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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 Provides roughly 290 mg elemental calcium per gram. General calcium targets are about 1,000 to 1,200 mg elemental calcium per day from food plus supplements, in divided doses of 500 to 600 mg at a time.
Active Compound Dicalcium malate (two calcium ions bound to one molecule of malic acid); about 29 percent 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 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.

What is the recommended dosage of Dicalcium Malate?

The clinically studied dose for Dicalcium Malate is Provides roughly 290 mg elemental calcium per gram. General calcium targets are about 1,000 to 1,200 mg elemental calcium per day from food plus supplements, in divided doses of 500 to 600 mg at a time.. Always follow product labeling and consult a healthcare provider for personalized dosing recommendations.

What is Dicalcium Malate used for?

Dicalcium Malate is studied for concentrated calcium source, good solubility and absorption, digestive tolerability. Dicalcium malate carries about 29 percent elemental calcium, more than calcium citrate, so it delivers a meaningful calcium dose in a relatively compact form.

Are there side effects from taking Dicalcium Malate?

Reported potential side effects may include: Constipation possible, though usually milder than with calcium carbonate. Gas or bloating (uncommon). Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have underlying conditions or take medications.

Is Dicalcium Malate safe to take?

Whether Dicalcium Malate is safe depends on the dose, your overall health, and any medications you take. At studied doses, reported side effects can include: Constipation possible, though usually milder than with calcium carbonate. It may also interact with certain medications. Dicalcium Malate is not suitable for everyone — consult a healthcare provider before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medications.

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.