Calcium citrate: role, function and clinical applications

Adequate calcium intake is crucial for bone health and overall bodily functions. However, modern diets often lack sufficient calcium, making supplementation necessary, especially in the presence of certain health conditions. The most common calcium supplements include calcium carbonate and calcium citrate. This review focuses on the latter, exploring its mechanisms, clinical uses, and therapeutic applications. Calcium citrate is preferred in certain situations, including: • chronic hypoparathyroidism: ideal for individuals intolerant to calcium carbonate or those using proton pump inhibitors, calcium citrate does not depend on stomach acid for absorption; • osteoporosis: by supporting bone density, calcium citrate helps strengthen bones and reduce fracture risk in individuals with osteoporosis; • hypochlorhydria: being better absorbed than other forms of calcium, calcium citrate is beneficial for individuals with hypochlorhydria (low gastric acid production); • bariatric surgery: this surgery affects nutrient absorption, and calcium citrate ensures adequate calcium intake in patients with impaired absorption. In conclusion, calcium citrate is widely used in clinical practice for various medical conditions requiring calcium supplementation. KEY WORDS: Calcium, calcium supplements, chronic hypoparathyroidism, bariatric surgery, hypochlorhydria, osteoporosis.