Home Ingredients DimaCal® (Dicalcium Malate - Balchem/Albion)
Bone Health

DimaCal® (Dicalcium Malate - Balchem/Albion)

Evidence Level
Moderate
2 Clinical Trials
5 Documented Benefits
3/5 Evidence Score

DimaCal is a patented, branded form of dicalcium malate from Balchem (originally Albion Minerals), in which two calcium ions are bound to a single molecule of malic acid, the organic acid found naturally in apples. Its main selling points are a high elemental calcium load, about 29 percent by weight, which is more concentrated than calcium citrate at roughly 21 percent, and good solubility that does not depend on strong stomach acid. That combination is marketed for efficient absorption with less of the bloating, gas, and constipation sometimes linked to calcium carbonate. Like all calcium, it is used mainly to support bone health.

Studied Dose Provides roughly 290 mg elemental calcium per gram. General calcium targets are about 1,000 to 1,200 mg elemental calcium per day from food plus supplements, taken in divided doses of 500 to 600 mg at a time for best absorption.
Active Compound Dicalcium malate (two calcium ions bound to one malic acid molecule), branded as DimaCal by Balchem/Albion. About 29 percent elemental calcium by weight; covered under US Patent 6,706,904.

Benefits

High Elemental Calcium

At about 29 percent elemental calcium by weight, DimaCal packs more calcium per gram than calcium citrate, so a given dose can be delivered in fewer or smaller pills.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Absorption Without Strong Stomach Acid

Dicalcium malate is soluble even at higher stomach pH, so it does not depend on a strongly acidic stomach the way calcium carbonate does. This makes it a practical option for older adults and people on acid-reducing medication.

Supported by Trial 2

Gentler on Digestion

The malate form is marketed as less likely to cause the bloating, gas, and constipation that some people experience with calcium carbonate, which can improve adherence to a daily calcium routine.

Supported by Trial 2, Trial 1

Bone Health Support

As a well-absorbed calcium source, DimaCal supplies the calcium the body uses to build and maintain bone mineral density, the central role of any calcium supplement.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Longer-Acting Calcium Delivery

Manufacturer data describe a longer absorption half-life for dicalcium malate than some other calcium salts, which may help maintain a steadier supply of calcium to the body.

Supported by Trial 2

Mechanism of action

1

Organic-Acid Chelate Solubility

Binding calcium to malic acid keeps it soluble across a range of pH values, so it dissolves and ionizes for absorption without needing a high-acid environment.

2

Malate as a Metabolic Carrier

Malic acid is a normal intermediate of the Krebs (citric acid) cycle, providing a biologically familiar carrier that releases calcium for uptake in the small intestine.

3

Calcium-Driven Bone Mineralization

Absorbed calcium is deposited as hydroxyapatite in bone and supports the calcium balance the body draws on for nerve, muscle, and clotting function.

4

pH-Independent Dissolution

Because dissolution does not rely on gastric acid, a larger fraction of the dose stays available for absorption in people with low stomach acid.

Clinical trials

1
EFSA Evaluation of Di-Calcium Malate (Scientific Opinion)

European Food Safety Authority scientific evaluation of di-calcium malate as a calcium source (2018).

Regulatory safety and bioavailability assessment.

EFSA concluded that di-calcium malate is a suitable and bioavailable source of calcium for food supplements and foods, with no safety concerns at expected intakes.

2
Comparative Absorption of Calcium Sources

Review comparing the absorption of calcium salts, including malate forms.

Human absorption data across calcium salts.

Organic-acid calcium salts such as malate forms were absorbed well relative to calcium carbonate, supporting the bioavailability rationale for dicalcium malate.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Constipation possible, though often reported as milder than with calcium carbonate.
Gas or bloating (uncommon).
Risk of high blood calcium (hypercalcemia) if total intake is excessive.
May raise kidney stone risk in susceptible people at high doses.
Can reduce absorption of iron and zinc if taken at the same time.

