What is Calcium Carbonate? Uses, How to Use, and Precautions

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Calcium carbonate is a useful mineral widely used to prevent and treat osteoporosis, stomach ulcers, and other conditions. What exactly is calcium carbonate, and what are its effects? Let’s explore this topic with AVAKids.

What is Calcium Carbonate?

Calcium carbonate is a mineral and an antacid medication available in tablet form. It’s used to improve health by neutralizing and reducing acid reflux.

Besides calcium carbonate, this mineral is also known by various other names, such as: calcio carbonato, calciumcarbonat, carbonate de calcium, carbonato de calcio, chalk, kalzium karbonat, kohlensaure kalk, precipitated calcium carbonate, etc.

Calcium carbonate is available in tablet form

Calcium carbonate is available in tablet form

What are the Benefits of Calcium Carbonate?

  • Reduces heartburn, acid indigestion, and difficulty digesting caused by acid or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
  • Can be used to prevent or treat hypocalcemia (low calcium levels in the blood).
  • Can be used as a supplement for osteomalacia, osteoporosis, rickets, and hypocalcemia due to insufficient calcium intake.
Calcium carbonate is used to treat heartburn and acid indigestion

Calcium carbonate is used to treat heartburn and acid indigestion

How to Use Calcium Carbonate

The usage and dosage of calcium carbonate depend on the individual’s condition and response to treatment. Experts and doctors recommend the following dosages:

  • Adults with osteoporosis: 2500-7500 mg/day, divided into 2-4 doses.
  • Adults with hypocalcemia: 900-2500 mg/day, divided into 2-4 doses. Dosage may be adjusted as needed to achieve normal blood calcium levels.
  • Adults with digestive disorders: 300-8000 mg/day, divided into 2-4 doses. Do not exceed the maximum daily dose or continue use for more than 2 weeks unless directed by a doctor.
  • Adults with duodenal ulcers: 1250-3750 mg/day, divided into 2-4 doses. Doctors may consider increasing the dose if necessary to relieve discomfort.
  • Adults with gastric ulcers: 1250-3750 mg/day, divided into 2-4 doses. Doctors may consider increasing the dose if necessary to relieve discomfort.
  • Adults with GERD: 1250-3750 mg/day, divided into 2-4 doses. May be increased to 5500-7980 mg/day if discomfort persists. Do not exceed the maximum dose for more than 2 weeks unless prescribed by a doctor.
  • Children: Consult a doctor before giving calcium carbonate to children, as there is no established dosage for this age group.
How to use calcium carbonate

How to use calcium carbonate

Effective Ways to Supplement Calcium for People with Osteoporosis

Dietary Supplements

Green vegetables: Leafy greens, spinach, broccoli, etc., are rich in calcium and can effectively supplement this mineral when included in your daily diet.

Nuts and nut milk: Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, chestnuts, etc., are high in calcium and can help prevent osteoporosis and protect bone health. These foods also contain fiber, vitamins, and other minerals beneficial for overall health.

137 Degrees Unsweetened Almond Milk, 3-pack 180ml (from 1 year old)

137 Degrees Unsweetened Almond Milk, 3-pack 180ml (from 1 year old)

Legumes: In addition to nuts, legumes like okra, peas, red beans, etc., also provide calcium necessary for basic bodily functions and maintain healthy bones and teeth.

Seafood: Consuming seafood in moderation can effectively reduce symptoms related to bone and joint problems. Among seafood, crab meat contains the most calcium, followed by shrimp, prawns, and clams.

Milk and dairy products: Cheese provides 5-20% of the daily calcium requirement, while a cup of milk (237ml) can provide almost half of the daily calcium needs. Consuming milk and dairy products ensures adequate calcium intake, reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

The Laughing Cow Belcube Strawberry Cheese, 15-piece pack 78g (from 1 year old)

The Laughing Cow Belcube Strawberry Cheese, 15-piece pack 78g (from 1 year old)

Calcium Supplements

  • Calcium carbonate (40% elemental calcium): Take after meals as it is a soluble calcium salt that doesn’t require stomach acid for digestion.
  • Calcium citrate (21% elemental calcium): Can be taken on an empty stomach and is more easily absorbed than calcium carbonate.
  • Calcium gluconate (9% elemental calcium): Take after meals, often used for middle-aged or older adults with moderate calcium needs.
  • Calcium lactate (10% elemental calcium): A low-calcium supplement similar to calcium gluconate. Consult a doctor before taking any calcium supplements to determine the appropriate type and dosage for your needs.

