Calcium supplement

{{Short description|Dietary mineral supplement}} {{About|the medical use of calcium|more general information on calcium as an element|Calcium}} {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2023}} {{cs1 config|name-list-style=vanc|display-authors=6}} {{Infobox drug | image = 500 mg calcium supplements with vitamin D.jpg | alt = | caption = 500 milligram calcium supplements made from calcium carbonate

| synonyms = | pronounce = | tradename = Alka-Mints, Calcet, Tums, others | Drugs.com = {{Drugs.com|monograph|calcium-salts}} | MedlinePlus = | DailyMedID = Calcium | pregnancy_AU =  | pregnancy_AU_comment = | pregnancy_category = | routes_of_administration = By mouth, intravenous | class = | ATC_prefix = A12 | ATC_suffix = AA

| legal_AU =  | legal_AU_comment = | legal_CA =  | legal_DE =  | legal_NZ =  | legal_UK =  | legal_US =  | legal_UN =  | legal_status =

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'''Calcium supplements''' are salts of calcium used in a number of conditions.<ref name=AHFS2017/> Supplementation is generally only required when there is not enough calcium in the diet.<ref name=WHO2008>{{cite book | title = WHO Model Formulary 2008 | year = 2009 | isbn = 978-92-4-154765-9 | veditors = Stuart MC, Kouimtzi M, Hill SR | hdl = 10665/44053 | publisher = World Health Organization | hdl-access=free |page=497 }}</ref><ref name=BNF69/> By mouth they are used to treat and prevent low blood calcium, osteoporosis, and rickets.<ref name=AHFS2017/> By injection into a vein they are used for low blood calcium that is resulting in muscle spasms and for high blood potassium or magnesium toxicity.<ref name=WHO2008/><ref name=Ric2015>{{cite book| vauthors = Hamilton R |title=Tarascon Pocket Pharmacopoeia 2015 Deluxe Lab-Coat Edition|date=2015|publisher=Jones & Bartlett Learning|isbn=978-1-284-05756-0|pages=215–216}}</ref>

Common side effects include constipation and nausea.<ref name=AHFS2017/> When taken by mouth high blood calcium is uncommon.<ref name=AHFS2017/> Calcium supplements, unlike calcium from dietary sources, appear to increase the risk of kidney stones.<ref name=AHFS2017/> Adults generally require about a gram of calcium a day.<ref name=AHFS2017/> Calcium is particularly important for bones, muscles, and nerves.<ref name=AHFS2017>{{cite web|title=Calcium Salts|url=https://www.drugs.com/monograph/calcium-salts.html|publisher=The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists|access-date=8 January 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118041341/https://www.drugs.com/monograph/calcium-salts.html|archive-date=18 January 2017}}</ref>

The medical use of calcium supplements began in the 19th century.<ref>{{cite book| vauthors = Tegethoff FW |title=Calcium Carbonate: From the Cretaceous Period into the 21st Century |date=2012 |publisher=Birkhäuser |isbn=978-3-0348-8245-3 |page=308|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eSMGCAAAQBAJ&pg=PA308|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116172603/https://books.google.ca/books?id=eSMGCAAAQBAJ&pg=PA308|archive-date=16 January 2017}}</ref> It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.<ref name="WHO21st">{{cite book | title = World Health Organization model list of essential medicines: 21st list 2019 | year = 2019 | hdl = 10665/325771 | publisher = World Health Organization | location = Geneva | id = WHO/MVP/EMP/IAU/2019.06. License: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO | hdl-access=free }}</ref> It is available as a generic medication.<ref name=BNF69/> In 2023, it was the 200th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 2{{nbsp}}million prescriptions.<ref name="Top 300">{{cite web | title=Top 300 of 2023 | url=https://clincalc.com/DrugStats/Top300Drugs.aspx | website=ClinCalc | access-date=12 August 2025 | archive-date=12 August 2025 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250812130026/https://clincalc.com/DrugStats/Top300Drugs.aspx | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Calcium - Drug Usage Statistics | website = ClinCalc | url = https://clincalc.com/DrugStats/Drugs/Calcium | access-date = 20 August 2023}}</ref> Versions are also sold together with vitamin D.<ref name=BNF69>{{cite book|title=British national formulary: BNF 69|date=2015|publisher=British Medical Association|isbn=978-0-85711-156-2|pages=694, 703|edition=69}}</ref> In 2023, the combination, calcium/vitamin D was the 261st most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 1{{nbsp}}million prescriptions.<ref name="Top 300"/><ref>{{cite web | title = Calcium; Vitamin D – Drug Usage Statistics | website = ClinCalc | url = https://clincalc.com/DrugStats/Drugs/CalciumVitaminD | access-date = 20 August 2025 | archive-date = 5 June 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230605235052/https://clincalc.com/DrugStats/Drugs/CalciumVitaminD }}</ref>

