Calcium Orotate Monohydrate

Calcium Orotate Monohydrate is a calcium salt of orotic acid (pyrimidine-2,4-diol-6-carboxylic acid) combined with one water molecule, theorized to enhance cellular calcium delivery via orotate's membrane transport properties. Unlike inorganic calcium salts, the orotate carrier molecule is proposed to facilitate intracellular uptake, though no controlled human clinical trials have confirmed this mechanism or any health benefit.

Origin & History

Calcium orotate monohydrate is a synthetic calcium salt of orotic acid, a pyrimidine derivative with the molecular formula C10H6CaN4O8·H2O. It is produced chemically rather than extracted from natural sources and appears as a solid with a melting point of 197-199°C, sparingly soluble in water.

Historical & Cultural Context

No historical or traditional medicinal uses are documented for calcium orotate monohydrate in the provided research. The compound appears to be a modern synthetic creation without traditional usage history.

Health Benefits

• No clinically proven health benefits - no human trials found in available research
• Classified as a natural health product ingredient providing orotic acid - regulatory status only
• Theoretical calcium supplementation potential - no clinical evidence available
• No documented therapeutic effects - absence of RCTs or meta-analyses
• Safety and efficacy remain unestablished - requires clinical investigation

How It Works

Calcium Orotate Monohydrate dissociates in the gastrointestinal tract to release calcium ions and orotic acid (vitamin B13 precursor). The orotate anion is theorized to pass through cell membranes by piggybacking on orotic acid transport channels involved in pyrimidine biosynthesis, potentially increasing intracellular calcium availability compared to carbonate or citrate salts. However, no peer-reviewed pharmacokinetic studies have measured plasma calcium AUC, bioavailability ratios, or receptor-level activity specific to this monohydrate salt form in humans.

Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses for calcium orotate monohydrate were found in the available research. The current evidence base consists only of chemical characterization data without any clinical outcome studies or PubMed-indexed trials.

Clinical Summary

As of available research, no published human clinical trials have investigated Calcium Orotate Monohydrate specifically for any health outcome, including bone density, cardiovascular function, or muscle physiology. The broader category of calcium orotates has minimal human trial data, with most theoretical claims originating from Hans Nieper's largely unverified clinical observations from the 1970s–1980s. Regulatory bodies such as Health Canada classify it solely as a natural health product ingredient supplying calcium and orotic acid, without approving therapeutic claims. The absence of randomized controlled trials, dose-response data, and safety endpoints makes evidence-based recommendations impossible at this time.

Nutritional Profile

Calcium Orotate Monohydrate is a calcium salt of orotic acid (pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione-6-carboxylic acid) with one water molecule of crystallization. Molecular formula: C5H4CaN2O4·H2O; molecular weight approximately 228.19 g/mol. Elemental calcium content: approximately 17.6% by weight, meaning a 100 mg dose delivers roughly 17-18 mg elemental calcium. Orotic acid content: approximately 78% by weight. As a mineral salt, it contains no macronutrients (zero protein, fat, or carbohydrate contribution at supplemental doses), no dietary fiber, and negligible caloric value. The orotic acid component is a naturally occurring pyrimidine precursor involved in endogenous pyrimidine biosynthesis pathways. Bioavailability: calcium orotate is theorized to cross cell membranes more readily than inorganic calcium salts (e.g., calcium carbonate ~40% elemental calcium, calcium citrate ~21%) due to the lipophilic character of the orotate carrier molecule, but this claim lacks robust human pharmacokinetic data. Comparative elemental calcium content is lower than calcium carbonate and calcium citrate per unit weight. No significant vitamin content. No fiber. No notable secondary bioactive compounds beyond the orotate anion itself. Water molecule contributes negligible mass at supplemental doses.

Preparation & Dosage

No clinically studied dosage ranges are available for calcium orotate monohydrate in any form. No standardization details or recommended doses have been established through clinical research. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

Synergy & Pairings

Insufficient evidence to recommend synergistic combinations

Safety & Interactions

No formal human safety trials exist for Calcium Orotate Monohydrate, but calcium supplementation in general carries risks of hypercalcemia at doses exceeding 2,500 mg elemental calcium per day, presenting as nausea, constipation, and impaired kidney function. Orotic acid at high doses has demonstrated hepatotoxic and lipogenic effects in animal models, raising theoretical concern for liver stress, though the doses used in those studies far exceed typical supplement amounts. Calcium ions can reduce absorption of tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolones, bisphosphonates, levothyroxine, and iron supplements when taken concurrently. Pregnancy and lactation safety has not been studied for this specific salt form; standard calcium needs during pregnancy (1,000–1,300 mg/day elemental calcium) should be met through clinically validated forms under medical supervision.