Which calcium supplement

Additionally, vitamin D can help increase the absorption of calcium, which helps maintain bone strength 4. This supplement contains mg of calcium in the form of highly absorbable calcium citrate 5. It also contains 2. Life Extension, a company known for manufacturing high quality supplements, produces this product. A COA provides in-depth information about each supplement. Thorne Research is a reputable supplement manufacturer and one of the few companies certified by the Therapeutic Goods Administration TGA , an Australian government agency responsible for regulating supplements for safety and quality.

With calcium, vitamin D, magnesium , and vitamin K included, this product is a great option for those looking to support bone health. Individuals at risk for osteoporosis , those with certain medical conditions, and people who are unable to meet their calcium needs through food may require higher dosages of calcium 9.

Additionally, be sure to split your total daily dosage and take several smaller doses throughout the day. This is because calcium absorption is highest in doses of mg or less and decreases with larger amounts This product provides 1, mg of calcium per serving, making it a great option for those seeking a high dose calcium supplement. It contains calcium carbonate derived from eggshells , as well as several other nutrients to support bone health, including vitamins D and K 7.

Some older animal studies show that calcium ascorbate, a compound that contains both calcium and vitamin C , may be as well absorbed as other forms of calcium in the body 11 , For those who prefer calcium gummies over capsules and tablets, this product may be a good choice. It has also undergone third-party testing to evaluate its purity and strength, and been verified by USP. These wafers offer mg of calcium per serving and can be an easy way to bump up your intake of calcium.

They also use comprehensive testing methods that have been approved by third-party organizations like USP and the Association of Analytical Communities to maximize quality. Be sure to buy from a reputable manufacturer and look for supplements that have undergone third-party testing and are certified by organizations like USP or NSF International.

Calcium carbonate is more widely available, cheaper, and contains a higher amount of calcium than other compounds.

However, it has been associated with symptoms like gas and bloating 3 , Calcium citrate, on the other hand, is slightly more expensive but also more easily absorbed in the body 5 , People who have low stomach acid or are taking proton pump inhibitors should choose calcium citrate, as it can be absorbed without the help of stomach acid There are limits on how much calcium your body can absorb at once, and other foods and medications can impact calcium absorption.

Here are some tips on taking your calcium to maximize its benefits:. While you should avoid oyster shell calcium, there are positives and negatives to both calcium carbonate and calcium citrate. Read the recommendations for when a supplement you are considering should be taken, and consider if that fits into a reasonable schedule for you.

Look at the amount of elemental calcium contained in the supplement to ensure you would be consuming an adequate dose. Some supplements do contain potentially dangerous levels. Those made from unrefined oyster shell, bone meal, or dolomite tend to have especially high levels of lead. Instead, look for calcium that has the United States Pharmacopeia USP verification symbol, a sign that levels are acceptable.

Calcium citrate is recommended for people at risk for kidney stones. This supplement helps you excrete more urinary citrate, which protects against the formation of stones. Dealing with joint pain can cause major disruptions to your day. Sign up and learn how to better take care of your body.

Click below and just hit send! National Academies Press. Published Calcium fact sheet for health professionals. Updated March Relative bioavailability and pharmacokinetic comparison of calcium glucoheptonate with calcium carbonate. Pharmacol Res Perspect. 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 :.

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Recent Blog Articles. Health news headlines can be deceiving. Calcium is important for bone health throughout your life. Although diet is the best way to get calcium, calcium supplements may be an option if your diet falls short.

Before you consider calcium supplements, be sure you understand how much calcium you need, the pros and cons of calcium supplements, and which type of supplement to choose. Your body needs calcium to build and maintain strong bones. Your heart, muscles and nerves also need calcium to function properly.

Some studies suggest that calcium, along with vitamin D, may have benefits beyond bone health: perhaps protecting against cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure. But evidence about such health benefits is not definitive. Many Americans don't get enough calcium in their diets. Children and adolescents are at risk, but so are adults age 50 and older.

The recommended upper limit for calcium is 2, mg a day for adults 19 to For those 51 and older, the limit is 2, mg a day. Your body doesn't produce calcium, so you must get it through other sources. Calcium can be found in a variety of foods, including:. To absorb calcium, your body also needs vitamin D. A few foods naturally contain small amounts of vitamin D, such as canned salmon with bones and egg yolks. You can also get vitamin D from fortified foods and sun exposure.

The RDA for vitamin D is international units 15 micrograms a day for most adults. Even if you eat a healthy, balanced diet, you may find it difficult to get enough calcium if you:. In these situations, calcium supplements may help you meet your calcium requirements. Talk with your doctor or dietitian about whether calcium supplements are right for you.

Calcium supplements aren't for everyone. For instance, if you have a health condition that causes excess calcium in your bloodstream hypercalcemia , you should avoid calcium supplements.

It's not definitive, but there may be a link between high-dose calcium supplements and heart disease. The evidence is mixed and more research is needed before doctors know the effect calcium supplements may have on heart attack risk. A similar controversy surrounds calcium and prostate cancer. Some studies have shown that high calcium intake from dairy products and supplements may increase risk, whereas another more recent study showed no increased risk of prostate cancer associated with total calcium, dietary calcium or supplemental calcium intakes.

Until more is known about these possible risks, it's important to be careful to avoid excessive amounts of calcium. As with any health issue, it's important to talk to your doctor to determine what's right for you. Several different kinds of calcium compounds are used in calcium supplements. Each compound contains varying amounts of the mineral calcium — referred to as elemental calcium.