Calcium malate, otherwise known as dicalcium malate or bis-glycinate chelate, is a type of calcium supplement that bonds calcium to malic acid. According to the "Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements," calcium malate improves the bio-availability of the calcium, making the calcium more absorbable in your body than other inorganic forms of calcium. The World Health Organization also classifies calcium malate as a food additive. As with any calcium supplement, you should speak with your doctor prior to taking any calcium malate supplement.
Calcium
According to "The Bone-Building Solution," calcium is the most abundant mineral in your body, representing approximately 2 percent of your total body weight. Your body stores the vast majority of its calcium in your bones and teeth. However, your body only absorbs 20 to 30 percent of the calcium you get from food and supplemental sources. Calcium provides bones with both strength and hardness, and it helps control muscle function and heart rhythm. Calcium also facilitates the transmission of nerve impulses, and it promotes blood clotting and wound healing.
Malic Acid
Malic acid occurs naturally in your body. It is also known as fruit acid because it is found in apples. Malic acid is found in your body in the form of the anion malate. Your body requires malate for the biochemical energy-producing cycle in your cells known as the citric acid or Krebs cycle. The Krebs cycle is a series of chemical reactions that occur in your body as part of cellular respiration.
Calcium Malate Chelate
There are other available forms of calcium that combine calcium with other compounds besides malic acid or malate. Additional calcium supplements include calcium citrate malate and calcium malate chelate. Calcium citrate combines citric acid with calcium. Calcium malate chelate combines two forms of calcium, di-calcium malate and bis-glycinate chelate. Calcium supplements also sometimes combine calcium with other vitamins, such as vitamin D.
Lack of Evidence
Currently available clinical evidence does not support the claim that calcium malate is a better form of calcium than other available supplements. Specifically, no studies have examined the reduced bone density or fracture risk associated with calcium malate. Supplement manufacturers, however, claim that calcium chelate has better absorption rates than calcium carbonate, calcium hydroxyapatite and calcium citrate. In addition, manufacturers claim that your body retains calcium malate better, and that this form of calcium will not upset your stomach. Consult a medical professional prior to selecting and consuming any calcium supplement.
References
- "Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements"; Tova Navarra, B.A., R.N.; 2004
- "Your Bones"; Lara Pizzoro; 2011
- "The Bone-Building Solution"; Sam Graci, et al.; 2006
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