==Health effects== ===Bone health=== Calcium supplementation has no beneficial effect in preventing fractures and falls.<ref name="m425">{{cite journal | vauthors=Massé O, Mercurio CM, Dupuis S, Al Sahwi M, Arruda A, Dallaire G, Desforges K, Dugré N, Williamson D | title=Calcium, vitamin D, or combined supplementation to prevent fractures and falls: systematic review and meta-analysis | journal=BMJ | volume=393 | date=20 May 2026 | issn=1756-1833 | doi=10.1136/bmj-2025-088050 | article-number=e088050 | url=https://www.bmj.com/lookup/doi/10.1136/bmj-2025-088050 | access-date=21 May 2026}}</ref>

In healthy people, calcium supplementation is not necessary for maintaining bone mineral density, and carries risks that outweigh any benefits.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Reid IR, Bristow SM, Bolland MJ | title = Calcium supplements: benefits and risks | journal = Journal of Internal Medicine | volume = 278 | issue = 4 | pages = 354–368 | date = October 2015 | pmid = 26174589 | doi = 10.1111/joim.12394 | type = Review | s2cid = 4679930 | doi-access = free }}</ref> Calcium intake is not significantly associated with hip fracture risk in either men or women.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Bischoff-Ferrari HA, Dawson-Hughes B, Baron JA, Burckhardt P, Li R, Spiegelman D, Specker B, Orav JE, Wong JB, Staehelin HB, O'Reilly E, Kiel DP, Willett WC | title = Calcium intake and hip fracture risk in men and women: a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies and randomized controlled trials | journal = The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition | volume = 86 | issue = 6 | pages = 1780–1790 | date = December 2007 | pmid = 18065599 | doi = 10.1093/ajcn/86.5.1780 | doi-access = free }}</ref> The US Preventive Service Task Force recommends against a daily supplement of less than 1,000 mg of calcium or less than 400 IU of vitamin D for postmenopausal women.<ref>{{cite journal |author1-link=Virginia Moyer | vauthors = Moyer VA | title = Vitamin D and calcium supplementation to prevent fractures in adults: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement | journal = Annals of Internal Medicine | volume = 158 | issue = 9 | pages = 691–696 | date = May 2013 | pmid = 23440163 | doi = 10.7326/0003-4819-158-9-201305070-00603 | s2cid = 23008867 | doi-access = }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Recommendation: Vitamin D, Calcium, or Combined Supplementation for the Primary Prevention of Fractures in Community-Dwelling Adults: Preventive Medication | website=United States Preventive Services Taskforce | date=17 April 2018 | url=https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/vitamin-d-calcium-or-combined-supplementation-for-the-primary-prevention-of-fractures-in-adults-preventive-medication | access-date=4 March 2024 | archive-date=4 March 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240304054634/https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/vitamin-d-calcium-or-combined-supplementation-for-the-primary-prevention-of-fractures-in-adults-preventive-medication | url-status=live }}</ref> Although a slight increase in bone mineral density occurred in healthy children from calcium supplementation, using additional dietary calcium is not justified, according to a 2006 review.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Winzenberg TM, Shaw K, Fryer J, Jones G | title = Calcium supplementation for improving bone mineral density in children | journal = The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews | volume = 2006 | issue = 2 | article-number = CD005119 | date = April 2006 | pmid = 16625624 | pmc = 8865374 | doi = 10.1002/14651858.CD005119.pub2 }}</ref>

