# Calcium Maleate **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/calcium-maleate **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-04-04 **Evidence Score:** 2 / 10 **Category:** Mineral **Also Known As:** calcium malate, malic acid calcium salt, calcium salt of malic acid, calcium hydrogen malate, E352ii, calcium DL-malate ## Overview Calcium maleate is an inorganic calcium salt formed by combining calcium with maleic acid, theoretically delivering elemental calcium to support [bone mineralization](/ingredients/condition/bone-health) and cellular signaling. Unlike well-studied calcium salts such as calcium citrate or carbonate, it lacks clinical validation and is used primarily in food buffering and industrial applications. ## Health Benefits • No specific health benefits documented - research dossier contains no clinical studies • Chemical properties suggest potential calcium supplementation - no evidence quality available • May serve as buffering agent in food applications - based on physical properties only • Slight water solubility indicates possible absorption - no bioavailability studies found • Used as seasoning agent meeting 97.5% purity standards - food grade application only ## Mechanism of Action As a calcium salt, calcium maleate would theoretically dissociate in aqueous environments to release Ca²⁺ ions, which participate in hydroxyapatite crystal formation in bone via osteoblast-mediated mineralization. Intracellularly, free calcium ions interact with calmodulin and activate downstream kinases including CaM kinase II, supporting muscle contraction and [neurotransmitter release](/ingredients/condition/cognitive). The maleate anion itself may undergo limited metabolic conversion to fumarate via maleate hydratase, but no pharmacokinetic data confirm this pathway in humans following oral supplementation. ## Clinical Summary No published human clinical trials, randomized controlled studies, or observational cohort data currently document the effects of calcium maleate supplementation on any health outcome. Its bioavailability compared to calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, or calcium glycinate has not been quantified in peer-reviewed literature. In vitro solubility data suggest only slight water solubility, which may limit intestinal absorption relative to more soluble calcium forms such as calcium citrate. Given the complete absence of clinical evidence, no efficacy claims, dosing recommendations, or comparative effectiveness conclusions can be responsibly drawn. ## Nutritional Profile Calcium Maleate is an inorganic calcium salt formed from calcium and maleic acid (a dicarboxylic acid). As a mineral compound, its primary nutritional component is elemental calcium, with a theoretical calcium content of approximately 21-23% by molecular weight based on its chemical formula (CaC4H2O4). It contains no macronutrients (zero protein, fat, or carbohydrate contribution at functional use levels), no dietary fiber, and no vitamins. The maleate anion (C4H2O4²⁻) is derived from maleic acid and is not a recognized essential nutrient. Bioavailability data is absent from published literature; however, slight water solubility (noted in existing data) suggests partial ionic dissociation in aqueous environments, which is a prerequisite for intestinal [calcium absorption](/ingredients/condition/bone-health) — though solubility alone does not confirm bioavailability. For comparison, well-studied calcium salts such as calcium citrate show approximately 21% elemental calcium with relatively good absorption; calcium carbonate shows ~40% elemental calcium but requires gastric acid. Calcium Maleate's absorption profile remains uncharacterized in clinical settings. It is used at functional (seasoning/buffering) levels in food, meaning dietary calcium contribution per serving is likely negligible compared to established calcium supplements. No bioactive compounds, [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)s, or secondary metabolites are associated with this ingredient. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosage ranges have been established for calcium maleate. The research dossier contains no information on recommended forms, standardization, or therapeutic doses. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions No formal safety studies, toxicology profiles, or tolerable upper intake level assessments specific to calcium maleate have been published in peer-reviewed literature. As a calcium-delivering compound, theoretical risks parallel those of other calcium salts, including hypercalcemia at excessive doses, kidney stone formation in susceptible individuals, and constipation. Calcium ions broadly interact with several drug classes, potentially reducing absorption of tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolones, bisphosphonates, levothyroxine, and iron supplements when co-administered. Pregnant or nursing individuals should avoid calcium maleate due to the absence of any reproductive safety data and should instead use clinically validated calcium forms under medical supervision. ## Scientific Research No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses specifically on calcium maleate were identified in the available research. PubChem entries list general literature and patents but contain no linked PubMed PMIDs for clinical studies on this compound. ## Historical & Cultural Context No historical or traditional medicinal uses of calcium maleate are documented in the available research. The compound appears to be primarily used in modern food applications as a buffering or seasoning agent. ## Synergistic Combinations No synergistic compounds identified in research ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is calcium maleate used for? Calcium maleate is primarily used as a buffering and stabilizing agent in food processing applications, leveraging the acid-neutralizing capacity of its maleate anion. It is not an established dietary supplement ingredient and has no documented therapeutic application validated by clinical research. Consumer supplement products featuring calcium maleate are rare, and its use as a calcium source remains largely theoretical. ### How does calcium maleate compare to calcium citrate or calcium carbonate? Calcium citrate and calcium carbonate have extensive clinical trial data supporting their bioavailability, dosing, and efficacy for bone health, whereas calcium maleate has none. Calcium citrate is notably well-absorbed even without food, providing roughly 21% elemental calcium by weight, while calcium carbonate offers about 40% elemental calcium but requires stomach acid for absorption. No head-to-head bioavailability study comparing calcium maleate to these standard forms has been published. ### Is calcium maleate safe to take as a supplement? There is no published toxicology data, safety study, or regulatory review specifically evaluating calcium maleate as an oral supplement in humans. Without established safe dosing ranges or adverse event data, it cannot be confirmed as safe for supplemental use. Individuals seeking calcium supplementation are strongly advised to choose clinically studied forms such as calcium citrate or calcium carbonate, which have well-documented safety profiles. ### Does calcium maleate interact with any medications? While no calcium maleate-specific drug interaction studies exist, calcium ions as a class are known to chelate and reduce the absorption of tetracyclines, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, bisphosphonates like alendronate, levothyroxine, and oral iron preparations when taken simultaneously. A general recommendation for calcium supplements is to separate dosing by at least two hours from these medications. The maleate anion has no well-characterized drug interaction profile in humans. ### What foods or supplements naturally contain calcium maleate? Calcium maleate does not occur naturally in significant quantities in whole foods and is not a standard ingredient in mainstream dietary supplements. It may appear as an additive or processing aid in certain manufactured food products where pH control is required. Naturally occurring dietary calcium is predominantly found as calcium phosphate in dairy products and calcium oxalate in plant foods, not as calcium maleate. ### What is the bioavailability of calcium maleate compared to other calcium forms? Calcium maleate has slight water solubility based on its chemical properties, but no bioavailability studies have been conducted to confirm how efficiently your body absorbs it compared to established forms like calcium citrate or malate. Without clinical research data, it is difficult to determine whether this form offers superior or inferior absorption rates. If bioavailability is a primary concern, forms with documented absorption rates may be a more evidence-based choice. ### Is calcium maleate safe for children or during pregnancy? There are no clinical safety studies specifically evaluating calcium maleate use in children or during pregnancy, making it impossible to establish safe dosing guidelines for these populations. Pregnant women and parents should consult a healthcare provider before using calcium maleate, as well-researched calcium forms with established safety profiles may be preferable. Standard calcium supplementation is important during pregnancy, but the specific form chosen should be supported by safety evidence. ### How much calcium maleate should I take daily, and when is the best time? No clinical studies have established recommended dosing guidelines or optimal timing for calcium maleate supplementation. Without research data on absorption kinetics or bioavailability, standard calcium dosing recommendations (typically 1,000–1,200 mg daily for adults) cannot be reliably applied to this specific form. A healthcare provider can offer personalized guidance, though they may recommend better-studied calcium forms with established dosing protocols. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*