Thorne Research, Dicalcium Malate, 120 Vegetarian Capsules THR-00650

I did quite a lot of research before purchasing this product. It is shown to be highly absorbable. I'm sure it is, however, that was not the case for me specifically. I inspect my stool (I know, gross..) and found pockets of dry white chalky substance while taking this. It also caused my stool color to change from brown to grey. Weird. I decided to dissolve it in water and drink it as a solution rather than swallowing capsules whole, but the powder just did not go into solution at all. The taste was also very sour. This leads me to believe that for someone with ibs, like me, it is probably irritating. Lots of things irritate my gut, like acid. It was certainly irritated at this time, but I can't identify this supplement as the specific cause. In any case, I am now using calcium citrate. It is mild in flavor (not acidic), is not visible in my stool (assume it disintegrates properly), and does not change stool color. At the end of the day, I am hoping to see a decrease in PTH as a result of supplementing with the citrate form of calcium, which it is shown to do. GNC calcium citrate was approved by consumer lab, has minimal additives, and is very inexpensive.

I read up on this type of calcium before purchasing. I was looking for something that was easy on the stomach but highly absorbable. This calcium formulation is supposed to fit the bill. I have taken many types of calcium because I have a strong calcium deficiency do to hypoparathyroidism. Unfortunately, taking this calcium has allowed my calcium levels to drop lower and lower, it does not seem to be absorbing into my body hardly at all. It was a waste of money.

My doctor recommended this calcium supplement as other over the counter supplements haven’t worked for me. She wanted me to start with 2 capsules daily and increase the dose to 2 capsules 2-3 daily. I started taking only 1 capsule daily to see how my body did with that. On the 3rd day, I got really bad abdominal pain (thought I had to go to the ER). This gave me bad constipation and nausea. Stopped taking the supplement that day and it took another 3 days for my body to go back to normal. Not taking this ever again!

This is my first try with this brand. I was impressed with their product description and videos. I am on a prescription drug that causes bone loss. After a little research I felt that this was a good choice.

As someone who's not in their 30s anymore, my doctor recommended this particular calcium supplement as it's easier for the body to absorb and use than most other supplements. I don't do much dairy so this is a great way to supplement my diet.