===Cardiovascular impact=== There is good evidence that 1,000 mg to 1,500 mg of daily calcium supplementation can effect a modest reduction in blood pressure in adults who do not have a blood pressure condition, suggesting that achieving adequate calcium levels may have a role in preventing high blood pressure.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Cormick G, Ciapponi A, Cafferata ML, Cormick MS, Belizán JM | title = Calcium supplementation for prevention of primary hypertension | journal = The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews | volume = 1 | issue = 1 | article-number = CD010037 | date = January 2022 | pmid = 35014026 | pmc = 8748265 | doi = 10.1002/14651858.CD010037.pub4 | type = Systematic review }}</ref>

===Cancer=== The US National Cancer Institute does not recommend the use of calcium supplements for lowering the risk of cancer.<ref>{{cite web|title=Calcium and Cancer Prevention: Strengths and Limits of the Evidence|publisher=National Cancer Institute|url=http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/prevention/calcium|access-date=2 November 2014|date=4 May 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129043647/http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/prevention/calcium|archive-date=29 November 2014}}</ref> There is weak evidence calcium supplementation might have a preventative effect against developing colorectal adenomatous polyps, but the evidence is not sufficient to recommend such supplementation.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Weingarten MA, Zalmanovici A, Yaphe J | title = Dietary calcium supplementation for preventing colorectal cancer and adenomatous polyps | journal = The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews | volume = 2008 | issue = 1 | article-number = CD003548 | date = January 2008 | pmid = 18254022 | pmc = 8719254 | doi = 10.1002/14651858.CD003548.pub4 | type = Review }}</ref>

==Side effects==

Excessive consumption of calcium carbonate antacids/dietary supplements (such as Tums) over a period of weeks or months can cause milk-alkali syndrome, with symptoms ranging from hypercalcemia to potentially fatal kidney failure. What constitutes "excessive" consumption is not well known and, it is presumed, varies a great deal from person to person. Persons consuming more than 10 grams/day of calcium carbonate ({{Val|4|u=grams}} of elemental calcium) are at risk of developing milk-alkali syndrome,<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Beall DP, Henslee HB, Webb HR, Scofield RH | title = Milk-alkali syndrome: a historical review and description of the modern version of the syndrome | journal = The American Journal of the Medical Sciences | volume = 331 | issue = 5 | pages = 233–242 | date = May 2006 | pmid = 16702792 | doi = 10.1097/00000441-200605000-00001 | s2cid = 45802184 }}</ref> but the condition has been reported in at least one person consuming only 2.5 grams/day of calcium carbonate ({{Val|1|u=gram}} of elemental calcium), an amount usually considered moderate and safe.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Picolos MK, Orlander PR | title = Calcium carbonate toxicity: the updated milk-alkali syndrome; report of 3 cases and review of the literature | journal = Endocrine Practice | volume = 11 | issue = 4 | pages = 272–280 | date = 2005 | pmid = 16006300 | doi = 10.4158/EP.11.4.272 }}</ref> Some individuals report gastrointestinal side effects such as bloating, constipation, or nausea when taking synthetic calcium supplements.<ref name = "Fritz_2023">{{cite book | vauthors = Fritz K, Taylor K, Parmar M |title=Calcium Carbonate |date=2023-08-05 |edition=StatPearls [Internet] |publisher=StatPearls Publishing |location=Treasure Island (FL) |url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562303/ | pmid = 32965974 |access-date=2025-05-20}}</ref>

A 2023 systematic review found that calcium supplementation is not associated with myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure admission, and cardiovascular/all-cause mortality.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Sim MG, Teo YN, Teo YH, Syn NL, Li TY, Yeo LL, Kong WK, Tan BY, Yip JW, Wong RC, Poh KK, Yeo TC, Sharma VK, Chai P, Chan MY, Sia CH | title = Association Between Calcium Supplementation and the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis | journal = Heart, Lung & Circulation | pages = S1443–9506(23)04281–6 | date = September 2023 | volume = 32 | issue = 10 | pmid = 37743221 | doi = 10.1016/j.hlc.2023.07.008 | s2cid = 262224167 }}</ref> Calcium supplements may contribute to the development of kidney stones.<ref name=AHFS2017/>

