Which calcium for osteoporosis

Other forms of calcium in supplements include gluconate and lactate. In addition, some calcium supplements are combined with vitamins and other minerals. For instance, some calcium supplements may also contain vitamin D or magnesium. Check the ingredient list to see which form of calcium your calcium supplement is and what other nutrients it may contain. This information is important if you have any health or dietary concerns.

Elemental calcium is important because it's the actual amount of calcium in the supplement. It's what your body absorbs for bone growth and other health benefits.

The Supplement Facts label on calcium supplements is helpful in determining how much calcium is in one serving. Be sure to note the serving size number of tablets when determining how much calcium is in one serving. Calcium supplements cause few, if any, side effects.

But side effects can sometimes occur, including gas, constipation and bloating. In general, calcium carbonate is the most constipating. You may need to try a few different brands or types of calcium supplements to find one that you tolerate the best. Calcium supplements can interact with many different prescription medications, including blood pressure medications, synthetic thyroid hormones, bisphosphonates, antibiotics and calcium channel blockers.

Depending on your medications, you may need to take the supplement with your meals or between meals. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about possible interactions and which type of calcium supplement would work for you. Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring that supplements are safe and claims are truthful. Some companies have their products independently tested by U. Supplements that bear the USP , CL or NSF abbreviation meet voluntary industry standards for quality, purity, potency, and tablet disintegration or dissolution.

Different types of calcium supplements have different costs. Comparison shop if cost is a factor for you.

Calcium supplements are available in a variety of forms, including tablets, capsules, chews, liquids and powders. If you have trouble swallowing pills, you may want a chewable or liquid calcium supplement. Your body must be able to absorb the calcium for it to be effective. All varieties of calcium supplements are better absorbed when taken in small doses mg or less at mealtimes. Calcium citrate is absorbed equally well when taken with or without food and is a form recommended for individuals with low stomach acid more common in people over 50 or taking acid blockers , inflammatory bowel disease or absorption disorders.

Dietary calcium is generally safe, but more isn't necessarily better, and excessive calcium doesn't provide extra bone protection. If you take calcium supplements and eat calcium-fortified foods, you may be getting more calcium than you realize. Check food and supplement labels to monitor how much total calcium you're getting a day and whether you're achieving the RDA but not exceeding the recommended upper limit.

Be sure to tell your doctor if you're taking calcium supplements. There is a problem with information submitted for this request.

Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health. Error Email field is required.

Error Include a valid email address. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information and to understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your e-mail and website usage information with other information we have about you. If we combine this information with your PHI, we will treat all of that information as PHI, and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices.

You may opt-out of e-mail communications at any time by clicking on the Unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information.

Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. The following information may help you decide. The calcium in supplements is found in combination with another substance, typically carbonate or citrate. Each has benefits and downsides. Because calcium carbonate requires stomach acid for absorption, it's best to take this product with food.

Most people tolerate calcium carbonate well, but some people complain of mild constipation or feeling bloated. Calcium citrate supplements are absorbed more easily than calcium carbonate. They can be taken on an empty stomach and are more readily absorbed by people who take acid-reducing heartburn medications. Reading the labels with an eye toward cost and convenience may help you sift through your options.

While products that yield a high amount of calcium may seem to be the best bet at first blush, they may not serve you best. Because your body has difficulty absorbing more than mg of calcium at a time, more of the mineral may go to waste. So, while you may think that you've met your daily requirements by taking that 1,mg calcium pill, you may actually be only halfway to your target.

Calculate your cost per serving based on how many tablets or chews the package contains, and consider whether you might find it inconvenient to take several tablets a day. Here are some final tips for choosing and taking calcium supplements as found in the Harvard Special Health Report Osteoporosis: A guide to prevention and treatment :. As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.

Therefore, it may be best to talk to a healthcare provider to find out how many capsules are necessary to take per day. Each capsule contains mg of calcium in the form of dicalcium malate. Thorne Research Basic Bone Nutrients is available for purchase online. This supplement contains dicalcium malate, which is a compound of calcium and malic acid. According to the manufacturers, this form of calcium is easier to absorb than calcium alone.

The product also contains a small amount of vitamin D to aid absorption. Two capsules provide mg of calcium and international units of vitamin D. The manufacturers make their products in facilities that have one or more certifications to demonstrate their safety and quality. Designs for Health Calcium Malate Capsules are available for purchase online. Calcium supplements may cause adverse effects — such as gas, bloating, or constipation — for some people.

Taking too much calcium may also lead to:. According to the ODS , there is also some evidence to suggest that high calcium intakes may contribute to prostate cancer and cardiovascular disease. However, studies looking at these risks have had mixed results. People who take any medications or who have any underlying conditions should talk to their healthcare provider before trying a calcium supplement.

A person may be able to get enough calcium from food alone. Dairy products such as yogurt, milk, and cheese contain the highest levels of calcium.

Some substances can also reduce the amount of calcium the body absorbs. These include:. Learn about other non-dairy sources of calcium here. People who suspect that they have a calcium deficiency should speak to a healthcare provider, if possible. 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 talk to a healthcare provider. 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 provider can help someone choose the form and dosage they need. They can also advise on any other nutrients that might help with absorption. People need calcium for bone health and other functions. Find out why people need calcium, which foods provide it, and what happens if they consume….