Calcium Citrate

Calcium citrate is a common compound used in pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements due to its various health benefits and bioavailability. Calcium citrate is widely used as a calcium supplement to prevent or treat calcium deficiency-related conditions such as osteoporosis, osteomalacia, and rickets. It provides a readily absorbable form of calcium, particularly for individuals with low stomach acid or those who experience gastrointestinal issues with other forms of calcium supplements.

Calcium citrate can act as an antacid to relieve symptoms of acid indigestion, heartburn, and sour stomach. It works by neutralizing excess stomach acid and providing relief from discomfort. In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or end-stage renal disease (ESRD), calcium citrate may be used as a phosphate binder to reduce phosphate levels in the blood.

By binding to dietary phosphate in the gut, it prevents its absorption and helps lower serum phosphate levels, thereby reducing the risk of complications such as hyperphosphatemia and secondary hyperparathyroidism.

Calcium citrate is sometimes added to food products and beverages as a calcium fortifier to enhance their nutritional value. It can be incorporated into various formulations to increase the calcium content and improve the product’s health profile. Calcium citrate can serve as a buffering agent in pharmaceutical formulations to adjust and maintain the pH of solutions or suspensions. It helps stabilize the pH and prevent significant fluctuations that may affect the stability and efficacy of the product. Calcium citrate exhibits chelating properties, meaning it can bind to certain metal ions and facilitate their removal from solutions.

Overall, calcium citrate plays a significant role in pharmaceuticals, particularly in addressing calcium deficiency-related conditions, managing gastrointestinal disorders, and enhancing the nutritional quality of various products. It is important to use pharmaceutical-grade calcium citrate and adhere to regulatory guidelines to ensure the safety and efficacy of pharmaceutical formulations containing this compound.