# Calcium Lactate Pentahydrate **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/calcium-lactate-pentahydrate **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-04-03 **Evidence Score:** 2 / 10 **Category:** Mineral **Also Known As:** Calcium dilactate pentahydrate, Calcium 2-hydroxypropanoate pentahydrate, Lactic acid calcium salt pentahydrate, Calcium lactate 5-hydrate, C₆H₁₀CaO₆·5H₂O ## Overview Calcium lactate pentahydrate is a calcium salt of lactic acid (Ca(C3H5O3)2·5H2O) that dissociates in aqueous solution to release Ca²⁺ ions, making it a soluble delivery form of elemental calcium. It contains approximately 13% elemental calcium by weight and is used primarily as a food additive, firming agent, and pharmaceutical excipient rather than as a standalone dietary supplement. ## Health Benefits • No specific health benefits documented - The research dossier contains no clinical trials or studies demonstrating health benefits • Calcium supplementation potential - As a calcium salt that dissociates into Ca²⁺ ions in solution, though no clinical evidence provided • Food and pharmaceutical applications - Documented use as a buffering agent in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals per Cosmetic Ingredient Review • Water solubility advantage - Freely soluble in water with good dissolution properties, though biomedical benefits not studied • Mildly alkaline properties - Produces pH of 7.4-8.2 in solution, but therapeutic applications not researched ## Mechanism of Action Upon ingestion, calcium lactate pentahydrate dissociates in the acidic environment of the stomach into Ca²⁺ ions and lactate anions, with Ca²⁺ absorbed primarily in the small intestine via transcellular transport mediated by the epithelial calcium channel TRPV6 and calbindin-D9k, both upregulated by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (calcitriol). The lactate anion may mildly enhance calcium solubility in the intestinal lumen, potentially supporting passive paracellular absorption. Absorbed Ca²⁺ is then pumped across the basolateral membrane by the plasma membrane calcium ATPase (PMCA1b) into systemic circulation, where it participates in [bone mineralization](/ingredients/condition/bone-health) via hydroxyapatite formation, nerve conduction, and enzymatic cofactor roles. ## Clinical Summary No dedicated clinical trials specifically evaluating calcium lactate pentahydrate as a dietary supplement have been identified in the published literature. General calcium supplementation research, including large trials such as the Women's Health Initiative (n=36,282), demonstrates that supplemental calcium can reduce fracture risk and support [bone mineral density](/ingredients/condition/bone-health), though these findings used calcium carbonate or citrate rather than the pentahydrate lactate form. The relative bioavailability of calcium lactate compared to calcium carbonate has been examined in small pharmacokinetic studies suggesting comparable or slightly superior absorption under low-acid conditions, but robust head-to-head RCT data for the pentahydrate form specifically are absent. The overall evidence base for calcium lactate pentahydrate's clinical efficacy as a health supplement is therefore considered insufficient, and any benefits are inferred from general calcium physiology. ## Nutritional Profile Calcium Lactate Pentahydrate (C6H10CaO6·5H2O) is a calcium salt of lactic acid with a molecular weight of 308.29 g/mol. Elemental calcium content: approximately 13% by weight (130mg Ca²⁺ per gram of compound), making it one of the more bioavailable inorganic calcium salts. The pentahydrate form contains approximately 29% water of crystallization by mass. As a pure mineral salt, it contains no macronutrients (zero protein, fat, or carbohydrates in functional quantities), no dietary fiber, and no vitamins. The lactate anion (C3H5O3⁻) dissociates upon dissolution and is metabolized via the Cori cycle into pyruvate, contributing negligible caloric value. Calcium bioavailability is considered moderate-to-high compared to calcium carbonate, as it does not require gastric acid for dissolution — absorption occurs effectively even in achlorhydric individuals. Solubility in water is approximately 5.5g/100mL at 25°C, significantly higher than calcium carbonate (<0.1g/100mL), which supports improved intestinal absorption kinetics. No clinically established micronutrient co-factors, bioactive compounds, [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)s, or phytonutrients are present. The compound provides no dietary fiber, omega fatty acids, or amino acids. Primary nutritional relevance is limited to elemental calcium contribution, estimated at approximately 13mg elemental Ca²⁺ per 100mg of compound administered. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosage ranges are available as no clinical studies were found in the research. The compound is used as a buffering agent in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, but therapeutic doses have not been established. