PROCESS FOR THE FORMATION OF A META-STABLE COMPLEX OF MALATE, CITRATE AND CALCIUM

摘要

A metastable complex of calcium, citrate and malate is disclosed. This material is highly bioavailable, and is soluble in both neutral and acid solutions. The salt is prepared by the reaction of calcium carbonate, calcium hydroxide or calcium oxide with citric and malic acids in aqueous solution. The reaction mixture is dried at a temperature of less than 100 DEG C, and the resultant solid is a metastable solid. The solid can be ground to reduce the particle size for easier tabletting or adding to foods and beverages. Preferred salts are neutral and acidic salts which can be expressed by molar ratios.