Types of Calcium Supplements

Often, the mere thought of “bulking up” can throw a professional hypochondriac into a full-blown tizzy, but when it comes to bones —- bulking up is a good thing! For women between the ages of 19 – 50, the average daily recommendation is 1,000 milligrams of calcium to maintain strong bones and head off osteoporosis. After the age of 51, it’s 1,200 milligrams.

It’s best to get your calcium through foods, like yogurt, milk, cottage cheese, some whole grain cereals and vegetables like broccoli. But if you decide to go the supplement route, there are many products to consider. Here are some “personal recs” to help you wade through all the confusing choices to find one that’s right for you.

CitracalAvailable at most drug stores

This calcium citrate supplement is usually well absorbed on an empty stomach and does not cause constipation. As we get older, our stomach acid often is reduced and in these cases, the citrate form is the better choice.

CaltrateAvailable at most drug stores

This is a calcium carbonate supplement, which should be taken with meals because it requires stomach acid to dissolve and absorb. It has the most calcium per pill so fewer pills are needed. Calcium carbonate can cause constipation so if that’s already a problem for you, stay away from this form of calcium.

Viactiv Soft Calcium ChewsAvailable at most drug stores

Viactiv Soft Calcium Chews are also a calcium carbonate so they should be taken with meals. Each chew has 500 mg of calcium so it should be taken twice a day. The added vitamin D helps boost calcium absorption. Viactiv comes in chocolate, caramel, raspberry and chocolate mint flavors.

Adora CalciumAvailable at Whole Foods  or www.adoracalcium.com
- Personal rec by Jodi L.

Is it a supplement or a decadent treat? If you have trouble remembering to take your meds, try this one! The dark chocolate is especially delicious and at 500 mg each, it’s recommended you take it twice a day – definitely something to look forward to!  Adora is also a calcium carbonate so it should be taken with meals.

All of these products are good for strengthening your bones, you just need to find the one that’s right for you.  We hope this product explanation was helpful!