Which of the following is a characteristic of calcium supplement use?

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Question: Which of the following is a characteristic of calcium supplement use?

Option 1: Taking them with a meal enhances absorption of calcium. This is true, especially for calcium carbonate, which requires stomach acid to dissolve efficiently; taking it with meals increases acidity in the stomach and improves dissolution and absorption. A practical takeaway is to take calcium carbonate with food for better uptake.

Option 2: Taking them with iron supplements enhances absorption of iron. This is misleading. Calcium can actually interfere with iron absorption when taken together, reducing iron uptake rather than enhancing it. So this pairing is not a recommended strategy for improving absorption of iron, and it doesn’t describe a characteristic of calcium supplements specifically.

Option 3: Supplements of calcium carbonate show higher bioavailability than calcium citrate. This is incorrect in general. Calcium citrate is often better absorbed than calcium carbonate, particularly in individuals with lower stomach acid (such as older adults or those on acid-suppressing medications). Therefore, carbonate does not have higher bioavailability than citrate.

Option 4: Small pills containing a large amount of calcium salt show faster dissolution in the stomach. This is counterintuitive. Larger amounts in a single pill can actually slow dissolution and may cause GI discomfort; dissolution rate is more influenced by the salt form, coating, and tablet formulation than simply the amount per pill. Thus, the notion that small pills with a lot of calcium dissolve faster is not a reliable characteristic.

Option 5: Taking them with carbonated beverages can speed their dissolution and increase calcium bioavailability. Carbonated beverages are not recommended for calcium supplementation; carbonation can affect gastric pH and may interact with the dissolution process, but there is no solid evidence that carbonated drinks reliably boost bioavailability. In some cases, it may even impair it or cause discomfort. This statement is not a supported characteristic of calcium use.

In summary, evaluating each option shows that the statement aligning with established pharmacokinetics and practical guidance is the one about taking calcium with a meal to enhance absorption, particularly for calcium carbonate. The remaining options contain common misconceptions or inaccuracies about supplementation and absorption.

FOOD20003_2025_SM1 Water & Major Minerals

Which of the following is a characteristic of calcium supplement use?

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