Over the past few years, Coral Calcium has received a lot of media attention as the widely preferred source of readily absorbable calcium. In 2003, a study was undertaken to compare and contrast the absorption of Ryukyuan Coral Calcium, as opposed to carbonate derived calcium.

Twelve normal subjects, including six men and six women, were selected to participate in the study. None of them had taken any or other supplements that may have affected their calcium metabolism during the month preceding the experiment.

The subjects were divided into three groups, one of which ingested crackers with coral based calcium added, and another of which ingested similar crackers with carbonate calcium. The third group served as a control, and did not ingest any crackers, whatsoever.

The results of the study showed that 4 hours after ingestion, the group receiving coral-added crackers had significantly higher calcium levels in their urine than did the other group, even though both were tested as having the same amount beforehand. These findings indicate that the body is able to absorb coral calcium far more quickly and easily than other standard formulas.

One reason for the increased absorption of coral based formulas may be that the calcium derived from coral in Ryukyu, Japan also contains magnesium at and average ratio of 1 part magnesium for every 2 parts calcium. Because of the fact that this is the one of the main distinguishing features of Ryukyuan Coral Calcium, it may be logical to assume that high magnesium content has some bearing upon the intestinal absorption of calcium.