Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. Question: Which type of calcium supplement is best? Answer: There are many types of calcium supplements , including calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, calcium gluconate, and others.
Calcium exists as a compound, bound to something else, that's why it is found in these forms. However, some people debate whether or not one particular type of calcium is better than another. The most important thing to look for when choosing a calcium supplement is the amount of elemental calcium the supplement contains. Depending on the manufacturer, the amount of elemental calcium may be listed directly on the label, or the weight may be listed on the calcium tablet itself.
Another way to check for the amount of elemental calcium the supplement contains is by looking at the recommended daily allowance RDA. The RDA for most individuals is milligrams mg of calcium per day this varies by age, gender, and special situations, including pregnancy. Calcium supplements are generally made with one of two sources of elemental calcium: calcium carbonate or calcium citrate.
There are several differences to note:. Most people do not experience side effects when taking the RDA for calcium supplements. Contact your healthcare provider if side effects are severe or do not go away, as this could mean you have too much calcium in your system.
Although rare, allergic reactions can occur. Seek medical attention if you develop symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a rash or hives; wheezing; difficulty breathing, swallowing, or talking; tightness in your chest; or swelling of the face, mouth, throat, or lips. 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.
Other forms of calcium include calcium lactate, calcium gluconate, and calcium phosphate. Patients also taking histamine 2 antagonists or proton pump inhibitors may need to take a soluble salt calcium citrate, calcium lactate, or calcium gluconate. Long-term use of certain pharmacologic agents eg, systemic corticosteroids, heparin, phenytoin, levothyroxine, methotrexate, cyclosporine, warfarin, gonadotropin-releasing hormone 2 may inhibit or decrease calcium absorption and may decrease drug absorption.
When assisting patients in the selection of calcium supplements, pharmacists can identify patients at a greater risk for bone loss or osteoporosis due to the use of certain medications or medical conditions. Pharmacists are also in a crucial position to recognize possible contraindications or drug interactions that can occur when certain drugs are used in conjunction with calcium supplements, and make clinical recommendations accordingly.
Aluminumcontaining antacids should also be administered in separate dosing intervals at least 2 hours apart when used in conjunction with calcium supplements. Total intake, including calcium found in the diet as well as in multivitamin and calcium supplements, should not exceed doses of 2.
Higher doses can be harmful and can result in elevated calcium levels in the urine and renal stones. When recommending calcium supplements, pharmacists can take the opportunity to educate women about osteoporosis prevention and the importance of obtaining adequate calcium intake through dietary means and through weight-bearing exercises.
Pharmacists should also remind patients that calcium absorption is improved by dividing administration into doses of mg 2 to 3 times a day. Because use of calcium supplements may cause increased incidence of constipation, bloating, and flatulence for some individuals, patients should be reminded about the importance of maintaining sufficient hydration, dietary fiber intake, and routine exercise.
Finally, pharmacists should take every possible opportunity to educate patients about osteoporosis and empower them with the information necessary to prevent or relieve this condition. Dietary supplement fact sheet 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.
Common calcium supplements may be labeled as:. The two main forms of calcium supplements are carbonate and citrate. Calcium carbonate is cheapest and therefore often a good first choice. 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.
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