Question:
Calcium citrate vs. calcium carbonate gelcaps

Do we absorb calcium carbonate gel caps as efficiently as calcium citrate pill? Any information appreciated. Thank you. Elizabeth 4/25/03 down 80 lbs.    — E D. (posted on March 10, 2004)

March 10, 2004
If you are post-op RNY, you cannot process calcium carbonate as it requires the presence of stomach acid to be absorbed. And we don't have nearly enough. Go with the calcium citrate...JR
   — John Rushton

March 10, 2004
Carbonate is not as absorbable as citrate, no matter the vehicle. Being inside a gel cap doesn't make much difference. They dissolve in saliva (not water), so whatever inside is released, whether the contents are any good or not. If there is oil inside, we might have an unpredictable result because we malabsorb fats/oils, to a degree. But calcium citrate is far the superior calcium form, be it chewable, powder, capsule, tablet.
   — vitalady

March 10, 2004
Hello, as my Aunt is a Regitered Dietitian, she told me Calcium Carbonate is not absorbed without taking food with it. That is why after WLS you should take calicium Citrate as it can be absorbed with out food. I take a liquid form in Cherry flavor that is very tolerable. Places like the vitamin shoppe or vitamin world carry these products. They also have a return policy if you dont like the product so you can exchange it for something else. My Aunt also told me there is a wafer out there that is citrate, but it's harder to find. Good Luck, Ann
   — Ann M.