After both a bypass and a sleeve, there is less hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the stomach, bringing your pH levels up. Higher pH means that the environment in your pouch is less acidic, and this has a crucial effect on your body’s ability to absorb calcium, making the type of calcium you use important.
The calcium you find in supplements is bound to salts, typically in the forms of calcium carbonate and calcium citrate.
Calcium carbonate is the type of calcium found in all prescription options in Sweden, while we at Baricol use calcium citrate. Calcium citrate is a “softer” salt that is more soluble than calcium carbonate.
This means that calcium citrate is absorbed better in a less acidic environment than calcium carbonate. Therefore, calcium citrate a better source of calcium for someone who has less HCl in their system, like those who have had bariatric surgery or who take acid blockers/reducers.
Calcium citrate is the preferred form of calcium according to the Nordic Guidelines who recommend supplementing 500mg of calcium daily after bariatric surgery in addition to the calcium from your food.
Baricol® Complete contains 1000mg of calcium citrate.