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Calcium lactate is a colorless, and somewhat bitter crystalline compound. It is a type of calcium salt that is formed by combining calcium carbonate with lactic acid. Calcium lactate is known to be a water-soluble and bioavailable source of calcium. Therefore, it is used in the dietary/supplement industry to supply calcium, especially to individuals who cannot take regular calcium supplements or where calcium carbonate is contraindicated.
However, there are different types of calcium lactate. They include:
Calcium lactate pentahydrate
It is the most commonly used form of calcium lactate. It is found in the supplement industry. It is characterized by the presence of five molecules of water (hence pentahydrate) for every molecule of calcium lactate. Calcium lactate pentahydrate is a stable, easily soluble compound making it suitable for supplements and food additives. Beyond the dietary industry, the compound is also used in the pharmaceutical industry. The compound is used to prepare solid dosage forms like tablets, where stability, solubility, and bioavailability are important factors.
Anhydrous calcium lactate
It is a form of calcium lactate that lacks water molecules. As a result, it has a more compact crystalline structure. Due to these attributes, this compound tends to have a longer shelf life and better stability. Beyond the dietary supplement industry, this compound is also used in the pharmaceutical industry as a filler and stabilizing agent in medications.
Natural calcium lactate
It is derived from natural fermentation processes. It is produced by the fermentation of glucose or lactose by lactic acid bacteria. This process results in a highly bioavailable form of calcium. Natural calcium lactate is often found in organic and natural health products.
Synthetic calcium lactate
While many forms of calcium lactate come from natural sources, some are synthetically produced. This is especially so in cases where there are mass product shortages. Calcium carbonate is neutralized with lactic acid, and this is usually done in a laboratory environment. The resultant compound has the same chemical structure and properties as natural calcium lactate.
Calcium lactate has a plethora of uses. It is not only used in the supplementation/dietary industry but also in the pharmaceutical, food, and sports industry. Below are the common applications of calcium lactate across different industries:
Supplementation and nutrition
Calcium lactate is mainly used as a calcium supplement. It is especially recommended for individuals who struggle with digesting or absorbing other forms of calcium. These individuals include the old and those with gastrointestinal complications. This is because calcium lactate is gentler on the stomach and less likely to cause irritation compared to other forms of calcium like calcium carbonate or citric calcium.
It is also used to treat calcium deficiency and conditions associated with low calcium levels. These include osteoporosis and rickets.
Pharmaceutical applications
Calcium lactate is majorly used in the formulation of medications, especially as a stabilizer and binder in tablets. Often, it is utilized when preparing oral rehydration solutions. Calcium lactate helps to replace lost calcium. It also aids in the absorption of other electrolytes like sodium and potassium back into the body.
Therefore, it is also used in injectable solutions. Calcium lactate is deemed a safe and effective source of calcium in parenteral nutrition (nutrition administered via injection instead of food). It is also used in lactose-free medication formulations. Additionally, calcium lactate acts as a calcium source in people who are lactose intolerant.
Food industry
The food industry uses calcium lactate as a food preservative. It extends the shelf life of foods by inhibiting the growth of lactic acid bacteria in food products. Moreover, it is added to foods and beverages as a calcium fortificant. Often, it is incorporated into low-calorie foods. This is due to its ability to be used as a firming agent, stabilizer, and even a texture enhancer in several food products.
Sports and medical fields
Calcium lactate enters the sports and medical fields in topical treatments. Calcium lactate is used in lotions and creams for its soothing properties. Also, it is bound into gels for use in lactate transdermal drug delivery systems. Moreover, lactate is produced in the body during exercise. If it is not eliminated, it accumulates in the muscles leading to muscle fatigue. Calcium lactate helps to eliminate this excess lactate. Further, it mitigates muscle cramps, spasms, and even fatigue experienced by professional athletes post-workout.
Calcium lactate offers a myriad of benefits to individuals. This ranges from enhancing their bone and dental health to alleviating muscle cramps and spasms. Here are some of the key benefits of calcium lactate:
Bone and dental health
Calcium lactate is predominantly a rich source of bioavailable calcium. Thus, it supports the health of bones and teeth. It is especially recommended for individuals with a weakened bone structure due to aging and osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a health condition that causes bones to become weak and porous. Further, it helps improve dental health by strengthening tooth enamel and minimizing the risk of cavities and tooth decay.
Muscle cramps and spasms relief
Calcium lactate is often used in the dietary supplement industry to relieve muscle cramps and spasms. It is especially effective for athletes who experience muscle fatigue after workouts. Calcium lactate doesn't just mitigate muscle cramps and spasms. It also promotes muscle recovery post-workout by eliminating excess lactate. Excess lactate can cause muscle fatigue in the first place.
Proper cardiovascular functioning
Calcium lactate promotes normal electrical activity in the heart and helps to regulate heartbeat. Additionally, it contributes to normal blood clotting. Blood clotting is especially key when the body wants to heal itself from wounds.
Improves gut health
Calcium lactate is a less-concentrated form of calcium. Therefore, it is gentler on the stomach and can easily be absorbed by the body. This makes calcium lactate ideal for people who are lactose intolerant and are seeking a reliable but sustainable source of calcium for their diets. Furthermore, it is less irritating to the intestinal and gastric linings compared to other calcium salts.
