Is Ca Label On Soy Milk Accurate?

[Wolfy]

Most US brands of soy milk supplement the product with calcium carbonate to yield a dietary level of 30% calcium. However, I maintain that as soy milk contains a high level of oxalic acid, that the calcium carbonate combines with the oxalic acid in storage, thus reducing the available calcium intake. If sufficient calcium carbonate is added to overcome the oxalic acid burden, not only will calcium level be maintained in the product, but it could also render soy milk safe for oxalate kidney stone sufferers.

[Rob]

There is one study published in the Journal of Nutrition (2005 Oct) entitled "Calcium bioavailability of calcium carbonate fortified soymilk is equivalent to cow's milk in young women." Other studies show that the bioavailability of calcium in soy milk is similar or slightly lower than that of cow's milk.