Q: What is the difference between the various forms of calcium chelates that you carry?

A: Pure Encapsulations offers Calcium (citrate) and Calcium Magnesium (citrate),Calcium (citrate/malate) and Calcium/Magnesium (citrate/malate), and Calcium (aspartate) and Calcium/Magnesium (aspartate).

The reason why aspartates, citrates, and citrate/malates are superior forms of chelates is that they are organic compounds (carbon-containing), which are better absorbed by the body. These chelates are also krebs cycle intermediates, supporting the body's metabolic processes. Minerals chelated with inorganic compounds such as carbonate are not as well absorbed.

Technically, aspartate is considered an "amino acid chelate". Citrate and malate are not amino acid derivatives and are not categorized as amino acid chelates. Nonetheless, each of these is an organic chelate and krebs cycle intermediate supporting optimal absorption.

Studies in adolescent girls and postmenopausal women have demonstrated positive results with calcium citrate malate, making this the supplement of choice for some professionals. At this time, studies have not compared the effects of aspartates vs. citrates vs. citrate malates enough to know whether a significant difference exists between these forms. It is believed, however, that any of these organic compounds and krebs cycle intermediates have the potential to be better absorbed than other forms of calcium.

Pure Encapsulations calcium supplements have been tested for heavy metals.