Acute calcium poisoning is rare, and difficult to achieve without administering calcium intravenously. For example, the oral median lethal dose (LD50) for rats for calcium carbonate and calcium chloride are 6.45<ref>{{cite book | vauthors = Lewis RJ |date= 1996 |title= Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials|url= https://archive.org/details/saxsdangerouspro0000lewi |url-access= registration |edition= 9th|publisher= Van Nostrand Reinhold |location= New York, NY |page= 635 |isbn= 978-0-471-37858-7}}</ref> and 1.4 g/kg,<ref>{{cite book |title = ITII. Toxic and Hazardous Industrial Chemicals Safety Manual |publisher = The International Technical Information Institute |date =1988 |location = Tokyo, Japan |page = 101}}</ref> respectively.

== Interactions == Calcium supplements by mouth diminish the absorption of thyroxine when taken within four to six hours of each other.<ref name="pmid10838651">{{cite journal | vauthors = Singh N, Singh PN, Hershman JM | title = Effect of calcium carbonate on the absorption of levothyroxine | journal = JAMA | volume = 283 | issue = 21 | pages = 2822–2825 | date = June 2000 | pmid = 10838651 | doi = 10.1001/jama.283.21.2822 | doi-access = }}</ref> Thus, people taking both calcium and thyroxine run the risk of inadequate thyroid hormone replacement and thence hypothyroidism if they take them simultaneously or near-simultaneously, because significant amount of T4 is adsorbed to calcium carbonate depending on gastric pH levels, preventing absorption of T4 at the intestinal level.<ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.1210/er.2018-00168 |url=https://academic.oup.com/edrv/article/40/1/118/5198605 |title=Gastrointestinal Malabsorption of Thyroxine |date=2019 |journal=Endocrine Reviews |volume=40 |issue=1 |pages=118–136 |pmid=30476027 |vauthors=Virili C, Antonelli A, Santaguida MG, Benvenga S, Centanni M |access-date=15 March 2024 |archive-date=23 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240223100244/https://academic.oup.com/edrv/article/40/1/118/5198605 |url-status=live |hdl=11568/936596 |hdl-access=free }}</ref><ref name="pmid10838651"/>

== Absorption == Calcium absorption in the gut is influenced by factors such as vitamin D levels, gut acidity, age, estrogen levels, and dietary fiber intake. It decreases with age, low vitamin D levels, hypochlorhydria, low estrogen levels, and a high-fiber diet. Calcium is absorbed both actively and passively in the small intestines, with low vitamin D levels impairing active absorption. Calcium absorption varies with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and is also influenced by dietary factors and genetics. Individuals vary in their ability to absorb calcium, with absorption inversely related to total dietary calcium intake, dietary fiber, alcohol intake, and physical activity, and positively associated with body mass index, dietary fat intake, and serum 1,25(OH2)D and parathyroid hormone levels.<ref name="pmid17507729"/>

== Excretion == Calcium is excreted from the human body primarily through urine and feces. Several factors can influence the rate of urinary calcium loss, including the intake of caffeine, protein, and sodium and low estrogen levels. Caffeine intake has been associated with bone loss, particularly in women aged 66-77 years. Women consuming more than 300 mg of caffeine per day usually experience greater bone loss in the spine than those consuming less than or equal to 300 mg per day. Genetic variants of the Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) also play a role.<ref name="pmid17507729"/>

==Types== The intravenous formulations of calcium include calcium chloride and calcium gluconate.<ref name=AHFS2017/> The forms that are taken by mouth include calcium acetate, calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, calcium gluconate, calcium lactate, and calcium phosphate.<ref name=AHFS2017/>

