Assessment on quality of complex amino acid chelated calcium and its calcium supplementation effect in rats

  Objective  To prepared complex amino acid chelated calcium (CAACC) with a by-product of Chlamys farreri processing and to assess the quality and calcium supplementation effect of the prepared CAACC for effective utilization of Chlamys farreri processing by-product.

  Methods  The quality and stability of the prepared CAACC were assessed with detections of heavy metals and other harmful substances, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and in vitro simulation of gastrointestinal digestive system. Meanwhile, the calcium supplementation effect of CAACC was evaluated with visceral index, serum biochemical index, bone mineral density and other indicators in experimental rats.

  Results  The detection results indicated that the prepared CAACC met relevant quality standards, with high absorption and utilization rate. In experimental rats, the apparent absorption rate of calcium ions in CAACC was (81.83 ± 8.48)% and the retention rate was 81.37 ± 5.53%; furthermore, bone mineral density of the rats treated with the prepared CAACC increased significantly (P < 0.05).

  Conclusion  The complex amino acid chelated calcium prepared with a by-product of Chlamys farreri processing is a potential and efficient calcium supplement agent.