Calcium Reference Guide

What are Calcium Supplements?

Calcium supplements come in pills or tablet form and are usually taken to supplement diets of those who do not get enough natural Calcium in their daily lives.

There are many Calcium supplements on the market today and finding the right one for you may not be an easy task. It is important to look for Calcium supplements that meet the United States Pharmacopeia's standards. The "USP" designation on the label of a Calcium supplement indicates that the pill meets the standards to supply adequate calcium and meets the proper absorption rates.

Calcium Citrate

Calcium is best absorbed in an acidic environment. Therefore, Calcium Citrate is the most easily absorbed Calcium supplement because it does not need to use the body’s natural stomach acids for absorption. This means you can take the supplement anytime, anywhere, on a full or empty stomach. However, Calcium Citrate provides less Calcium than other supplements and people with acid reflux disorders usually cannot tolerate Calcium Citrate

Calcium Carbonate

Most Calcium pills come in the form of Calcium Carbonate. Calcium Carbonate requires additional stomach acid for proper absorption. Therefore, such products are best taken after meals.

Bone Meal, Dolomite, and Oyster Shell

Because they are made from naturally occurring forms of Calcium, supplements from Bone Meal, Dolomite and Oyster Shell may contain heavy metals or lead. Therefore, it is best to avoid such products.

Calcium Gluconate and Calcium Lactate

Because Calcium Gluconate and Calcium Lactate supplements contain low doses of calcium, one must take a large amount of tablets to meet daily calcium requirements.

Coral Calcium

Coral Calcium is natural, just like the minerals found in many Calcium rich foods. However, Coral Calcium products and supplements are often said to have great healing power and can cure an array of different terminal illnesses, including cancer. This claim is untrue.