* The absorption of calcium from most food and commonly used dietary supplements is very similar.<ref name="Weaver">{{cite book| veditors = Bowman BA, Russell RM | vauthors = Weaver CM |chapter= 29 Calcium|title= Present Knowledge in Nutrition | edition = 9th |volume = I| page= 377|publisher= ILSI Press|date= 2006 | isbn = 978-1-57881-198-4 }}</ref> This is contrary to what many calcium supplement manufacturers claim in their promotional materials. The studies of absorption of two most common salts, calcium carbonate and calcium citrate, show varied results. Both were found to be equally bioavailable in most vitamin D–sufficient postmenopausal women and when taken with a meal. Calcium citrate showed better bioavailability in some postmenopausal women, possibly due to low gastric acid output in those women. Calcium citrate is recommended for patients with achlorhydria and those on medications that decrease stomach acidity. While calcium carbonate is the most common and least expensive form of calcium and contains 40% of elemental calcium, calcium citrate supplements contain only 21% calcium, requiring more tablets for equivalent dosage. Calcium carbonate is a recommended supplement which is well-absorbed when taken with a meal and provides greater amounts of elemental calcium, but calcium citrate is preferred in individuals with suspected achlorhydria or absorption disorders.<ref name="pmid17507729"/> * Bovine milk naturally contains about 1200 milligrams of elemental calcium per liter, primarily as a calcium phosphate, in concentrations much more above the solubility of calcium phosphate salts. To improve absorption of calcium phosphate, some of the calcium in milk is complexed with citrate, but the most significant component in this process is the presence of casein micelles, which are protein-based colloids in bovine milk that contain about 70% of total calcium and 50% of total inorganic phosphate. The calcium phosphate is encapsulated in the casein micelles in the form of small nanoclusters, which can be considered protein-based carriers for calcium phosphate. The calcium phosphate in the casein micelles is in an amorphous form and solubilizes when the pH is reduced; at pH less than 5, all calcium phosphate in milk is solubilized; under gastric conditions for humans, casein micelles are susceptible to enzymatic coagulation, leading to gastric curds and the subsequent phased transit of the casein fraction through the stomach. The bioavailability of calcium from bovine milk is about 30 to 35% and is not affected by the method of labeling, lactose content, or fermentation.<ref>{{cite journal|doi=10.3390/nu14010180|doi-access=free |title=Calcium Absorption from Food Products: Food Matrix Effects |date=2021 |journal=Nutrients |volume=14 |issue=1 |page=180 |pmid=35011055 |pmc=8746734 | vauthors = Shkembi B, Huppertz T }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|doi=10.1007/978-0-387-84865-5_10 |chapter=Nutritional Aspects of Minerals in Bovine and Human Milks |title=Advanced Dairy Chemistry |date=2009 |pages=391–456 |isbn=978-0-387-84864-8 | vauthors = Hunt C, Nielsen F }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |url=https://www.journalofdairyscience.org/article/S0022-0302%2887%2980305-3/pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240316224448/https://www.journalofdairyscience.org/article/S0022-0302(87)80305-3/pdf |archive-date=16 March 2024 |url-status=live |title=Calcium in Dairy Products |first=Michael H. |last=Tunick |date=1987 |journal=Journal of Dairy Science |volume=70 |issue=11 |pages=2429–2438|doi=10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(87)80305-3 |pmid=3320115 |doi-access=free }} </ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/calcium-HealthProfessional/ | title=Office of Dietary Supplements - Calcium | access-date=16 March 2024 | archive-date=17 March 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180317073525/https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-HealthProfessional/ | url-status=live }}</ref> * Different kinds of beverages such as juices or soy milk boosted with calcium are widely available and provide a convenient way to increase calcium intake. They are particularly beneficial for individuals who have difficulty swallowing large tablets, as well as children, vegans, and those with dairy allergies or intolerances. However, the bioavailability of calcium from these fortified foods can vary significantly. The form of the calcium may not be the primary determinant of absorbability. Instead, the physical state of the calcium, which can precipitate out and settle to the bottom of the container depending on the fortification system, may play a more significant role; despite the convenience of calcium-fortified beverages, the absorption of calcium from these products may not be equivalent to that from milk or other traditional sources.