Calcium supplements help to maintain bone health, especially as we age. They come in various forms, like tablets, gummies, and chewables. Calcium lactate and calcium gluconate are two calcium supplements.
What is the difference between calcium lactate and calcium gluconate? Calcium lactate is the calcium salt of lactic acid, whereas calcium gluconate is the calcium salt of gluconic acid.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Calcium Lactate
– Definition, Function
2. What is Calcium Gluconate
– Definition, Function
3. Similarities Between Calcium Lactate and Calcium Gluconate
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Calcium Lactate and Calcium Gluconate
– Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Calcium Lactate and Calcium Gluconate
– Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Key Terms
C6H10CaO6, C12H22CaO14, Calcium Lactate, Calcium Gluconate, Calcium Supplement
What is Calcium Lactate
Calcium lactate is a calcium salt derived from lactic acid. Calcium lactate has a chemical formula C6H10CaO6. It is a white crystalline powder and is highly soluble in water. Calcium lactate is mostly offered mixed with other nutrients, such as vitamin D, to improve its absorption and action.
Calcium is essential for the proper maintenance and strength of bones. It is more beneficial to those at risk of related bone problems, postmenopausal women, and the elderly. Calcium is also important for muscle contraction and helps to develop strong, properly functioning muscles.
It’s often used by people who engage in extremely physically demanding activities, like professional athletes. Calcium helps in the process of nerve impulse transmission, as well. Therefore, calcium lactate can normalize nervous activity and avoid muscle cramps or twitching. Calcium is also an essential element in blood clotting. Calcium lactate help to prevent excessive bleeding, as it would keep the calcium levels at an optimum.
What is Calcium Gluconate
Calcium gluconate is a calcium salt derived from gluconic acid. The chemical formula of calcium gluconate is C12H22CaO14. This medication is a white, crystalline powder. It is moderately soluble in water compared to calcium lactate. Because of this solubility, it can be given both orally and intravenously.
Calcium gluconate is a common ingredient in calcium supplements. It is available in tablet, capsule, and powder forms. It is administered intravenously in the treatment of calcium deficiencies, especially those resulting from hypoparathyroidism or kidney disease.
In fortified foods, calcium gluconate is added to juices, cereals, and milk products to increase the content of calcium in them. Calcium gluconate is added to pharmaceutical formulations like antacids and topical creams.
Similarities Between Calcium Lactate and Calcium Gluconate
- Both compounds are primary sources of elemental calcium.
- They are commonly useful as dietary supplements to increase calcium intake and address calcium deficiencies.
- Both are generally well-absorbed by the body.
Difference Between Calcium Lactate and Calcium Gluconate
Definition
- Calcium lactate is a calcium salt of lactic acid, while calcium gluconate is a calcium salt of gluconic acid.
Solubility
- Calcium lactate is highly soluble in water, whereas calcium gluconate is moderately soluble in water.
Taste
- Calcium lactate often has a slightly sweet taste, whereas calcium gluconate generally has a neutral taste.
Absorption
- Calcium gluconate is well-absorbed but may be slightly less bioavailable than calcium lactate.
Available as
- Calcium lactate is more commonly found in liquid formulations due to its high solubility, while calcium gluconate is available in both liquid and solid forms.
Conclusion
Although both are calcium supplements, there is a distinct difference between calcium lactate and calcium gluconate in terms of their chemical structure and solubility. Calcium lactate has a high solubility and is more readily absorbed in the body; hence, it is usually preferred in cases of digestive problems. On the other hand, calcium gluconate is less soluble but administered in intravenous injections due to its lesser acidity.
FAQ: Calcium Lactate and Calcium Gluconate
1. Is calcium lactate gluconate the same as calcium lactate?
Calcium lactate gluconate and calcium lactate are not the same. Calcium lactate gluconate is a combination of calcium lactate and calcium gluconate, while calcium lactate is a compound containing calcium and lactate ions.
2. What is the difference between calcium and calcium lactate?
Calcium is a mineral essential for bone health, muscle function, and nerve transmission. Calcium lactate is a salt that forms when calcium combines with lactic acid.
3. What is the difference between calcium gluconate and calcium carbonate?
Calcium gluconate and calcium carbonate are both calcium supplements, but they have different chemical structures and properties. Calcium gluconate is more soluble in water, which makes it easier for the body to absorb. Meanwhile, calcium carbonate is less soluble but often more affordable.
4. Which form of calcium is best absorbed?
Calcium citrate is generally considered the most easily absorbed form of calcium. It’s especially good for those with low stomach acid or those taking certain medications that can interfere with calcium absorption.
5. What is the use of calcium lactate?
Calcium lactate is a calcium salt that mainly acts as a food additive and dietary supplement. It helps to improve texture, flavor, and shelf life. It’s a source of calcium, essential for bone health, muscle function, and nerve transmission. Moreover, it’s useful as supplements to treat or prevent calcium deficiency and conditions like osteoporosis.
Reference:
1. “Calcium Gluconate.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.
2. “Calcium Lactate Oral.” WebMD.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Calcium Lactate” By Edgar181 – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Calcium Gluconate” By en:User_talk:Ronhjones – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
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