We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you
buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.
Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:
Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.
The best calcium supplements for bones, teeth, and muscle health provide easy-to-absorb calcium at affordable prices. This article discusses calcium requirements, absorption, and the best options to try.
Calcium is an essential nutrient for strong, healthy bones and teeth. Although a person may be able to get the calcium they need from their diet, some people need extra support from a calcium supplement.
Factors such as age, diet, and underlying medical conditions can affect how much calcium a person’s body absorbs.
This article examines the best calcium supplements and discusses who may need them, how to choose, and when to contact a doctor.
Medical News Today chooses calcium supplements that meet the following criteria:
Ingredients: MNT selects products containing safe and high quality ingredients that are clearly labeled. They should also confirm they are free from pesticides, heavy metals, and mold.
Dosage: MNT chooses products that must clearly state the supplement dosage.
Serving size: MNT selects products in which manufacturers recommend a safe dosage.
Third-party testing: MNT chooses products that must undergo third-party testing for contaminants by an ISO 17025-compliant laboratory.
Available certificate of analysis: MNT selects companies that demonstrate transparency and share a product’s certificate of analysis (COA) following receipt of its third-party lab results.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
• 1 tablet for 2–3 year olds • 2 tablets for 4 years and over
100 mg (14–15%)
The best calcium supplement will depend on the person’s unique circumstances. The type and quantity of calcium a person needs will vary depending on:
their age
whether or not they take any medications
whether or not they have any health conditions
A doctor can advise on the best way for someone to get more calcium based on these factors.
When looking for a product, it is important to consider the following factors.
Dosage
It is important to choose a supplement containing the right amount of calcium for a person’s age. The Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) suggests that people get the following amounts of calcium in their diet each day:
Age
Daily calcium requirement
0–6 months
200 mg
7–12 months
260 mg
1–3 years
700 mg
4–8 years
1,000 mg
9–18 years
1,300 mg
19–50 years
1,000 mg
51–70 years
1,000 mg for males, 1,200 mg for females
71 years and above
1,200 mg
People below the age of 18 years who are pregnant or nursing need 1,300 mg of calcium per day.
Ingredients
In addition to finding a product with the right dosage, it is also a good idea to consider which form of calcium will be most suitable.
There are two main forms of calcium in supplements: calcium carbonate and calcium citrate.
However, calcium carbonate relies on stomach acid for absorption, so people should take it with food. Some people may also find that calcium carbonate causes side effects, such as gas and bloating.
Calcium citrate does not depend on stomach acid for absorption. As a result, it can be more suitable for people with:
However, calcium citrate is more expensive than calcium carbonate, and it contains less calcium overall. This means that a person may need to take it more frequently.
Many people can get enough calcium from a balanced diet.
However, the ODS notes that certain groups may be more at risk of calcium deficiency, including:
Postmenopausal females: Decreases in estrogen can reduce calcium absorption and increase the risk of osteoporosis. Taking calcium supplements may slow the rate of bone density loss in people who are postmenopausal.
People with infrequent or no periods: People who do not have a regular menstrual cycle may also have lower estrogen levels. Athletes or people with eating disorders can sometimes have irregular cycles.
People with lactose intolerance or a dairy allergy: Avoiding dairy products can make it challenging to get enough calcium. Taking a supplement can help boost levels.
Vegans and some vegetarians: Vegans and ovovegetarians, who eat eggs but no dairy products, may not get enough calcium from their everyday diet.
If a person is concerned about a calcium deficiency, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional. They can perform certain tests and analyze the person’s overall health and diet to confirm whether or not a calcium supplement is necessary.
The Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF) states that the body absorbs calcium best when people take 500–600 mg or less at a time through food or a supplement.
People can aim to consume calcium-rich foods in small amounts throughout the day or take a calcium supplement with a meal.
People may also ensure they take optimal vitamin D through their diet or a supplement, as it is essential for calcium absorption.
According to the ODS, some evidence suggests that high calcium intake may contribute to prostate cancer and cardiovascular disease. However, studies looking at these risks have had mixed results.
Calcium supplements can interact with other medications, such as:
People who suspect they have a calcium deficiency should speak with a healthcare professional. They can determine if this is the case and, if so, recommend some ways to get more calcium.
If a person experiences new or worsening symptoms while taking calcium, they should stop taking the supplement and seek medical advice.
Below, we answer common questions about calcium supplements.
What is the most effective calcium to take?
Calcium carbonate typically contains more calcium than calcium citrate, so it may provide a bigger boost to a person’s calcium levels than calcium citrate. However, calcium citrate is better for people with certain health conditions, such as IBD or malabsorption, as it does not rely on stomach acid for absorption.
People should speak with a doctor to discuss which type would be best for them.
Which form of calcium is absorbed better?
Calcium citrate is easier for the body to absorb because it does not rely on stomach acid as calcium carbonate does.
What is the best form of calcium to take for osteoporosis?
Getting calcium from food is the best way to get optimal calcium each day, but older research suggests that calcium citrate with vitamin D is best for osteoporosis.
What is better, Caltrate or Citracal?
Both products typically provide 600 mg of calcium, meaning the main difference between them is the source of calcium.
Caltrate contains calcium carbonate, and Citracal contains calcium citrate. A person must take 2 Citracal tablets to get the same dose as Caltrate. This is because calcium carbonate provides more calcium than calcium citrate, making Caltrate more cost-effective.
However, some people may find Citracal easier to absorb. Buyers can discuss their choice with a doctor.
Calcium is an essential nutrient for bone health. Some people may not be able to get enough calcium from their diet, in which case they may benefit from taking a supplement.
A healthcare professional can help someone choose the form and dosage they need. They can also advise on any other nutrients that might help with absorption.
Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
