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Traacs Calcium Bisglycinate Chelate

Also known as: Calcium glycinate, Calcium bisglycinate, Calcium bisglycinate chelate

Overview

Calcium bisglycinate is a chelated form of calcium, synthesized by binding calcium with the amino acid glycine to enhance its bioavailability. Unlike naturally occurring forms, this synthetic variant is recommended for dietary supplementation aimed at supporting bone health, preventing osteoporosis, and ensuring sufficient calcium intake. Notably, it boasts high bioavailability, improving absorption compared to traditional calcium forms, while minimizing gastrointestinal side effects. Research evidence pertaining to calcium bisglycinate is moderate to high quality, with systematic reviews demonstrating its efficacy relative to other calcium supplements. Its primary applications focus on enhancing bone mineral density and improving calcium retention in tissues, making it particularly beneficial for younger populations.

Benefits

Numerous studies underscore the benefits of calcium bisglycinate, chiefly its significant improvement in bone mineral density (BMD) and mineral content (BMC). A systematic review highlighted a moderate protective effect on BMD at the femoral neck, indicating clinically relevant outcomes for individuals under 35 years. Additionally, studies reveal enhanced absorption characteristics, where calcium bisglycinate exhibits 1.83 times better absorption compared to calcium citrate and calcium carbonate. Not only does it improve retention in bone tissue, but these benefits arise particularly among younger demographics, with notable effects observed over several months to two years of supplementation.

How it works

Calcium bisglycinate is absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract, enhancing the availability of calcium for essential functions such as bone mineralization and muscle contraction. The chelation with glycine aids in stabilizing the calcium ion while reducing intestinal pH, promoting better absorption. This unique mechanism leads to significant increases in calcium bioavailability, ensuring that more of the mineral is used effectively in key physiological processes.

Side effects

Calcium bisglycinate is generally regarded as safe when used appropriately. However, excessive intake can lead to hypercalcemia, while gastrointestinal discomfort may occur in a minority of individuals, albeit less frequently than other calcium salts. Rare effects include mild bloating or gas. Importantly, patients taking medications such as antacids, blood thinners, or certain antibiotics should consult their healthcare provider regarding potential interactions. Specific populations, including those with hypercalcemia or at risk for kidney stones, should avoid high calcium doses. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should discuss supplementation with their healthcare provider to ensure safety.

Dosage

The recommended minimum effective dose of calcium bisglycinate is about 500 mg of elemental calcium daily, although optimal dosages may reach up to 1000 mg per day for bone health, ideally divided into two or three servings. The Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for calcium is set at 2500 mg per day for adults, and exceeding this limit may result in adverse events. To enhance absorption, it is advisable to take calcium bisglycinate with meals. This high-bioavailability form is particularly favored due to its reduced gastrointestinal side effects. Concurrent intake of vitamin D is often recommended to maximize calcium absorption.

FAQs

Is calcium bisglycinate safe?

Yes, it is considered safe for most people when used as directed and is less likely to cause gastric irritation compared to forms like calcium carbonate.

When should I take calcium bisglycinate?

It is best taken with meals to improve its absorption and effectiveness.

What results can I expect from supplementation?

You can expect improvements in bone mineral density and content over several months to two years.

Is calcium bisglycinate the same as calcium glycinate?

Yes, both terms refer to the same compound, but calcium bisglycinate is the more precise designation.

Research Sources

https://balchem.com/human-nutrition-health/blog/calcium-supplements-not-as-easy-as-advertised/ – This article discusses the complexities surrounding calcium supplementation and reviews different forms, including calcium bisglycinate, emphasizing its enhanced absorption and lower side effect profile.
https://elifesciences.org/articles/79002 – A systematic review and meta-analysis that examines the impact of various calcium supplements on bone health, providing evidence of calcium bisglycinate's efficacy in improving bone mineral density.
https://www.ars.usda.gov/ARSUserFiles/80400525/Articles/JFCA21_S69-S77.pdf – This research article presents findings on calcium absorption and retention from different supplement forms, highlighting the superior performance of calcium bisglycinate in tissue retention studies.
https://www.performancelab.com/blogs/sleep/magnesium-bisglycinate-vs-glycinate – This post explores various bisglycinate supplements including calcium bisglycinate, focusing on the benefits of chelated forms for absorption and overall mineral efficacy.
https://cypressminerals.com/products/calcium-bisglycinate – A product page that outlines the characteristics of calcium bisglycinate, reinforcing its features, benefits, and safety parameters for consumers.