Comparative Absorption of Calcium from Calcium Gluconate and Calcium Lactate in Man

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Abstract
Calcium balance and radiocalcium (47Ca) studies were performed under controlled metabolic conditions in 8 patients during the intake of calcium gluconate and of calcium lactate in order to determine the absorption of calcium from these 2 salts. The calcium balances were somewhat more positive in all but one of the patients during the intake of calcium lactate than that of calcium gluconate, the average improvement in calcium balance being statistically significant at a level of P < 0.05. This improvement was due mainly to a slight but consistent decrease in fecal calcium excretions. The average net absorption was increased by 96 mg in the lactate study, significant at a level of P < 0.001. 47Ca studies also indicated greater absorption of calcium from calcium lactate than from calcium gluconate, as evidenced by the increase in the average 47Ca plasma level and the decrease in average fecal 47Ca excretions during the intake of calcium lactate. The increased absorption of calcium on calcium lactate intake was also observed at different intake levels of protein and calcium in a patient receiving long-term corticosteroid therapy.