Calcium - Absorption & Utilization Factors
Research shows that calcium needs to be absorbed in an acid medium. As reported over the years, a great number of our population is achlorhydric estimated 40% under age 40 and 90% over age 60. How do we diagnose achlorhydria (under production of hydrochloric acid) by the stomach? Physical symptoms are bloating and upper GI gas after eating. These symptoms seem especially worse with raw vegetables, whole grains and heavy proteins. Looking at blood chemistry SMAC 24, the albumin globulin ratio (A/G) will usually be under 1.7 as reported by Melvin Page. This has some significant impact in that 1) low stomach acid decreased calcium absorption, but even more important, 2) with an alkylating calcium supplement it will drive the individual's system more alkylin aggravating other metabolic problems while still decreasing calcium absorption. Here is a list of the calcium sources and their systemic PH affects.
Alkalaters |
Acidifies |
Neutral |
| 1. Egg shell | 1. Lactate | 1. Chelated |
| 2. Oyster shell | 2. Citrate | 2. Hydroxyapatite |
| 4. Dolomite | 3. Lime stone | |
| 5. Bone meal | 3. Ascorbate | |
| 6. Gluconate | 4. Acitate | |
| 7. Orotate | ||
| 8. Carbonate |
If you want to be safe, chelated calcium is neutral and won't affect the body's Ph, but its absorption is 8-10%. The big percentage source is calcium citrate- 30% absorption; the highest there is and will push the PH down. The calcium to magnesium level is very important. See article Calcium and Magnesium.
Sincerely,
Craig Zunka, DDS
Holistic Dental Association President
7/13/2004