Precautions When Using Calcium Carbonate

General Precautions

Although rare, some individuals experience severe and sometimes fatal side effects from calcium carbonate. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

  • Severe constipation.
  • Rash, itching, hives, redness, swelling, or peeling skin with or without fever, wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, unusual hoarseness, swelling of the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Weakness, headache, confusion, fatigue, abdominal pain, vomiting, or bone pain.
  • Unusual mood changes.

Regularly monitor your blood calcium levels and urinary calcium excretion. This helps doctors adjust your calcium carbonate dosage accordingly.

Consult a doctor if you experience weakness after taking calcium carbonate

Consult a doctor if you experience weakness after taking calcium carbonate

Precautions for Pregnant Women

Pregnant women should avoid high doses of calcium carbonate. High doses throughout pregnancy can lead to neonatal hypocalcemia, seizures in newborns, or severe maternal hypercalcemia.

Pregnant women should avoid high doses of calcium carbonate

Pregnant women should avoid high doses of calcium carbonate

Frequently Asked Questions about Calcium Carbonate Supplementation

1. Does Calcium Carbonate Have Side Effects?

Be aware of potential side effects when taking calcium carbonate. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a doctor or seek immediate medical attention. Some side effects include:

  • Rash, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; difficulty breathing.
  • Little or no urination, or urinating more frequently than usual.
  • Severe swelling and rapid weight gain.
  • Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain.
  • Constipation.
  • Decreased or loss of appetite.
  • Dry mouth, thirst.
  • Muscle weakness, joint pain, fatigue, and restlessness.

Other side effects may occur. Not everyone experiences side effects. If you notice anything unusual after taking calcium carbonate, seek medical advice.

Calcium carbonate can cause nausea and abdominal pain

Calcium carbonate can cause nausea and abdominal pain

2. How Should You Take Calcium Carbonate?

  • Read the instructions carefully before taking, even if you’ve used the product before. The ingredients may have changed or may contain substances harmful to your health.
  • Follow the instructions for optimal results. Chew chewable tablets thoroughly before swallowing. Shake liquid forms well before taking. Consider taking vitamin D to enhance calcium absorption.
  • Do not exceed the recommended dosage. Consult a doctor or pharmacist if you’re unsure about the proper dosage.
  • If your condition doesn’t improve or worsens after taking calcium carbonate, inform your doctor. Avoid exceeding the maximum dose for more than 2 weeks unless directed by a doctor.
  • The body absorbs a maximum of 500 mg of calcium at a time, excreting any excess. Take calcium carbonate in divided doses, ideally twice a day.
Read the instructions carefully before taking calcium carbonate

Read the instructions carefully before taking calcium carbonate

3. Can Calcium Carbonate Interact with Other Medications?

  • Antibiotics: Calcium carbonate can reduce the effectiveness of quinolone and tetracycline antibiotics if taken together.
  • Long-term use of corticosteroid anti-inflammatory drugs (prednisolone, dexamethasone, etc.) can impair calcium carbonate absorption and increase the risk of osteoporosis.
  • Taking diuretics (furosemide, chlorothiazide, etc.) concurrently with calcium carbonate can increase calcium excretion, potentially causing osteoporosis.
  • Anticonvulsant medications (phenobarbital, phenytoin, etc.) can affect calcium absorption and vitamin D metabolism.
  • Take iron, zinc, and antibiotics at least 2 hours before or after taking calcium carbonate supplements. This ensures optimal effectiveness of all medications without affecting calcium absorption.

4. What Should You Do if You Miss a Dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s close to your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up, as this can cause unwanted side effects.

Do not double the dose of calcium carbonate

Do not double the dose of calcium carbonate

Calcium carbonate is a mineral used to treat various digestive issues and calcium deficiencies. We hope this article is helpful. For any questions, please contact us through our website avakids.com or call 1900.866.874 (8:00 – 21:30).