Best Calcium Supplement?

Posted by SRKONA @trixie5141, Apr 22 7:20am

Which is the best type of calcium supplement? I've been taking calcium citrate (Citracal) which I understand is more easily absorbed than calcium carbonate (Caltrate). Most recently I've been hearing about calcium phosphate as an alternative. I like that it is available as a powder and may be less constipating than calcium citrate but it seems that is calcium phosphate is more for pets. Your thoughts?

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srp1 | @srp1 | Apr 24 3:46pm

In reply to @trixie5141 "Thanks for your response." + (show)

Please forgive me! I misread your question 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️

mabfp3 | @mabfp3 | Apr 24 4:01pm

I was told years ago by my gyn that the best calcium supplement out there over the counter is Citracal. He told me that it “goes right to the bones”. I’ve been taking it for years and my calcium blood tests always come out okay.

kallettla | @kallettla | Apr 25 7:34am

In reply to @ss66 "Hi, I have been taking Calcium Citrate 600 mg for couple of months Today I came..." + (show)

Wow. How interesting!

deluga | @deluga | Apr 25 7:57am

I take Calcium MCHA which is the only type to show an actual improvement on bone health. Do not take magnesium at the same time as any Calcium supplement.

njhornung | @normahorn | Apr 25 8:08am

On one thread, Michael (@michaellavacot) posted a chart comparing the different forms of calcium. Guess what, they all work!

bluebonnet242 | @bluebonnet242 | Apr 25 9:59am

@trixie5141 @guinivere I’m interested in which foods you are eating to get so much calcium. Would you please share?

guinivere | @guinivere | Apr 26 3:20pm

In reply to @rogerscott8562 "My doctor recommended Calcium Carbonate 1000 mg which is available at Safeway labeled ultra strength antacid..." + (show)

My understanding is that calcium citrate is more easily absorbed than calcium carbonate. I was taking the 600 mg powdered calcium citrate (from Amazon) twice daily along with one vitamin D 2000 mg capsule once daily. BUT I am now working on getting all my cakcium from food that makes me happy. It is not so difficult - I have a list available to refer to for all of the foods that I take or am now taking & if I pay attention, I can reach 1200 mg daily.

SRKONA | @trixie5141 | Apr 26 7:19pm

In reply to @guinivere "My understanding is that calcium citrate is more easily absorbed than calcium carbonate. I was taking..." + (show)

I agree, food is definately preferred.

ss66 | @ss66 | Apr 27 5:19pm

Last time when I did a blood test when I was not have having any calcium medication nor taking care of my calcium intake the report showed no deficiency in Calcium, still do I need to achieve 1200 mg intake each day?

njhornung | @normahorn | Apr 27 6:04pm

That intake level is for the average person. Just like a sedate 100 lb woman does not have the same liquid intake requirements as a 250 lb man doing heavy manual labor.