Common Uses of Calcium Citrate

Calcium citrate is the active ingredient in many drugs and supplements to reduce bone loss due to osteoporosis. Calcium is naturally found in the body and is required to maintain strong and healthy bones. Calcium citrate is absorbed into the body naturally and easily digested. It is also used commonly as a preservative, detoxifier and water softener.

Reducing Bone Loss

• As we get older, our bones, especially women's, become weaker, and often a calcium supplement is needed to provide the body with enough calcium. Without it, the bones can become brittle and easily broken, a condition known as osteoporosis. The capsules should be swallowed with a full glass of water to allow the pills to dissolve thoroughly in the stomach. The calcium citrate breaks down in the stomach acid, and the calcium is absorbed into the body.

Side Effects

• Calcium citrate has some possible side effects that should be monitored. Possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, constipation, dry mouth and increased urination. Continue taking the drug and notify your physician but get emergency attention if your throat begins to close or your tongue begins to swell or you develop hives, as these may be signs of an allergic reaction. Also, notify a doctor immediately if you experience constipation, delirium, confusion, nausea or vomiting as these may be a symptom of a calcium overdose.

Food Preservative

• Calcium citrate is also a salt and has been used as a food preservative and flavor enhancer similar to other types of salt including sodium chloride. When calcium citrate is placed on meat or other food, it soaks up the moisture and prevents the common microorganisms associated with decay from propagating on the food. The salt will also flavor the meat, giving it a particularly sour taste.

Water Filtration

• There are many methods of water filtration used by homes and municipalities to eliminate heavy metals and other impurities. Calcium citrate is one of the many salts that will bond with the heavy metals. The system is then able to filter out the larger molecules out. The only drawback is there is an appreciable increase in salt content and therefore an impact on taste and people on restricted-salt diets.

Detoxifier

• The same bonding that happens to the metal molecules in water also helps detoxify the body of natural contaminants as well. A body or foot bath with high concentrations of calcium citrate will cause many of the toxins to be releases from the surface and just below the surface of the body. Calcium citrate is excellent for helping remove infection from an ingrown toenail and other foot maladies. This is not a cure and should be used in conjunction with a doctor's consultation.