Calcium carbonate is a common compound used as an antacid and a calcium supplement. You probably know it as Tums, or as the main ingredient in chalk, limestone, and marble. In medicine it serves two simple jobs: fast heartburn relief and a way to add elemental calcium when your diet falls short.
For antacid use, chewable calcium carbonate tablets neutralize stomach acid quickly. That makes them handy for sudden heartburn or sour stomach. As a supplement, calcium carbonate contains about 40% elemental calcium, so a 500 mg tablet provides roughly 200 mg of usable calcium. Take it with food for best absorption because stomach acid helps release the calcium.
Adults typically need 1,000–1,200 mg of total calcium per day from food and supplements combined. If you use calcium carbonate supplements, split doses — for example, 500 mg of elemental calcium twice a day — are better absorbed than one large dose. If you’re taking it as an antacid, follow package directions and avoid using it every day for long stretches without checking with a healthcare provider.
Pay attention to other medicines. Take calcium carbonate at least 2 hours before or 4–6 hours after antibiotics like tetracyclines or fluoroquinolones, and separate it from bisphosphonates and thyroid pills to avoid reduced absorption. If you use proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) regularly, ask your doctor about your calcium needs — lower stomach acid can mean you absorb less calcium.
Most people tolerate calcium carbonate well. The common side effects are constipation and gas. If you have kidney disease or high blood calcium, you should not self-dose; talk to your doctor. Overuse as an antacid can raise blood calcium and cause problems over time.
When choosing a supplement, check the label for “elemental calcium” and the amount per tablet. Pharmaceutical-grade products have consistent dosing and fewer impurities. If you need fast heartburn relief, chewable tablets work best; for daily calcium, look for a reliable brand and consider calcium citrate if you have low stomach acid or take acid-reducing drugs.
Quick tips: count elemental calcium, split doses, separate from certain meds, and talk to your clinician if you have kidney disease or take many prescriptions. Calcium carbonate is simple and effective when used correctly — know the rules, and it can help both your stomach and your bones.
Example: a common supplement tablet contains 1,250 mg calcium carbonate — that equals about 500 mg of elemental calcium. If your diet gives you 700 mg from food, one 1,250 mg tablet will bring you close to a 1,200 mg daily target. Track total calcium from food and pills. If you take vitamin D, note it helps your body absorb calcium; many doctors pair vitamin D with calcium supplements. If you feel persistent stomach pain after taking calcium carbonate, stop and get medical advice. Want specific dosing? Ask your healthcare provider for personalized advice and testing today, please.
Calcium carbonate, a common ingredient in skincare, offers various benefits and a few concerns. Used for its soothing and oil-absorbing properties, it can help improve the texture and appearance of skin. However, understanding its potential impact on different skin types is important. This article dives into the pros and cons of calcium carbonate in skincare, offering insights for mindful use.
