Calcium gluconate is a dietary supplement of the mineral calcium bound to a salt form of gluconic acid. Also referred to as calcium salt, it's much like other calcium supplements, such as calcium carbonate or calcium citrate, in that it's used to treat low blood calcium levels. If your diet doesn't provide enough of this mineral, a supplement like calcium gluconate can increase your intake to the daily recommended amount.
Adequate Intake
The Food and Nutrition Board at the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies has established an Adequate intake of calcium to ensure nutritional adequacy. Regardless of gender, you require 1,300mg per day between the ages of 9 and 18 and 1,000mg per day between the ages of 19 and 50. After these ages, the amount changes to 1,200mg per day.
Elemental Calcium
The Mayo Clinic explains that the amount of elemental calcium is the important component to the calcium gluconate supplement. The gluconic acid salt is the means for absorption by the body. The weight listed on the supplement includes both calcium and gluconic acid salt. If a tablet contains 300mg of calcium gluconate, but only includes 150mg of elemental calcium, then the pill provides 150mg of calcium.
Absorption
According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, your body is only able to absorb a certain amount of elemental calcium in supplement form at one time. The highest amount your body can take in is 500mg, so it's best to split higher dosages over the course of a day. Remember to consult the packaging to determine how much elemental calcium is contained in a calcium gluconate tablet.
Benefits
Like any other calcium supplement, calcium gluconate is used to prevent and manage osteoporosis, a condition characterized by porous bones. It may also help to lower blood pressure, manage weight and reduce the risk of colorectal cancers, indicates the Office of Dietary Supplements. Before taking this or any other dietary supplement, consult with your family physician.
Effects
Calcium gluconate may cause nausea, vomiting and constipation, warns KidsHealth.org of the Nemours Foundation, one of the leading pediatric health care providers. It shouldn't be taken if you have a history of kidney stones. Kidney stones are predominantly made up of calcium oxalate, notes the Office of Dietary Supplements. Taking elemental calcium could increase the risk of their development.
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