Calcium supplement having enhanced absorption

Abstract

Dietary calcium supplements comprising highly bioavailable forms of calcium carbonate and methods of using these calcium carbonate forms to improve calcium balance, strengthen bones, and prevent, treat, and/or ameliorate bone loss associated with osteoporosis are provided.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A calcium dietary supplement tablet comprising about 1,500 mg of precipitated calcium carbonate powder and having a volume from about 0.75 to about 1 ml. 
     
     
         2 . A calcium dietary supplement tablet according to  claim 1  having a volume from about 0.8 to about 0.9 ml. 
     
     
         3 . A calcium dietary supplement tablet according to  claim 1 , further comprising maltodextrin, oil, and glycerin. 
     
     
         4 . A calcium dietary supplement tablet according to  claim 1 , wherein the precipitated calcium carbonate comprises cubic-shaped crystals. 
     
     
         5 . A calcium dietary supplement tablet according to  claim 1 , wherein the precipitated calcium carbonate comprises prismatic-shaped crystals. 
     
     
         6 . A calcium dietary supplement tablet according to  claim 1 , wherein the precipitated calcium carbonate comprises rose-shaped crystals. 
     
     
         7 . A calcium dietary supplement tablet according to  claim 1 , wherein the precipitated calcium carbonate comprises needle-shaped crystals. 
     
     
         8 . A calcium dietary supplement tablet according to  claim 1 , wherein the precipitated calcium carbonate comprises barrel-shaped crystals. 
     
     
         9 . A calcium dietary supplement tablet according to  claim 1 , wherein the precipitated calcium carbonate is combined with one or more additional calcium carbonate powders. 
     
     
         10 . A calcium dietary supplement tablet according to  claim 1 , wherein the precipitated calcium carbonate is food grade. 
     
     
         11 . A calcium dietary supplement tablet according to  claim 1 , wherein the precipitated calcium carbonate is USP grade. 
     
     
         12 . A calcium dietary supplement tablet according to  claim 1 , further comprising at least about 200 I.U. of vitamin D. 
     
     
         13 . A calcium dietary supplement tablet according to  claim 1 , further comprising at least about 400 I.U. of vitamin D. 
     
     
         14 . A calcium dietary supplement tablet according to  claim 1 , further comprising at least about 600 I.U. of vitamin D. 
     
     
         15 . A calcium dietary supplement tablet according to  claim 1 , further comprising at least about 800 I.U. of vitamin D. 
     
     
         16 . A calcium dietary supplement tablet according to  claim 1 , further comprising at least about 1,000 I.U. of vitamin D.