Chocolate and Calcium Supplements

by James Sloane

A new trend is the addition of calcium with chocolate for calcium supplements, such as chewable calcium supplements. From a marketing standpoint this may sound like a great idea. From a practical standpoint though, it is real stupidity. Cocoa, used to make chocolate, is a rich source of oxalic acid. Oxalic acid has a high affinity for calcium, binding with it, and rendering it unusable by the body. In addition, the formation of calcium oxalate crystals may increase the risk of kidney stones in some individuals.

Coffee and teas (black, oolong, and green), are also sources of oxalic acid. For this reason calcium supplements should not be taken with these beverages. Nor should green tea be added to supplements with calcium, or be taken with calcium supplements.