label reference; UL (2500 mg) is for total calcium from food + supplements. Calculated based on elemental calcium (~21%).
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Purity | 97.5 - 100.5% |
| Appearance | Fine White Powder |
| Moisture | ≤5.0 % |
| Solubility | Sparingly Soluble in Water |
| E Code | E333 |
Scientific Studies
The following independent research studies relate to the bioavailability, usage, and effects of this mineral (evidence levels are indicated):
- PubMed 4000241 — Study examining calcium absorption in achlorhydric and normal individuals (NEJM).
- PubMed 11329115 — Meta-analysis comparing the bioavailability of calcium citrate and calcium carbonate.
Technical Documents and Supply — Asuka Kimya
You can contact Asuka Kimya for SDS, TDS, CoA, and supply conditions for Calcium Citrate.
References
- efsa.europa.eu
- ec.europa.eu
- ods.od.nih.gov
- efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Usage and health information on this page has been compiled from official legislation/institutional sources (EFSA, NIH ODS, Turkish Food Codex, EUR-Lex) and independent scientific publications (PubMed). The product is a food supplement/food raw material; it does not claim to diagnose or treat diseases.