Food & Beverage
Calcium Citrate Malate
Calcium Citrate Malate (CCM) is a highly absorbable organic calcium formed by chelating calcium ions with citric acid and malic acid.It has excellent water solubility, is independent of gastric acid, and offers higher bioavailability than calcium carbonat
Description
Calcium Citrate Malate vs. Calcium Carbonate vs. Calcium Citrate: Which Is Best for Your Formulation?
Calcium carbonate has a high calcium content (40%) and low cost, but relies on gastric acid for absorption. It is suitable for people with normal gastrointestinal function when taken with meals.Calcium citrate does not depend on gastric acid and is gentle, but has a lower calcium content (21%) and higher price.Calcium Citrate Malate (CCM) combines the advantages of both: excellent water solubility, highest absorption rate, mild taste, suitable for clear liquids, and non-irritating to the stomach.
Recommendation:Choose calcium carbonate for cost-effectiveness,calcium citrate for sensitive stomachs,and CCM for high-end liquids or children’s formulas.
| Product name: | Calcium Citrate Malate |
| Synonyms: | 2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid calcium salt mixt. with hydroxybutanedioic acid calcium salt |
| CAS No: | 142606-53-9 |
| Molecular Formula: | C6H6O7.C4H6O5.Ca |
| Molecular Weight: | 364.27 |
| Appearance: | White powder |
| Specifications: | Assay＞ 98.0% |
| Package: | 25kg/Drum |
| Shelf life: | 2 years from date of production |
| Storage: | Store in a dry, clean, cool and ventilated place |
| Product classification： | Mineral supplements |
| Main uses： | Nutrient enrichment；Food additive；Industrial |
Calcium Supplements (Single Ingredient)
Calcium citrate malate (CCM) tablets, capsules, chewable tablets and powders can be formulated using only high-purity CCM as the core ingredient.It contains 19%–26% calcium, dissolves stably over a pH range of 1–10, and its absorption is independent of gastric acid.Its bioavailability is significantly higher than that of calcium carbonate and single calcium citrate.Clinical trials confirm that the calcium absorption rate of CCM reaches 37.3%, notably higher than 29.6% for calcium carbonate.It is suitable for various groups requiring calcium supplementation: osteoporosis patients, growing children, pregnant and lactating women.
Clear Liquids & Beverage Fortification
Including calcium-fortified juice, orange juice, milk drinks, clear carbonated drinks and mineral water.CCM does not precipitate in solution, withstands high-temperature processing, and remains stable without sediment during long-term storage, fully preserving the original flavor and taste of beverages.Since the launch of CCM-containing orange juice by Takara Shuzo (Japan) in 1991, CCM has been approved as a specified health beverage by the Japanese government.
Children’s & Special Taste Formulations
Such as children’s calcium chewable tablets, effervescent tablets and orally disintegrating tablets.CCM delivers a smooth, mild taste and completely eliminates the “rough, chalky” taste of traditional calcium sources.It is especially suitable for children and people with swallowing difficulties.Each tablet can provide up to 168 mg of calcium, with a pleasant sweet-sour flavor and high absorption.
High Solubility
Stably soluble across pH 1–10. Excellent solubility in near-neutral and slightly alkaline environments. This underpins its high absorbency. Minimal temperature impact; slightly higher solubility at room temperature.
High Bioavailability
• Animal studies: Calcium retention rate: 78.10% (CCM) vs. 20.12% (Calcium Carbonate).
• Human trials: Calcium absorption rate: 37.3% (CCM) vs. 29.6% (Calcium Carbonate).
• Bone health: More effective in slowing bone loss in postmenopausal women.
Reduced Iron Interference
Unlike most calcium salts that block iron absorption, CCM significantly minimizes this effect.Clinical data: Iron retention in CCM-fortified fresh orange juice: 7.14% (vs. 3.14% in milk).
Excellent Taste
Smooth, mild, and pleasant flavor. No "chalky/gritty" aftertaste associated with traditional calcium additives.
Safe & Non-Toxic
GRAS (US) and approved as a nutrient additive in Japan.Verified non-toxic via acute toxicity (mice) and 90-day feeding studies (rats).
Q1: Is CCM stable in clear beverages? Will it precipitate or affect flavor?
A: CCM does not precipitate in solution, withstands high‑temperature processing, and remains stable during long‑term storage. It fully preserves the original flavor and taste of beverages.
Q2: How is the compatibility of CCM in multi‑nutrient formulas?
A: CCM is chemically stable and highly compatible with vitamin D₃, vitamin K₂, magnesium, zinc and other common ingredients. Its high solubility minimizes antagonistic reactions in high‑calcium formulations.
Q3: Is CCM suitable for pharmaceuticals and FSMP?
A: Yes. With high absorption, no gastric acid dependency and no gastrointestinal irritation, CCM is ideal for foods for special medical purposes (for patients with low gastric acid, the elderly and post‑operative recovery) and for high‑end calcium supplement medicines.
