Calcium Content in Tums
Understanding Tums Formulations
- The American Journal of Kidney Diseases reports that Tums EX (extra strength) provides 300 mg of elemental calcium per tablet, Tums Ultra provides 400 mg, and Tums 500 provides 500 mg of elemental calcium per tablet 1
- Tums EX contains 750 mg calcium carbonate, providing 300 mg elemental calcium per tablet, Tums Ultra contains 1,000 mg calcium carbonate, providing 400 mg elemental calcium per tablet, and Tums 500 contains 1,250 mg calcium carbonate, providing 500 mg elemental calcium per tablet 1
Why the Difference Between Total and Elemental Calcium
- Calcium carbonate contains 40% elemental calcium by weight, meaning that only 40% of the total calcium carbonate weight represents absorbable calcium, as reported by the American Journal of Kidney Diseases and the New England Journal of Medicine 1, 2
Practical Dosing Considerations
- To achieve 1,500 mg of elemental calcium daily, 5 tablets of Tums EX or 3.75 tablets of Tums Ultra are needed, according to the American Journal of Kidney Diseases 1
- The New England Journal of Medicine recommends taking Tums with meals to optimize absorption, as calcium carbonate requires gastric acid for proper dissolution 2
- The New England Journal of Medicine suggests dividing doses into 500 mg or less of elemental calcium per administration to maximize absorption and minimize gastrointestinal side effects 2
Important Caveats
- The New England Journal of Medicine states that calcium carbonate is more likely to cause constipation and bloating compared to other calcium forms 2
- If acid-reducing medications are taken, the New England Journal of Medicine prefers calcium citrate over calcium carbonate because it doesn't require stomach acid for absorption 2
- The New England Journal of Medicine advises not to exceed 2,000-2,500 mg of total elemental calcium per day from all sources to avoid kidney stones and potential cardiovascular concerns 2