Calcium Citrate
The short version
The calcium salt of citric acid — gentle calcium fortifier, well-absorbed without stomach acid.
It's widely considered safe at the amounts used in food, so we mark it green. The Safety section below has the details.
Where it comes from
Produced by reacting citric acid with calcium hydroxide or calcium carbonate. The tricalcium form is the standard food and supplement grade.
How it's used
The dominant calcium-fortification source in plant-milk alternatives (soy, almond, oat milks) and calcium-fortified orange juice. Also used as a firming agent and buffer in cheese, and as a calcium supplement form (unlike calcium carbonate, calcium citrate does not require stomach acid for absorption, making it preferred for elderly users and PPI patients).
Safety profile
ADI not specified — well-tolerated. Excess calcium intake mainly an issue from supplements (not from food-level fortification).
Physical & chemical properties
White crystalline powder. Sparingly soluble in water (more soluble than calcium carbonate). Stable in storage.
Regulation worldwide
Permitted globally without restrictive limits.
Educational information only. Not medical or dietary advice.