Comparing E333 - Calcium citrates vs E327 - calcium lactate

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Overview

E333 - Calcium citrates

Calcium citrates (E333) are the calcium salts of citric acid. They act mainly as acidity regulators and metal binders (sequestrants), and they are also used to add calcium to foods and drinks. You’ll most often see them listed as “calcium citrate” on labels.

E327 - calcium lactate

Calcium lactate (E327) is the calcium salt of lactic acid. Food makers use it to help keep fruits and vegetables firm, regulate acidity, and add a mild source of calcium to recipes. It’s widely permitted in the U.S. and EU and is considered safe when used in normal amounts in foods.

Synonyms

E333

Calcium citrates

Calcium citrate

Calcium salts of citric acid

E327

calcium lactate

Functions

acidity regulator sequestrant stabilizer

acidity regulator firming agent sequestrant stabilizer thickener

Origins

Products

Found in 59 products

Found in 1,709 products

Search rank & volume

#9422K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

#1855.3K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

Awareness score

×50.40

over-aware

×0.46

under-aware

Search volume over time

Interest over time for 4 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Popular questions

Does calcium citrate cause constipation?
At the small amounts used in foods (E333), it’s unlikely to cause constipation; at supplement doses, some people may experience it, but calcium citrate is generally less constipating than calcium carbonate.
Which is better for osteoporosis calcium citrate or carbonate?
Both can help if total calcium and vitamin D intake are adequate; calcium citrate is better absorbed (especially with low stomach acid) and gentler on the gut, while carbonate has more elemental calcium per tablet, costs less, but is more likely to cause constipation and should be taken with food.
Is calcium citrate the same as calcium?
No—calcium citrate is the calcium salt of citric acid (E333) that supplies calcium; “calcium” refers to the elemental mineral itself.
What is the difference between calcium and calcium citrate?
Calcium is the elemental nutrient, whereas calcium citrate is a compound that delivers calcium bound to citrate (about 21–24% calcium by weight) and is used as a food additive (E333) and in supplements; the citrate form is more soluble and well absorbed.
Can calcium citrate cause constipation?
At food-use levels it’s unlikely; at supplement doses it can in some people, though it tends to cause less constipation than calcium carbonate.