Calcium citrate
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| Calcium citrate | |
|---|---|
| Image:Calcium citrate.PNG | |
| Chemical name | Tricalcium citrate |
| Chemical formula | Ca3(C6H5O7)2 |
| Molecular mass | 498.46 g/mol |
| CAS number | [5785-44-4] |
| Density | 1.63 g/cm3 |
| Melting point | unknown °C |
| Boiling point | unknown °C |
| SMILES |
C(C(=O)[O-])C(CC(=O)[O-])(C(=O)[O-])O. |
| Disclaimer and references | |
Calcium citrate is the calcium salt of citric acid. It is commonly used as a food additive, usually as a preservative, but sometimes for flavor. In this sense, it is similar to sodium citrate. Calcium citrate is also used as a water softener.
Chemical properties
Like citric acid, calcium citrate has a sour taste. Like other salts, however, it also has a salty taste. For this reason, citrates such as sodium and calcium citrate are commonly known as sour salt.
Biological role
Calcium citrate supplements may increase aluminium toxicity. Patients with renal disease are at an increased risk of toxicity.
Bioavailability is 2.5 times higher than calcium carbonate. For this reason, patients who have undergone the Roux-en-Y variety of weight-loss surgery (also known as gastric bypass) are usually instructed to take calcium citrate as a dietary supplement.
Organometallic importance
Calcium citrate is used as a water softener because the citrate chelates unwanted metal ions.