<ref name="pmid17507729"/> * Calcium carbonate is the most common and least expensive calcium supplement. It should be taken with food, and depends on low pH levels (acidic) for proper absorption in the intestine.<ref name="pmid32965974">{{cite book|pmid=32965974 |date=2024 |title=Calcium Carbonate | vauthors = Fritz K, Taylor K, Parmar M }}</ref><ref>{{cite book| vauthors = Remington J |title = Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy|publisher = Lippincott Williams & Wilkins|date = 2005|page = 1338|isbn = 978-0-7817-4673-1}}</ref> Absorption of calcium from calcium carbonate is similar to the absorption of calcium from milk.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Zhao Y, Martin BR, Weaver CM | title = Calcium bioavailability of calcium carbonate fortified soymilk is equivalent to cow's milk in young women | journal = The Journal of Nutrition | volume = 135 | issue = 10 | pages = 2379–2382 | date = October 2005 | pmid = 16177199 | doi = 10.1093/jn/135.10.2379 | url = http://jn.nutrition.org/content/135/10/2379.full.pdf | url-status = live | doi-access = free | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170918184611/http://jn.nutrition.org/content/135/10/2379.full.pdf | archive-date = 18 September 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Martini L, Wood RJ | title = Relative bioavailability of calcium-rich dietary sources in the elderly | journal = The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition | volume = 76 | issue = 6 | pages = 1345–1350 | date = December 2002 | pmid = 12450902 | doi = 10.1093/ajcn/76.6.1345 | doi-access = free }}</ref> Calcium carbonate as a calcium supplement source has several benefits compared to other forms like calcium citrate, lactate, or gluconate, because of highest content of elemental calcium by weight (40%), providing more calcium per dose compared to other forms. It is the least expensive form of calcium, making it a cost-effective choice for many patients. It is well-absorbed when taken with a meal. While it requires more stomach acid for absorption compared to calcium citrate, it is often recommended for individuals with normal to high stomach acid levels.<ref name="pmid17507729"/> * Calcium phosphate costs more than calcium carbonate, but less than calcium citrate. Microcrystalline hydroxyapatite and ossein-hydroxyapatite are forms of calcium phosphate used as a dietary supplement.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-HealthProfessional/ | title=Office of Dietary Supplements - Calcium | access-date=15 March 2024 | archive-date=17 March 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180317073525/https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-HealthProfessional/ | url-status=live }}</ref> * Bone meal as a calcium supplementation has largely been discontinued due to concerns of contamination with heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, mercury, and cadmium identified in the 1980s.<ref name="pmid34096339">{{cite journal |vauthors=White CM |title=Lead in Mineral or Multivitamin-Multimineral Products |journal=Ann Pharmacother |volume=56 |issue=3 |pages=339–345 |date=March 2022 |pmid=34096339 |doi=10.1177/10600280211023328 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid17507729"/> Microcrystalline hydroxyapatite, a "second-generation" calcium supplement derived from bovine bone, is claimed by manufacturers to be free of these heavy metals. This supplement comprises an organic component, including collagen and bone-specific growth peptides, and an inorganic component providing calcium and phosphorus. These components are claimed to be beneficial for bone health. There is insufficient research on this form of calcium and no solid evidence to recommend using microcrystalline hydroxyapatite as a form of calcium supplementation. There are many other forms of calcium that are free of contaminants and have been shown to be well absorbed and efficacious. There are no reliable studies to validate the claims made about microcrystalline hydroxyapatite and to compare its efficacy with other forms of calcium supplementation.<ref name="pmid17507729"/> Ossein-hydroxyapatite and microcrystalline hydroxyapatite, both derived from natural sources such as bovine bone, contain approximately 20-25% elemental calcium by weight.