Difference Between Calcium and Calcium Citrate

Calcium vs Calcium Citrate

钙和柠檬酸钙之间的差异源于以下事实：柠檬酸钙是钙的产物，这是一个反应性元素。钙是人体适当功能的重要元素，因此该元素的缺乏可能导致各种健康并发症。钙为反应元素可以形成多种compoundsand one such compound is Calcium Citrate. Calcium Citrate is the product of Calcium reacting withcitric acid。

What is Calcium?

Calcium is areactive elementclassified underalkaline earth metalsbelonging to the ‘s’ block of elements of the periodic table and 20th inatomic number。It is also abundant in the earth’s crust and as a dissolvedionin seawater. It also plays a major role in the proper function of the human body, being a main constituent of bones and teeth.

However, due to the reactivity of calcium, it is hard to find the element in isolation as it tends to form compounds with other阴离子species. When calcium is needed in pure metal form, a calcium salt is often subjected toelectrolysis。钙还能发生在另一个系列of isotopes⁴⁰Ca,⁴²Ca,⁴³Ca,⁴⁴Ca, and⁴⁶CA，发现相当稳定。钙的历史可以追溯到公元前几千年limestoneas a construction material. Calcium can be naturally found insedimentary rocksin the forms ofcalcite,dolomiteandgypsum。It also contributes to maintaining important climate cycles such as thecarbon cycle。Calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, calcium nitrate, calcium sulfide,calcium chlorideand calcium phosphate are some of the important compounds of calcium.

What is Calcium Citrate?

This is thesalt that is produced by the reaction of Calcium with Citric Acid。Calcium Citrate is a lot similar to Sodium Citrate and is commonly used in the food industry as afood additive and preservative, and also to enhance flavor. It is a white powder by nature and has poor solubility in water. As mentioned above, Calcium plays a major role in the function of the human body; especially, in bone formation and maintenance. Therefore, when there is a Calcium deficiency (when the correct amount of Calcium is not taken in diet) Calcium is taken externally as supplements in the form of Calcium Citrate. It does not require stomach acids or food for its absorption. Hence, it is favored over other forms of calcium and is considered gentle on the stomach. If Calcium Carbonate was used, due to its basic properties, it would neutralize stomach acids but because Calcium Citrate is acidic it will not have any effect on stomach acids.

It is important to seek medical advice before taking any calcium supplement because, if in excess, it could lead tostones in kidneys或者parathyroid glanddisorders.

What is the difference between Calcium and Calcium Citrate?

• Calcium is an element whereas Calcium Citrate is a compound resulting from the reaction between Calcium and Citric Acid.

• Calcium element is very reactive, but Calcium Citrate is more stable as it is a compound.

• Calcium being a metal is basic in chemical nature whereas Calcium Citrate is an acid derivative.

• Calcium Citrate is used as a common dietary supplement of Calcium, but Calcium is not taken in pure elemental form.

Images Courtesy:

1. Calcium electronsbyGreg Robson(CC BY-SA 2.0 uk)
2. Calcium citrate structurebyCyanos(CC BY-SA 3.0)