As a bariatric patient you most certainly know the importance of supplementing with calcium. But which to choose: calcium citrate, chelated calcium, coral calcium, or calcium carbonate? You've undoubtedly seen advertising for different types of calcium all claiming to be the best. So what's a WLS patient to do?

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You know you need bariatric calcium supplements. Your body is not able to absorb like it once did and to top it off you are consuming drastically less calories each day. Your body is practically craving the extra nutrients. Calcium is one of the most important of these extra nutrients.

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Choosing the right bariatric supplements can be puzzling. Let's take a look at some of your choices so you can make an informed decision. After all you've gone through with your bariatric surgery you certainly want your calcium supplement to be the right one.

Calcium Carbonate

Most calcium products on the market are a calcium carbonate. You have probably taken, at one time or another, the versions sold to help indigestion. They require extra stomach acid to absorb. Since bariatric surgery patients have little, if any, stomach acid this is not recommended. It does not absorb as quickly as most of us need. In some cases it has been known to cause constipation.

Coral Calcium

You may have seen calcium touted to come from coral beds. Coral reef is protected by international laws so it is possible that these have come from fossilized coral beds or from coral sands. These beds or sands are by-products of industrial use. Because of this industrial waste the seawater can be toxic.

Chelated Calcium

Technically, chelated (pronounced KEY-lated) calcium is one that is bound to an organic acid - such as an amino acid. Some supplement suppliers assert that they are amino acid chelates but they may not be. There are specific criteria that must be met in order for chelation to occur.

Research shows that chelated calcium is more bioavailable than calcium carbonate. Their cost is often prohibitive - much higher than other forms. Chelated calcium also requires larger dosages. With the other supplements you are taking you would probably be better off with one not so expensive and not have to take so many either.

Calcium Citrate

Calcium citrate is a form of chelated calcium but far less expensive. Dosages are lower too! Calcium citrate is acid based so you don't have to worry about having less stomach acid since your surgery. It is the most easily absorbed supplemental form of calcium.

Since it does not require the extra stomach acid you do not need to worry about what time of day you take it. You can even take it on an empty stomach. As a WLS patient this type of calcium is most certainly your best bet.

No Fillers or Additives in Your Bariatric Calcium Supplements

Another major concern when choosing the type and brand of calcium supplement you take is whether or not it has any fillers or additives. If you are considering taking a chewable form of calcium - think again. These are loaded with fillers and additives to make them colorful, tasty, and chewable. You need calcium in the purest form in order to get the maximum amount of calcium in your system.

Use your head when making your choice of calcium. Marketers of calcium products sometimes make buying almost irresistible. Knowing the facts is what should guide you in your decision making.

Bariatric Calcium - What Type is the Best?

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