<ref name="pmid19407667">{{cite journal |vauthors=Castelo-Branco C, Ciria-Recasens M, Cancelo-Hidalgo MJ, Palacios S, Haya-Palazuelos J, Carbonell-Abelló J, Blanch-Rubió J, Martínez-Zapata MJ, Manasanch J, Pérez-Edo L |title=Efficacy of ossein-hydroxyapatite complex compared with calcium carbonate to prevent bone loss: a meta-analysis |journal=Menopause |volume=16 |issue=5 |pages=984–91 |date=2009 |pmid=19407667 |doi=10.1097/gme.0b013e3181a1824e |url=}}</ref> Ossein-hydroxyapatite is a composite of collagen protein (ossein) and hydroxyapatite. Ossein-hydroxyapatite exhibits high stability and is less soluble in water compared to other calcium compounds. Microcrystalline hydroxyapatite is extracted from bovine bone and contains the mineral matrix found in human bones. Apart from calcium, microcrystalline hydroxyapatite contains other essential minerals like phosphorus, magnesium, and trace elements.<ref name="pmid19407667"/> * Antacids frequently contain calcium carbonate, and are a commonly used, inexpensive calcium supplement.<ref>{{cite journal | url=https://link.springer.com/article/10.2165/00003495-199957060-00003 | doi=10.2165/00003495-199957060-00003 | title=Antacids Revisited | date=1999 | journal=Drugs | volume=57 | issue=6 | pages=855–870 | pmid=10400401 | vauthors=Maton PN, Burton ME | access-date=15 March 2024 | archive-date=20 April 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420140719/https://link.springer.com/article/10.2165/00003495-199957060-00003 | url-status=live | url-access=subscription }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | doi=10.1177/03000605221086457 | title=Antacids revisited: Review on contemporary facts and relevance for self-management | date=2022 | journal=Journal of International Medical Research | volume=50 | issue=3 | pmid=35343261 | pmc=8966100 | vauthors = Garg V, Narang P, Taneja R | article-number=03000605221086457 }}</ref><ref name = "Fritz_2023" /> * Coral calcium is a salt of calcium derived from fossilized coral reefs. Coral calcium is composed of calcium carbonate and trace minerals. Claims for health benefits unique to coral calcium have been discredited. Coral calcium, marketed as a cure for various diseases and linked to Okinawan longevity, is merely calcium carbonate, and it supposed superiority to regular calcium carbonate has not been proven. The Okinawa Centenarian Study (OCS) in 2003 clarified that Okinawan longevity is due to a healthy lifestyle, not coral calcium. The OCS did not endorse coral calcium due to its cost, lack of scientific evidence supporting health claims, and environmental concerns about coral reefs. In 2004, the Federal Trade Commission prohibited the marketers from making unsupported health claims about coral calcium.<ref name="pmid17507729">{{cite journal |vauthors=Straub DA |title=Calcium supplementation in clinical practice: a review of forms, doses, and indications |journal=Nutr Clin Pract |volume=22 |issue=3 |pages=286–96 |date=June 2007 |pmid=17507729 |doi=10.1177/0115426507022003286}}</ref> * Calcium citrate can be taken without food and is the supplement of choice for individuals with achlorhydria or who are taking histamine-2 blockers or proton-pump inhibitors.<ref name = "osgknm">{{cite journal | vauthors = Straub DA | title = Calcium supplementation in clinical practice: a review of forms, doses, and indications | journal = Nutrition in Clinical Practice | volume = 22 | issue = 3 | pages = 286–296 | date = June 2007 | pmid = 17507729 | doi = 10.1177/0115426507022003286 }}</ref> Calcium citrate is about 21% elemental calcium. One thousand mg will provide 210 mg of calcium. It is more expensive than calcium carbonate and more of it must be taken to get the same amount of calcium. Calcium citrate as a calcium supplement source has several benefits compared to other forms like calcium carbonate, because calcium citrate does not require an acidic environment for absorption, making it a good choice for individuals with low stomach acid, such as the elderly or those on certain medications. It is meal-independent, that meant that it can be taken with or without food, offering more flexibility than calcium carbonate, which is best taken with food. Calcium citrate is a better choice for individuals taking medications for gastroesophageal reflux disease, as these medications can reduce stomach acid and impair calcium carbonate absorption.<ref name="pmid17507729"/> * Calcium lactate has similar absorption as calcium carbonate,<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Martin BR, Weaver CM, Heaney RP, Packard PT, Smith DL | title = Calcium absorption from three salts and CaSO(4)-fortified bread in premenopausal women | journal = Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry | volume = 50 | issue = 13 | pages = 3874–3876 | date = June 2002 | pmid = 12059174 | doi = 10.1021/jf020065g | bibcode = 2002JAFC...50.3874M }}</ref> but is more expensive.<ref name = "osgknm"/><ref name="pmid17507729"/> Unlike calcium carbonate, calcium lactate can be absorbed at various pHs, thus it does not need to be taken with food.