Calcium lactate is a widely used food additive that serves multiple purposes, including enhancing texture and flavor in various food products, as well as aiding in the extension of their shelf life. It plays a significant role in improving the overall quality of food items. In addition to its culinary applications, this compound is also utilized as an ingredient in some medications and specific types of calcium supplements, making it a versatile element in both the food and health industries.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of calcium lactate, exploring its potential benefits, possible side effects, and the types of foods that are most likely to include this additive in their formulation.

Understanding Calcium Lactate

Calcium lactate is a white or cream-colored, nearly odorless food additive that originates from lactic acid, a natural compound produced by cells during energy generation under low oxygen conditions. This compound is synthesized commercially by neutralizing lactic acid with either calcium carbonate or calcium hydroxide. Its versatility allows it to play a crucial role in stabilizing, thickening, flavoring, firming, or leavening various food products. In the food industry, it is commonly identified by its name or its E number, which is E327.

This compound also finds application in dietary supplements and medications aimed at addressing issues like acid reflux, bone density loss, dysfunction of the parathyroid gland, or specific muscular disorders. Additionally, calcium lactate is utilized in animal feed and is employed in water treatment processes to enhance water quality for human consumption. Importantly, despite its name, calcium lactate is free from lactose, making it a safe choice for individuals with lactose intolerance. Its broad spectrum of uses—from a food stabilizer to a supplement—highlights its significance in both culinary practices and health-related applications.

Which Foods Are Enriched with Calcium Lactate?

Calcium lactate serves as a popular food additive, frequently found in a diverse range of packaged products. Examples of these include:

  • fruit nectars
  • jams, jellies, and marmalades
  • butter, margarine, and other cooking fats
  • canned fruits and vegetables 
  • various types of beer

Additionally, it is sometimes incorporated into fresh items such as mozzarella cheese, fresh pasta, or pre-cut fruits to help preserve their texture and prolong their freshness. To identify whether a food product contains calcium lactate, simply check the ingredient list; it may also be referred to by its code, E327. Calcium lactate appears in numerous packaged foods, ranging from jams and beer to cooking fats, as well as canned fruits and vegetables. It is also utilized in enhancing specific cheeses, fresh pasta, and pre-cut fruits.

Potential Health Benefits

While there is a limited amount of research specifically focused on the health advantages of calcium lactate, it is noteworthy that this compound can serve as a key source of calcium in dietary supplements. Several studies have indicated a correlation between calcium-rich diets and improved bone strength and health, although findings remain somewhat inconsistent. Obtaining calcium directly from food sources is considered the most effective method for ensuring adequate intake of this essential mineral. However, for individuals who struggle to meet their calcium requirements through diet alone, supplements can serve as a beneficial alternative.

When utilized as a dietary supplement, calcium lactate might offer benefits akin to those seen with other calcium supplements, which include:

  • Enhanced Bone Strength. When combined with vitamin D, calcium supplements are believed to play a pivotal role in fostering the development and maintenance of robust, healthy bones.
  • Lowered Blood Pressure. Diets high in calcium may contribute to a modest reduction in systolic blood pressure (the upper figure) for individuals experiencing high blood pressure. Conversely, those with normal blood pressure levels appear to experience little to no benefit.
  • Reduced Risk of Preeclampsia. Increased calcium intake during pregnancy has been linked to a decreased risk of preeclampsia, a serious condition that affects nearly 14% of pregnancies globally, including in regions like India and Australia.
  • Colon Cancer Prevention. Research indicates that a diet rich in calcium—whether from foods or supplements—may lower the risk of colon cancer, although further studies are required to verify these claims.

Previous studies have suggested that chewing gums containing calcium lactate along with the artificial sweetener xylitol might aid in cavity prevention. Nonetheless, more comprehensive research is necessary to substantiate these findings.

In terms of calcium content, calcium lactate generally supplies lesser amounts of calcium compared to more commonly used forms such as calcium carbonate and calcium citrate. Consequently, to achieve similar calcium levels, calcium lactate supplements may require larger dosages, which could make them more challenging to consume, particularly for individuals in Canada who may prefer smaller pills.

Moreover, while calcium lactate is typically less likely to cause constipation compared to calcium carbonate, it does not offer any advantages beyond those associated with calcium citrate. This is a key reason why it is infrequently the primary ingredient in most calcium supplements. Calcium lactate is often incorporated into calcium supplements, potentially enhancing bone health, oral hygiene, and blood pressure management, and it may even lower the risk of colon cancer for those unable to meet their calcium needs through dietary sources alone.

Safety and Precautions

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified calcium lactate as generally recognized as safe (GRAS), which allows its incorporation into a wide array of food products, excluding infant foods and formulas. This makes calcium lactate a reliable source of calcium in dietary supplements, particularly because it contains a lower concentration of calcium compared to other forms. Consequently, it is less likely to induce the gastrointestinal disturbances, such as constipation or upset stomach, often seen with supplements that contain calcium carbonate.

However, it is crucial to be aware that consuming excessive amounts of calcium lactate can lead to hypercalcemia — a serious condition marked by elevated calcium levels in the blood, potentially resulting in heart or kidney complications. To mitigate these risks, individuals should adhere to the recommended safe upper intake levels (UL): 2,500 mg per day for adults under 50, 2,000 mg per day for those aged 51 and older, and 3,000 mg per day for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals younger than 19.

Additionally, calcium lactate supplements can interact with various medications, including diuretics, antibiotics, and anti-seizure medications. Therefore, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider prior to initiating any supplementation regimen. Overall, while calcium lactate is generally acknowledged as a safe food preservative, caution is warranted in supplement form due to potential interactions and the risk of hypercalcemia from excessive intake.

The Bottom Line

Calcium lactate is a widely utilized food additive that serves multiple purposes, including stabilizing, thickening, enhancing flavor, firming, or leavening various foods. This compound is predominantly found in processed items such as jams and canned products, but it can also be incorporated into fresh cheeses, pastas, and fruits. In India, for instance, it may be added to traditional sweets for texture and preservation. In addition to its culinary applications, calcium lactate is present in some pharmaceutical formulations and is often the primary source of calcium in particular dietary supplements. Generally recognized as safe, it does not pose significant risks when consumed in typical amounts. However, excessive intake of calcium through supplements can lead to health complications. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dosage and ensure safe consumption.