Calcium Citrate Malate
Also known as: CCM, calcium citrate-malate, Ca citrate malate
A water-soluble calcium complex formed with both citric and malic acids, originally developed for fortifying juices and later sold as a supplement ingredient. It dissolves well regardless of stomach acid and has shown higher fractional absorption than carbonate in bioavailability studies. Elemental content varies with the citrate-to-malate ratio, typically 21–26%, so it is one of the bulkier calcium forms per milligram of calcium.
Research summary
Supplies highly soluble calcium; the citrate and malate ligands keep calcium in solution, supporting absorption across gastric pH conditions.
Dosage
Daily amounts, elemental (23% of the compound is the element).
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200 mg | 250–500 mg | 1,000 mg | 2,000 mg |
NIH ODS — UL is 2,500 mg/day for adults 19–50 and 2,000 mg/day for adults 51+; the app uses the lower adult value (total intake from food plus supplements)
Doses are elemental calcium. Elemental fraction depends on the molar ratio of citrate to malate; commercial grades run roughly 21–26% calcium, and 0.23 is used here as a midpoint — verify against the supplier's certificate of analysis. Can be taken with or without food. Trials summarized in the Reinwald review used about 500–1,000 mg/day of calcium from CCM.
Source material: synthetic complex of calcium carbonate with citric and malic acids
As supplied: ≈ 21–26% Ca depending on citrate:malate ratio (6:2:3 grade ≈ 24%)
Forms of Calcium
| Form | Typical dose | Element % | Formats | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calcium Citrate Malate | 250–500 mg | 23% | Capsule, Powder, Tablet, Liquid | mid |
| Calcium Carbonate | 250–600 mg | 40% | Capsule, Powder, Tablet, Gummy, Liquid | low |
| Calcium Citrate | 200–500 mg | 21% | Capsule, Powder, Tablet, Gummy, Liquid | low |
| Calcium (Microcrystalline Hydroxyapatite, MCHC) | 250–700 mg | 24% | Capsule, Powder, Tablet | high |
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Very bulky: 500 mg elemental is over 2 g of compound. Best suited to powders, effervescent formats, and beverages; capsule counts get high quickly.
Formulation notes
Separate from iron, zinc, and thyroid hormone. Malate and citrate add a pleasant tartness to beverage formulas.
- Has an upper limit
Sources
Related ingredients
Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)
VitaminThe form of vitamin D the body makes from sunlight and the most effective supplemental form for raising blood levels.
Typical: 1,000–2,000 IU
Calcium Carbonate
MineralThe most concentrated and least expensive common calcium salt, supplying about 40% elemental calcium by weight.
Typical: 250–600 mg
Magnesium Oxide
MineralThe most concentrated magnesium source at about 60% elemental magnesium, which is why it dominates in multivitamins and small tablets.
Typical: 200–350 mg
Calcium Citrate
MineralA calcium salt of citric acid that does not rely on stomach acid to dissolve, so it can be taken with or without food and is often chosen for older adults and people on acid-reducing medication.
Typical: 200–500 mg
Vitamin K2 (MK-7)
VitaminMenaquinone-7 is the long-chain vitamin K2 originally isolated from natto and now made by Bacillus fermentation or synthesis.
Typical: 90–200 mcg