Calcium lactate is a supplement that can be found in capsule form and is used to treat or prevent calcium deficiencies. Many Americans don't get enough calcium, according to the National Institutes of Health. Take supplements only under the supervision of a health care professional to prevent health problems and interactions with other medications.
Function
Calcium is a mineral important to the development and strength of bones and teeth. It's also essential to heart, nerve and muscle function. Calcium can also help prevent osteoporosis. It's important for blood vessel expansion and contraction and the secretion of hormones and enzymes.
Deficiency
Some groups that are at risk of not getting enough calcium include postmenopausal women, people who consume large amounts of caffeine, alcohol, or soda, those who take corticosteroid medications and people with malabsorption problems, such as Crohn's disease, celiac disease, and surgical intestinal resection, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Absorption
A 1966 study found that calcium lactate may be better absorbed than calcium gluconate, another calcium supplement. The study was published by Herta Spencer and colleagues in the "Journal of Nutrition." Calcium lactate works best if you take it with food, according to Drugs.com.
Recommendation
Adults should get 1,000 mg of calcium a day. After age 50, you need 1,200 mg a day. Take no more than 500 mg of calcium in one dose. Your body can't absorb more than 500 mg at a time. More than 2,500 mg a day can cause adverse health effects. You also need to get enough magnesium, phosphorous and vitamins D and K for calcium to be absorbed properly, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Warning
You may not be able to take calcium lactate if you have a history of kidney stones or a parathyroid gland disorder, Drugs.com warns. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding before taking calcium lactate. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Other side effects may include nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, constipation, dry mouth, increased thirst or increased urination. Be sure to tell your doctor about other medications you are taking before taking calcium lactate.
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