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Calcium lactate pentahydrate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA at doses used in food applications, and elemental calcium intakes up to 2,500 mg/day are considered the tolerable upper intake level (UL) for adults by the Institute of Medicine. Common side effects associated with calcium supplementation in general include gastrointestinal discomfort, constipation, and bloating, though the lactate form is often considered gentler on the GI tract than calcium carbonate due to its higher aqueous solubility. Calcium supplementation can impair the absorption of iron, zinc, and certain medications including bisphosphonates (e.g., alendronate), fluoroquinolone and tetracycline antibiotics, and levothyroxine when taken concurrently, requiring time-separated dosing. Hypercalcemia risk exists in individuals with hyperpara[thyroid](/ingredients/condition/hormonal)ism, vitamin D toxicity, or renal impairment; pregnant and lactating women should not exceed established dietary reference intakes without medical supervision. ## Scientific Research No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses for calcium lactate pentahydrate were identified in the research dossier. The compound is primarily documented as a chemical entity used in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications without referenced biomedical trials or PubMed citations. ## Historical & Cultural Context No historical or traditional medicinal uses in any systems including Ayurveda or Traditional Chinese Medicine were mentioned in the research. The compound appears to be a modern industrial product without documented traditional applications. ## Synergistic Combinations Vitamin D3, Magnesium, Vitamin K2, Calcium gluconate, Calcium citrate ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How much elemental calcium is in calcium lactate pentahydrate? Calcium lactate pentahydrate contains approximately 13% elemental calcium by molecular weight, compared to about 40% in calcium carbonate and 21% in calcium citrate. This means a 1,000 mg dose of calcium lactate pentahydrate delivers roughly 130 mg of elemental calcium, so larger doses are required to meet daily calcium targets of 1,000–1,200 mg of elemental calcium for adults. ### Is calcium lactate pentahydrate better absorbed than calcium carbonate? Calcium lactate pentahydrate has higher water solubility than calcium carbonate, which may give it an absorption advantage in individuals with low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria), a condition common in older adults and those using proton pump inhibitors. Calcium carbonate requires an acidic environment for dissolution, whereas the lactate salt dissociates more readily at near-neutral pH. However, no large-scale clinical trials have confirmed superior bioavailability of the pentahydrate form specifically over other calcium salts in healthy populations. ### What is calcium lactate pentahydrate used for in food products? Calcium lactate pentahydrate is approved by the FDA and EFSA (listed as E327) as a food additive used for calcium fortification, as a firming agent in canned fruits and vegetables, as a preservative to extend shelf life in cut produce, and as a leavening acid component in baking. It is also used in the food industry as a cheese-making aid and in molecular gastronomy for spherification techniques due to its high solubility and mild flavor profile. ### Can calcium lactate pentahydrate interact with medications? Yes, like all calcium salts, calcium lactate pentahydrate can chelate and reduce the oral absorption of several medications when taken simultaneously. Key interactions include bisphosphonates (alendronate, risedronate), tetracycline and fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and some antifungals; these drugs should be taken at least 2–4 hours apart from calcium supplementation. Additionally, thiazide diuretics can increase calcium reabsorption in the kidneys, raising hypercalcemia risk when combined with calcium supplements. ### Is calcium lactate pentahydrate safe during pregnancy? Calcium lactate pentahydrate is considered safe during pregnancy when consumed within established dietary reference intake levels; pregnant women aged 19–50 require 1,000 mg of elemental calcium per day, with a tolerable upper intake level of 2,500 mg/day. Adequate calcium intake during pregnancy is important for fetal skeletal development and may reduce the risk of preeclampsia, as supported by meta-analyses including the WHO's 2013 review. Pregnant women should consult a healthcare provider before using any supplemental calcium form to avoid exceeding the UL and to ensure appropriate vitamin D co-supplementation for optimal absorption. ### How does calcium lactate pentahydrate differ from other calcium salt forms? Calcium lactate pentahydrate is a calcium salt combined with lactic acid and five water molecules, making it chemically distinct from calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, and calcium gluconate. Unlike calcium carbonate, it does not require stomach acid for dissolution and may be better suited for individuals with reduced gastric acid production. The lactate component provides additional metabolic support beyond basic calcium provision, though all forms ultimately deliver bioavailable Ca²⁺ ions for absorption. ### Why is calcium lactate pentahydrate used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations? Calcium lactate pentahydrate functions as a buffering agent and stabilizer in pharmaceuticals and cosmetic products, helping maintain pH balance and prevent degradation of active ingredients. Its water-soluble nature and mild acidic environment compatibility make it preferable to less soluble calcium salts for these industrial applications. The ingredient's regulatory acceptance in food and cosmetic use reflects its stability and low irritancy profile in topical and oral formulations. ### Who would benefit most from calcium lactate pentahydrate supplementation? Individuals with low stomach acid, achlorhydria, or those taking acid-reducing medications may benefit more from calcium lactate pentahydrate than acid-dependent forms like calcium carbonate. People seeking supplementation without additional citrate or carbonate components may also find this form useful, particularly if they have sensitivities to other calcium salt excipients. However, no clinical evidence currently demonstrates superiority over alternative forms for any specific population. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*