Calcium (formerly DiCalcium Malate)

Calcium consists of one molecule of malic acid that is bound to two molecules of calcium, which results in a compound that is 29-percent calcium – compared to calcium citrate, which is 19-percent calcium – thus resulting in more elemental calcium per capsule.

Those individuals most at risk for inadequate calcium intake are:

- Peri-menopausal and post-menopausal women

- Women with irregular menstruation, particularly women in which this is due to prolonged athletic activity or strenuous military service

- Individuals on a dairy-free diet

- Vegetarians and vegans, because their diets are higher in plant-derived phytates and oxalates that inhibit calcium absorption

- Pregnant women, particularly women with a history of gestational hypertension

- Individuals on prescription and OTC medications such as antacids (H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors) that can inhibit absorption, or glucocorticoids such as prednisone that can increase calcium loss

- Individuals with a vitamin D deficiency – because vitamin D is necessary for calcium absorption