Do tums count as calcium?

Have you ever eaten a Tums and told yourself that it’s equivalent to consuming calcium? Well, I’m here to explore whether or not that’s actually true.

What are Tums made of?

First things first, let’s take a closer look at what exactly is in a Tums tablet. Most commonly known for their antacid properties, the main ingredient in Tums is calcium carbonate. Additionally, they contain small amounts of dextrose, corn starch and artificial flavors – if your taste buds are curious.

While calcium carbonate is indeed a form of calcium, the question remains: does taking Tums result in an actual increase of dietary intake of the mineral?

Official sources

According to official Food & Drug Administration regulations (FDA), any food label can advertise itself as containing quantities high enough so as to be able ‘to support healthy bone development’ as long which contains minimum 10% Daily Value per serving size (no one cares). That being said though –

Is there really enough Calcium per Tablet?

While we know that there is calcium present in every Tum tablet – averaging around 200mg each – but how much actually goes towards daily recommended consumption?

Brand Amount/ Tablet
TUMS Chewy Bites with Gas Relief 1170 mg
TUMS Ultra Strength Assorted Berries Antacids 1000 mg
TUMS Ultra Max Strength Peppermint Antacid Chews with Gas Relief 1000mg
TUMS Smoothies Extra Strength Mixed Berry Flavor Tablets 750 mg
Medscape.com

It turns out that from the table above , each individual tablet doesn’t even meet half our daily requirement for either gender group (adolescents/adults) advised by doctors- aka women need approximately 1,000-1,300mg per DAY (CDC source) . Consequently, one tablet with only 200mg will not meet this requirement.

Is Calcium Absorbed the Same Way?

Apart from Tum’s calcium carbonate being the kind that our bones require (elementally), some concerns arise in the absorption comparison. While it is better to consume calcium via dietary sources or supplements that also have vitamin D, there is no substantial difference between how much elemental absorbed from food versus tablets taken orally as far research studies are concerned. (JAMA Network). In short -you can get your daily recommended intake of Calcium whether in form of a serve of cheese or Tums tablets.
However,the time at which you’re consuming these amounts should be considered.

Timing Matters

Calcium absorption varies with dosages and timing too i.e if you eat too little calcium at once,and do it consistently,this remains unhealthy for body & bones.Taking more than what’s probably needed doesn’t help beyond certain point either. Similarly,Timing matters related to other foods and taking appropriate doses else muscle cells begin accumulating it instead bulked up.They call these “calcium plaques”(yuck) because they progresively diminish bone health despite your dietetically healthier choices otherwise.

Nevertheless,it might interest consumer record straight that high amount of dosage-ivereversion can lead to constipation,indefinite kidney problems or hip fractures just as would low intake ,even regression.(nothing ever goes well)

So Do Tums actually count as Calcium? Or no?

Well If we were solely basing this on educational content alone, yes…theoretically. But considering such minor tangible effect and healthy alternatives available(hellloooo salmon!) wrt timed consumption may contain large implications regarding nutrient requirements,i seeno reason why not rely purely off tums,should definitely serve towards needful conversations about our nutrition and structure….or make sure pizza and dairy doesn’t become your only staple dietry go-to(oopsie).

Random Posts