Chelated Calcium
Chelated Calcium Supplement Advantages and Disadvantages
Many people require calcium supplements and for some chelated calcium alternatives might be the best solution. Some people for example are lactose intolerant. Dairy products are the best source of calcium for growing bones but children who cannot tolerate lactic products will be force to use supplemental mineral pills such as are also available for vitamins. These supplements are available as fluids or pills that are organically combined with another mineral and could be the solution that some may be looking for to meet their calcium intake needs.
Sour-tasting calcium
Calcium supplements are available in many flavors and for people who enjoy their supplemental pill in a sour or tart flavor, chelated calcium with malate is often recommended as the solution. Malic acid is found most often in fruits that are not yet ripe. This malic acid is most commonly taken from apple juice, so calcium supplements that are apple flavored usually contain this malate. Some common fruits which contain high amounts of malic acid and which will be used in the production of the calcium supplements are green apples, green grapes and the sour tanginess often remains in wine as well though the fermentation process significantly reduces the malate level.
Artificial sweeteners
Chelated calcium supplements are also available in artificial sweeteners, most commonly in the chemical compound aspartame, which is found in diet drinks and sugar supplements such as NutraSweet, Equal and so on. This is often an alternative for people who need calcium in their bodies, but cannot consume regular calcium supplements that may have high sugar quantities. For this reason, diabetics are most likely to be the ones who consume calcium chelated with aspartates. Aspartic acid is an amino acid that can be synthesized from many products - animal meat, vegetable seeds and even salt.
Acidity regulators
There are some people who may have problems with stomach acid and heartburn and for this reason will need a chelated calcium supplement which regulates acidity levels. Calcium supplements combined with fumaric acid are a good source of this kind of supplement. Fumaric acid is naturally found in certain types of mushrooms, moss and fungus. It has been used for over half a century in various foods to regulate acidity and is supposedly non toxic, meaning it is safe for human consumption. Some even say fumaric acid supplements can be used to treat certain genetic skin conditions, but this may have side effects so one should always consult with a medical practitioner before taking any acidity regulators. In general, one should consult with a doctor regardless of what new products are being taken.
Advantages of chelates with calcium
The biggest advantage of chelated calcium supplements which are combined with a chelate are that they are absorbed more readily into the bloodstream through the wall of the stomach. This way, chelated calcium can be quickly and efficiently administered to the body if some kind of mineral imbalance needs to be addressed immediately.