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Dicalcium Malate

Evidence Level
Moderate
2 Clinical Trials
5 Documented Benefits
3/5 Evidence Score

Dicalcium malate is a calcium salt of malic acid in which two calcium ions are bound to one malate molecule. It is valued as a supplement form for its relatively high elemental calcium content, around 29 percent by weight, and for dissolving well without needing strong stomach acid. European food-safety authorities have evaluated di-calcium malate and accepted it as a suitable source of calcium for supplements and foods. Like other calcium forms, it is used primarily to support bone health, and the malate form is often chosen for better tolerability than calcium carbonate. The best-known branded version is DimaCal.

Studied Dose ~290 mg elemental calcium/g; general target 1,000–1,200 mg elemental calcium/day in divided 500–600 mg doses.
Active Compound Dicalcium malate (two calcium ions bound to one malic acid molecule); about 29% elemental calcium by weight.

Benefits

Concentrated Calcium Source

Dicalcium malate carries about 29 percent elemental calcium, more than calcium citrate, so it delivers a meaningful calcium dose in a relatively compact form.

Supported by Trial 2, Trial 1

Good Solubility and Absorption

The malate salt stays soluble across stomach pH levels, so it can be absorbed without depending on a strongly acidic stomach, unlike calcium carbonate.

Supported by Trial 2

Digestive Tolerability

Malate-bound calcium is generally well tolerated and is often chosen by people who experience bloating or constipation with calcium carbonate.

Supported by Trial 2, Trial 1

Supports Bone Health

It supplies absorbable calcium that the body uses to build and maintain bone, the primary reason calcium is supplemented.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Option for Low Stomach Acid

Because it does not require gastric acid to dissolve, it is a sensible calcium choice for older adults or anyone taking acid-reducing medication.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Mechanism of action

1

Acid-Independent Dissolution

Calcium bound to malic acid dissolves and ionizes across a range of pH values, keeping more of the dose available for absorption without high stomach acid.

2

Malate Carrier Chemistry

Malic acid, a natural Krebs-cycle intermediate, acts as the organic carrier that releases calcium for uptake in the small intestine.

3

Bone Mineralization

Absorbed calcium is incorporated into bone as hydroxyapatite and maintains the calcium pool the body uses for muscle, nerve, and clotting function.

Clinical trials

1
EFSA Evaluation of Di-Calcium Malate (Scientific Opinion)

European Food Safety Authority evaluation of di-calcium malate as a calcium source (2018).

Regulatory safety and bioavailability assessment.

EFSA found di-calcium malate to be a suitable, bioavailable source of calcium for supplements and foods, with no safety concern at expected intakes.

2
Comparative Absorption of Calcium Sources

Review comparing absorption of calcium salts, including malate forms.

Human calcium absorption data.

Malate and other organic-acid calcium salts absorbed well compared with calcium carbonate, supporting the use of dicalcium malate as a well-absorbed form.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Constipation possible, though usually milder than with calcium carbonate.
Gas or bloating (uncommon).
Hypercalcemia if total calcium intake is excessive.
Possible increased kidney stone risk at high doses in susceptible people.
Can interfere with iron and zinc absorption if taken together.

Important Drug interactions

Levothyroxine / thyroid hormone - calcium binds thyroid medication; separate by at least 4 hours.
Tetracycline / quinolone antibiotics - calcium chelates these drugs; separate dosing by 2 to 4 hours.
Iron supplements - calcium competes with iron uptake; take at different times.
Bisphosphonates - calcium reduces absorption; separate dosing per the drug's instructions.

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Frequently asked questions about Dicalcium Malate

What is dicalcium malate?

Dicalcium malate is calcium bound to malic acid, a well-absorbed calcium form. It provides a relatively high elemental calcium content while remaining soluble and gentle on digestion.

What is dicalcium malate used for?

It is used for bone and general calcium support, valued for good absorption and a higher elemental calcium content than calcium citrate, with the malic acid aiding solubility.

How much dicalcium malate should I take?

Use it to fill the gap to a 1,000 to 1,200 mg daily calcium total, keeping single doses near 500 mg of elemental calcium for best absorption. Check the label for elemental content.

Is dicalcium malate safe?

It is generally well tolerated and tends to be gentle on digestion. As with all calcium, pair it with vitamin D, avoid excess total intake, and keep it separate from iron and thyroid medication.

What is the recommended dosage of Dicalcium Malate?

The clinically studied dose is ~290 mg elemental calcium/g; general target 1,000–1,200 mg elemental calcium/day in divided 500–600 mg doses. Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is Dicalcium Malate safe, and does it have side effects?

For most healthy adults, Dicalcium Malate is well tolerated at studied doses. Reported effects can include: Constipation possible, though usually milder than with calcium carbonate. Gas or bloating (uncommon). It may also interact with some medications. Dicalcium Malate is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does Dicalcium Malate interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: Levothyroxine / thyroid hormone - calcium binds thyroid medication; separate by at least 4 hours. Tetracycline / quinolone antibiotics - calcium chelates these drugs; separate dosing by 2 to 4 hours. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for Dicalcium Malate?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for Dicalcium Malate as Moderate (3 out of 5). It is backed by 2 clinical trials and 3 cited references summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(3 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Younes M, Aggett P, Aguilar F, Crebelli R, Dusemund B, Filipič M, et al. Evaluation of di-calcium malate, used as a novel food ingredient and as a source of calcium in foods for the general population, food supplements, total diet replacement for weight control and food for special medical purposes. EFSA J. 2018;16(6):e05291. doi: 10.2903/j.efsa.2018.5291.PubMedUsed to support: European Food Safety Authority scientific evaluation of di-calcium malate: concluded it is a suitable, bioavailable source of calcium for food supplements and foods. Directly supports the identity and calcium-source role of dicalcium malate (DimaCal).
  2. Patrick L. Comparative absorption of calcium sources and calcium citrate malate for the prevention of osteoporosis. Altern Med Rev. 1999;4(2):74-85.PubMedUsed to support: Review comparing absorption of different calcium salts, including malate forms, for bone health. Supports the rationale that organic-acid calcium salts such as malate are well absorbed relative to calcium carbonate.
  3. Dawson-Hughes B. Calcium and protein in bone health. Proc Nutr Soc. 2003;62(2):505-9. doi: 10.1079/PNS2003267.PubMedUsed to support: Review of calcium in bone health, supporting the core bone-health benefit of supplemental calcium regardless of the specific salt form used to deliver it.