Improves hydration and electrolyte balance
Calcium lactate appears in rehydration solutions to help restore electrolyte balance. Electrolytes are vital minerals in the body that help to maintain fluid balance. Thus, they are especially lost after intense workouts and in diarrhea and vomiting conditions.
Like any other bulk product, the successful and smooth shipment and handling of calcium lactate requires careful consideration of a few key factors. Some of them include choosing a suitable shipping method and complying with regulatory requirements. Below are the key shipping and handling aspects of calcium lactate:
Packaging and labeling
In this proper packaging and labeling are critical in ensuring the safe shipment of calcium lactate. It is usually packaged in multi-wall paper bags, flexible bulk containers, or polyethylene-lined containers. The choice of packaging material is usually determined by the quantity being shipped. The label on the packaging has information on the product name, weight, and instructions on how to store the product.
Storage conditions
Calcium lactate should be stored in a dry, cool area that is protected from direct sunlight and heat. Exposure to moisture and high temperatures can cause the compound to deteriorate and its integrity to be compromised. Another important factor to consider is the temperature at which the product should ideally be stored. Since extreme temperatures can affect the quality of calcium lactate, consider using temperature-controlled containers during transportation in such scenarios.
Shipping options
Shipping method is another key aspect that affects the cost and delivery time of calcium lactate. Business owners can choose to ship calcium lactate by air, ocean, or truck. The truck can be either a dedicated truck or part of a truck-sharing program with other businesses transporting similar products. They should consider the lead time required by their suppliers when selecting the shipping option that best meets their needs.
For instance, ocean freight generally offers the best value for shipping large quantities of calcium lactate. However, note that it will take weeks to arrive at its destination, whereas air freight arrives within days but at a much higher cost.
Customs and regulations
Both international and domestic shipments of calcium lactate are subject to a myriad of customs regulations and import/export permits. Business owners need to work closely with trustworthy freight forwarders to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations. They should also have proper documentation, including bills of lading, commercial invoices, and certificates of origin, as these are mandatory requirements.
When purchasing bulk calcium lactate, business owners have to consider several key factors. Here they are:
Supplier reputation
To ensure the calcium lactate they are getting is of the highest quality, business owners must select reputable suppliers with proven track records of offering premium-quality products and having good customer relations.
Quality and purity
Calcium lactate is often manufactured using a variety of raw materials. It is paramount that business owners first understand the raw materials their potential supplier uses to produce calcium lactate. That is, if they are purchasing natural calcium lactate, they should ensure their supplier is using fermentation-based processes.
Moreover, they should ensure the product has been certified kosher and organic. Also, they should prioritize suppliers who provide third-party lab test results to verify the purity and quality of the compound and its contents.Pricing and costs
Even though business owners need to buy high-quality calcium lactate, they do not need to break the bank. They should compare prices from several reputable suppliers in different calcium lactate types. This will allow them to understand the price range of the product and also will help them land the best deal possible. They also need to consider shipping costs, as they can be significant when they are getting the product in bulk.
Product specifications and quality
Calcium lactate is available in different forms and specifications. Depending on their customer base, business owners may need to purchase either natural or synthetic calcium lactate. Further, it comes in different grades, such as food, pharmaceutical, or industrial. They should ensure they are sourcing the product in the right grade. Also, it can be manufactured with varying degrees of hydration. The most popular form is pentahydrate calcium lactate. However, there is also an anhydrous calcium lactate. If the product's customers prefer it in a specific form, business owners should ensure to purchase calcium lactate in that form.
Packaging options
Depending on their clients' preferences, business owners may need to purchase calcium lactate that is packaged in specific materials. For example, if their customers prefer it in plastic containers, they should get it in that format. Also, based on their purchase volume, they should ensure to get the product in the right quantity per package. Moreover, they may have to consider packages that are child-proof or have tamper-resistant features if the product requires such features.
Yes. Calcium lactate is one of the lactose-free calcium supplements. Therefore, it is a gentler calcium supplement that lactose intolerant people can use. It is more bioavailable, meaning their bodies can absorb it without the need to break it down first. This makes calcium lactate a staple supplement for individuals with weakened guts.
Older adults are often negatively affected by osteoporotic bone diseases. Calcium lactate helps to support bone density and reduce the risk of fractures. This is achieved by supplying the aging bones with calcium. The compound is also easier for seniors to digest and absorb compared to other forms of calcium. It does not cause any irritation to their sensitive stomachs.
In most cases, the recommended dosage of calcium lactate for supplementation purposes is generally 1000 mg per day. This equals roughly 90-105 milligrams of elemental calcium per day. Therefore, calcium lactate is gentler and more bioavailable compared to other forms of calcium. For this reason, it can often be found in larger doses within supplement products.
There is no significant difference between calcium lactate and L calcium lactate products. They can be used for the same purposes since they have the same chemical compositions. Nevertheless, L calcium lactate products may be preferred in certain therapeutic contexts. This is particularly the case in areas of biochemical research. Here, the purity and stereochemical specification (L-isomer) are paramount to achieving the desired results.
