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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John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Aug 1 9:31am

In reply to @rhughes01 "Has anyone tried the AlgaeCal?" + (show)

You might want to scan through the discussions and comments on AlgaeCal. Here's a link that shows the discussions and comments - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/discussions/?search=AlgaeCal

zooie | @zooie | Aug 1 7:52pm

In reply to @teb "sure thing :)" + (show)

Teb, I just saw this:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37999205/ 2023 Supplementing Low-Sodium Bicarbonate-Calcic (Lete)® Water: Effects in Women on Bone and Systemic Metabolism

Your Gerolsteiner as compared to the Lete in the study.
Gerolsteiner Lete (info source: gerolsteiner online)
Calcium 348mg 314
Magnesium 108mg 14
Bicarbonate 1.816mg|- 980
Potassium 11mg 1
Sodium 118mg 4
Chloride 40mg 9
Sulfate 38mg|- 0
Total Mineral 2.479mg 1322

Also thanks for telling me that Trader Joe's carries it; much cheaper than Amazon and Publix!
I'd much rather incorporate a liter of this water into my daily diet vs more dairy.

zooie | @zooie | Aug 1 7:55pm

In reply to @zooie "Teb, I just saw this: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37999205/ 2023 Supplementing Low-Sodium Bicarbonate-Calcic (Lete)® Water: Effects in Women on..." + (show)

sorry! the spacing in the above table got collapsed - so the 1st number is Gerolsteiner and the 2nd number is Lete.

guinivere | @guinivere | Aug 1 10:20pm

When I was making sure I was getting enough calcium, it didn't take lomg for me to find a good AND enjoyable source & that is food! Specifically milk with vitamin D & calcium added, same with orange juice. AND almond milk which is about 640 mg calcium. I buy a 1/2 gallon in chocolate flavor! Getting my calcium has never been so tasty!

teb | @teb | Aug 2 10:36am

In reply to @zooie "Teb, I just saw this: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37999205/ 2023 Supplementing Low-Sodium Bicarbonate-Calcic (Lete)® Water: Effects in Women on..." + (show)

I didn't see what quantity of water they were using to determine the calcium content in that study. Just wanted to make sure you were aware that Gerolsteiner contains about 130 mg per 12 oz. If you drink a liter a day, you'll get about 260 mg.

zooie | @zooie | Aug 2 12:23pm

In reply to @teb "I didn't see what quantity of water they were using to determine the calcium content in..." + (show)

Thanks! I'm a newbie, as I was only diagnosed 2 weeks ago with severe osteoporosis and I'm scrambling to get up to speed. I immediately bought 2 large bottles of calcium, only to later learn that due to my high coronary calcium scores, I should not use them! So I'm thrilled to learn about this water. Getting 260mg of calcium from 1 bottle of water daily makes it alot easier for me to manage!

dreams | @dreams | Aug 3 10:17am

In reply to @doreenc "I use Citracal Petites (200mg each). I was taking only 2 a day (400 mg.) plus..." + (show)

Thank you Doreen for your comments. What time of day do you take the calcium citrate? Do you take it with food? I have been taking Pure Encapsulations calcium citrate capsules 300 mg with lunch and then I take a multi with (Calcium carbonate to 50 mg). with supper. Sometimes the calcium citrate bothers stomach and I get pain. I also try to get lots of calcium From Food. Do you know why your nutritionist did not think you were getting enough absorption of calcium from your multi? Thank you for any thoughts.

doreenc | @doreenc | Aug 4 8:55pm

In reply to @dreams "Thank you Doreen for your comments. What time of day do you take the calcium citrate?..." + (show)

I take the 2 calcium citrate (total 400 mg) at night with my dinner. I also take Vitamin D with it (1000 mg) and Vitamin K as well at the same time. I try to take the Vitamin K separately in the afternoon (I read that K is better absorbed by itself) but I usually just combine it with the calcium and D. Since I don't eat dairy (it causes my arthritis to seriously flare-up), I sometimes take another calcium pill with breakfast (it depends if I'm having an 8-oz. glass fortified soy or almond milk then I'll forgo the extra calcium pill).

jenatsky | @jenatsky | Aug 13 3:29pm

The Gerolsteiner contains a number of electrolytes which are essential for cardiac function but why are they in a calcium supplement? If you are a cardiac patient I recommend you share the info with our cardiologist.
I take the following calcium supplement.
https://share.icloud.com/photos/08e-QlVCoMvLdd7nTWXCf70UQ

bruceandruth1970 | @bruceandruth1970 | Aug 14 10:03am

In reply to @jenatsky "The Gerolsteiner contains a number of electrolytes which are essential for cardiac function but why are..." + (show)

I drink 1/2 liter of Gerolsteiner mineral water every day. I originally bought it because of the calcium content. After drinking it for a couple of months, it also lowered my blood pressure.
That was an added bonus.
My only problem is that the carbonation is causing canker sores in my mouth. Does anyone have any suggestions or a treatment that works?