calcium
Calcium Citrate
Calcium citrate has an acidic base which in turn allows better absorption than many other calcium compounds. This is due to the fact that the acidity of calcium citrate requires less production of stomach acids to digest.
Elemental Percentage
21%
Bioavailability
35%
Our key metric
Price Per Absorbed Gram
This allows you to see what the true cost is for each gram of calcium that your body actually uses.
Featured Products
Finding calcium supplements with high bioavailability and elemental percentage lowers the size and number of pills needed to meet the recommended daily allowance (RDA). When we consider what your body absorbs some of the more inexpensive supplements may not be the bargain they appear to be. While other supplements with higher prices may be absorbed much better allowing you take fewer (or smaller) pills.
Additionally, reviewing the possible side effects that may be heightened in one compound over another. Click on any of the compounds below to see the top-rated supplements within each compound.
calcium citrate facts
- The chemical formula for calcium citrate is Ca3(C6H5O7)2
- Calcium citrate is less likely to cause constipation than some other forms of calcium, such as calcium carbonate.
- Calcium citrate may be a good option for people who have trouble absorbing calcium from other sources, such as those with low stomach acid or inflammatory bowel disease.
- Calcium citrate is often recommended for people who have had or are at risk of developing kidney stones, as it may be less likely to form stones than other forms of calcium.
Sources
- calcium carbonate (usually from limestone) is mixed with citric acid
Health Benefits
- Some studies have suggested that calcium citrate may be more effective than calcium carbonate in controlling blood pressure
- development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth
- helps in the proper functioning of the heart, muscles, and nerves
- necessary for the blood clotting process
- studies have shown that a diet rich in calcium may be associated with lower body weight and a reduced risk of obesity
- calcium intake can help to prevent osteoporosis
Reactions with other Vitamins
- Vitamin D helps absorption
- Magnesium works with calcium – you need both
- Calcium can interfere with the absorption of iron and Zinc – take calcium and zinc or iron supplements at different times of the day
- may interact with blood pressure medications and blood thinners. It’s best to consult with a doctor before taking these medications and calcium supplements together.
Recommended Dietary Allowance
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is “the amount of an essential nutrient, as a vitamin or mineral, that has been established by the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academy of Sciences as adequate to meet the average daily nutritional needs of most healthy persons according to age group and sex.” –- dictionary.com
We used the RDA for calcium from the National Institutes of Health – Office of Dietary Supplements listed below.
|
Age |
Male Daily |
|
0-6 months |
200 mg |
|
7-12 months |
260 mg |
|
1-3 years |
700 mg |
|
4-8 years |
1000 mg |
|
9-18 years |
1300 mg |
|
19-50 years |
1000 mg |
|
51-70 years |
1000 mg |
|
71+ years |
1200 mg |
|
Age |
Female Daily |
|
0-6 months |
200 mg |
|
7-12 months |
260 mg |
|
1-3 years |
700 mg |
|
4-8 years |
1000 mg |
|
9-18 years |
1300 mg |
|
19-50 years |
1000 mg |
|
51+ years |
1200 mg |
| Life Stage | Age | RDA |
| Pregnancy | 13-19 years | 1300 mg |
| Pregnancy | 20+ years | 1000 mg |
| Breast-Feeding | 13-19 years | 1300 mg |
| Breast-Feeding | 20+ years | 1000 mg |