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DiCalcium Malate

Also known as: DiCalcium Malate, calcium malate, DCM

Overview

DiCalcium Malate (DCM) is a calcium salt formed with malic acid, primarily used as a dietary calcium supplement. While malic acid is naturally found in fruits, DCM itself is a manufactured compound. It is incorporated into dietary supplements and fortified foods to support bone health and overall calcium intake. DCM is theorized to offer good bioavailability as a calcium source due to its organic acid component (malate), which may enhance calcium absorption compared to inorganic calcium salts. However, direct research specifically on DiCalcium Malate is limited, with most evidence on calcium supplementation stemming from studies on other calcium salts like calcium carbonate or citrate. Regulatory bodies have evaluated DCM as a safe novel food ingredient, but comprehensive clinical efficacy data unique to DCM are sparse, and no high-quality randomized controlled trials or meta-analyses specifically focusing on DCM were found in the reviewed literature.

Benefits

Calcium supplementation, in general, has well-established benefits for bone health. It significantly improves bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC), particularly in individuals under 35 years old, contributing to the development of peak bone mass. This effect is supported by meta-analyses showing statistically significant improvements in BMD. While calcium supplementation may reduce fracture risk, the evidence is mixed and often requires co-supplementation with vitamin D for more consistent benefits. Young adults and adolescents are the primary beneficiaries of calcium supplementation for bone mass accrual. For older adults, the benefits for fracture prevention from calcium alone are less clear. Bone density improvements typically require consistent supplementation over several months to years to become apparent.

How it works

Calcium is an essential mineral crucial for bone mineralization and maintaining skeletal integrity. Within the body, calcium participates in the formation of hydroxyapatite, the primary mineral component of bone matrix. Calcium homeostasis, the balance of calcium levels in the body, is tightly regulated by hormones such as parathyroid hormone, vitamin D, and calcitonin. Adequate calcium intake supports the continuous process of bone remodeling, ensuring bone strength and health. At a molecular level, calcium ions are involved in various cellular signaling pathways and are vital for the function of bone-forming cells called osteoblasts. Organic calcium salts like DiCalcium Malate are hypothesized to have better solubility and potentially enhanced absorption compared to inorganic salts, though specific comparative bioavailability data for DCM are limited.

Side effects

Calcium supplementation is generally considered safe when taken within recommended doses. Common side effects, experienced by more than 5% of users, are typically mild gastrointestinal discomfort and constipation. Less common side effects, occurring in 1-5% of individuals, include bloating and gas. Rare side effects, affecting less than 1% of users, can include hypercalcemia (excessively high calcium levels in the blood) if consumed in excessive doses. Calcium can interact with certain medications, potentially interfering with the absorption of drugs like tetracyclines and bisphosphonates. Contraindications for calcium supplementation include pre-existing hypercalcemia and a history of kidney stones. Individuals with renal impairment should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional before taking calcium supplements.

Dosage

The general recommended dosage for elemental calcium supplementation ranges from 500 mg to 1200 mg daily, depending on an individual's dietary intake, age, and specific needs. A baseline of 500 mg elemental calcium daily is often considered a minimum effective dose for supplementation. The maximum safe dose, or Upper Intake Level, is typically set at 2000–2500 mg per day to prevent adverse effects. To optimize absorption, it is recommended to split daily doses, for example, taking 500 mg twice daily, as high doses taken at once can inhibit absorption. DiCalcium Malate dosing should be based on its elemental calcium content, as there are no unique dosage guidelines specific to DCM. Absorption of calcium is enhanced when taken with food and in an acidic environment, and the presence of vitamin D is critical for optimal calcium absorption and overall bone health.

FAQs

Is DiCalcium Malate more effective than other calcium salts?

Currently, there is no conclusive evidence from high-quality randomized controlled trials or meta-analyses specifically comparing DiCalcium Malate to other calcium salts regarding superior efficacy or bioavailability.

Is it safe to take DCM long-term?

Yes, DiCalcium Malate is generally considered safe for long-term use when taken within recommended doses and under appropriate medical supervision.

When should I take calcium supplements?

For optimal absorption, calcium supplements, including DiCalcium Malate, should generally be taken with meals, and daily doses should be split to enhance absorption.

How long before benefits appear?

Improvements in bone mineral density from calcium supplementation typically require consistent intake over several months to years to become noticeable.

Can calcium alone prevent fractures?

Evidence suggests that calcium supplementation alone has limited effectiveness in preventing fractures; co-supplementation with vitamin D is often necessary for more significant benefits.

Research Sources

https://elifesciences.org/articles/79002 – This systematic review and meta-analysis, involving 7382 participants under 35 years old, demonstrated that calcium supplementation significantly improved bone mass (BMD and BMC) across various skeletal sites. The study provides strong evidence for calcium's role in developing peak bone mass in youth, although it did not differentiate between specific calcium salt forms.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7009483/ – The EFSA scientific opinion concluded that DiCalcium Malate is a safe novel food ingredient and a valid source of calcium. However, this evaluation did not include clinical efficacy data, highlighting the current lack of direct clinical evidence on DCM's specific bioavailability or efficacy compared to other calcium forms.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2667071 – This meta-analysis of 33 randomized controlled trials with 51,145 participants found no significant reduction in fracture risk with calcium supplementation alone. While combined calcium and vitamin D supplementation showed some benefit, the analysis used rigorous methodology and large sample sizes but did not differentiate between various calcium salt forms.