Important Drug interactions

LEVOTHYROXINE / THYROID HORMONE - calcium binds thyroid medication; separate by at least 4 hours.
TETRACYCLINE / QUINOLONE ANTIBIOTICS - calcium chelates these drugs; separate dosing by 2 to 4 hours.
IRON SUPPLEMENTS - calcium competes with iron uptake; take at different times.
BISPHOSPHONATES - calcium reduces absorption; separate dosing per the drug's instructions.

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Frequently asked questions about DimaCal® (Dicalcium Malate - Balchem/Albion)

What is DimaCal® (Dicalcium Malate - Balchem/Albion)?

DimaCal is a patented, branded form of dicalcium malate from Balchem (originally Albion Minerals), in which two calcium ions are bound to a single molecule of malic acid, the organic acid found naturally in apples.

What is the recommended dosage of DimaCal® (Dicalcium Malate - Balchem/Albion)?

The clinically studied dose for DimaCal® (Dicalcium Malate - Balchem/Albion) is Provides roughly 290 mg elemental calcium per gram. General calcium targets are about 1,000 to 1,200 mg elemental calcium per day from food plus supplements, taken in divided doses of 500 to 600 mg at a time for best absorption.. Always follow product labeling and consult a healthcare provider for personalized dosing recommendations.

What is DimaCal® (Dicalcium Malate - Balchem/Albion) used for?

DimaCal® (Dicalcium Malate - Balchem/Albion) is studied for high elemental calcium, absorption without strong stomach acid, gentler on digestion. At about 29 percent elemental calcium by weight, DimaCal packs more calcium per gram than calcium citrate, so a given dose can be delivered in fewer or smaller pills.

Are there side effects from taking DimaCal® (Dicalcium Malate - Balchem/Albion)?

Reported potential side effects may include: Constipation possible, though often reported as milder than with calcium carbonate. Gas or bloating (uncommon). Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have underlying conditions or take medications.

Is DimaCal® (Dicalcium Malate - Balchem/Albion) safe to take?

Whether DimaCal® (Dicalcium Malate - Balchem/Albion) is safe depends on the dose, your overall health, and any medications you take. At studied doses, reported side effects can include: Constipation possible, though often reported as milder than with calcium carbonate. It may also interact with certain medications. DimaCal® (Dicalcium Malate - Balchem/Albion) is not suitable for everyone — consult a healthcare provider before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medications.

References(4 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Younes M, Aggett P, Aguilar F, Crebelli R, Dusemund B, Filipič M, et al. Evaluation of di-calcium malate, used as a novel food ingredient and as a source of calcium in foods for the general population, food supplements, total diet replacement for weight control and food for special medical purposes. EFSA J. 2018;16(6):e05291. doi: 10.2903/j.efsa.2018.5291.PubMedUsed to support: European Food Safety Authority scientific evaluation of di-calcium malate: concluded it is a suitable, bioavailable source of calcium for food supplements and foods. Directly supports the identity and calcium-source role of dicalcium malate (DimaCal).
  2. Patrick L. Comparative absorption of calcium sources and calcium citrate malate for the prevention of osteoporosis. Altern Med Rev. 1999;4(2):74-85.PubMedUsed to support: Review comparing absorption of different calcium salts, including malate forms, for bone health. Supports the rationale that organic-acid calcium salts such as malate are well absorbed relative to calcium carbonate.
  3. Reinwald S, Weaver CM, Kester JJ. The health benefits of calcium citrate malate: a review of the supporting science. Adv Food Nutr Res. 2008;54:219-346. doi: 10.1016/S1043-4526(07)00006-X.PubMedUsed to support: Comprehensive review of calcium citrate malate, a closely related malate-bound calcium salt, documenting strong bioavailability and bone benefits. Used here as supporting evidence for malate-bound calcium forms; not dicalcium-malate-specific.
  4. Dawson-Hughes B. Calcium and protein in bone health. Proc Nutr Soc. 2003;62(2):505-9. doi: 10.1079/PNS2003267.PubMedUsed to support: Review of calcium in bone health, supporting the core bone-health benefit of supplemental calcium regardless of the specific salt form used to deliver it.