<ref name="pmid17507729"/> Calcium lactate is a less concentrated forms of calcium than calcium carbonate.<ref name = "osgknm"/> Calcium lactate contains 13% elemental calcium. It is often used as a food additive to enhance the calcium content of foods, replace other salts, or increase the overall pH (that is, decrease the acidity) of the food. It can also be used as a main source of calcium in calcium supplements, however due to its lower concentration of elemental calcium, a larger number of tablets need to be consumed to reach desirable doses. For example, only 255 mg of elemental calcium in typical 3 tablets of calcium lactate, meaning that to obtain 1000 mg of supplemental elemental calcium from this form, 12 tablets would need to be consumed.<ref name="pmid17507729"/> * Calcium gluconate is a form of calcium found in gluconic acid, a carboxylic acid found in plants and honey. It contains 9% elemental calcium, making it less concentrated than calcium carbonate. Unlike calcium carbonate, calcium gluconate does not require stomach acid for absorption, making it suitable for individuals with low stomach acid production or those taking acid-reducing medications. Calcium gluconate is commonly used in emergency medicine to treat conditions like hypocalcemia (low calcium levels) and hyperkalemia (high potassium levels). While it is sold as a calcium supplement, other calcium preparations are often better for maintaining healthy calcium levels in the body, due to the lower concentration of elemental calcium in calcium gluconate, meaning that a larger number of tablets need to be consumed to reach desirable doses of calcium.<ref name="pmid17507729"/> * Calcium chloride contains approximately 27.2% or 272 mg of elemental calcium per gram for the calcium chloride hexahydrate (CaCl2·6H2O). This means that for every gram of calcium chloride hexahydrate, there are 272 mg of actual, absorbable calcium. This high calcium content is one reason why calcium chloride is often used in medical treatments and as a calcium supplement.<ref name="pmid11165888">{{cite journal |vauthors=Bendich A |title=Calcium supplementation and iron status of females |journal=Nutrition |volume=17 |issue=1 |pages=46–51 |date=January 2001 |pmid=11165888 |doi=10.1016/s0899-9007(00)00482-2}}</ref> Another reason is fast absorption, which is useful for instant calcium supplementation in emergencies. It is medically used to treat or prevent low calcium levels, and to protect the heart from high potassium levels and high magnesium levels. Calcium chloride has a very salty taste and can cause mouth and throat irritation, so it's typically not the first choice for long-term oral supplementation.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.drugs.com/cdi/calcium-chloride.html | title=Calcium Chloride: Indications, Side Effects, Warnings | access-date=15 March 2024 | archive-date=17 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217141037/https://www.drugs.com/cdi/calcium-chloride.html | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="pmid11165888"/> Calcium chloride, characterized by its low molecular weight and high water solubility, readily breaks down into calcium and chloride ions when exposed to water. These ions are efficiently absorbed from the intestine.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.industrialchemicals.gov.au/sites/default/files/Calcium%20chloride%20%28CaCl2%29_Human%20health%20tier%20II%20assessment.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240316234535/https://www.industrialchemicals.gov.au/sites/default/files/Calcium%20chloride%20(CaCl2)_Human%20health%20tier%20II%20assessment.pdf |archive-date=16 March 2024 |url-status=live |date=27 November 2014 |title=Calcium chloride (CaCl2): Human health tier II assessment |website=nicnas.gov.au}}</ref> Caution should be exercised when handling calcium chloride as it has the potential to release heat energy upon dissolution in water. This release of heat can lead to trauma and burns in the mouth, throat, esophagus, and stomach. In fact, there have been reported cases of stomach necrosis resulting from burns caused by calcium chloride.<ref>{{cite journal | url=https://casereports.bmj.com/content/2013/bcr-2012-007716 | pmid=23283618 | date=2013 | title=A 'black stomach' due to ingestion of anhydrous calcium chloride | journal=BMJ Case Reports | volume=2013 | pages=bcr2012007716 | doi=10.1136/bcr-2012-007716 | pmc=3604345 | vauthors=Remes-Troche JM | access-date=16 March 2024 | archive-date=16 March 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240316234534/https://casereports.bmj.com/content/2013/bcr-2012-007716 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | doi=10.1177/0300060520920065 | title=Oral chemical burn due to accidental ingestion of calcium oxide food desiccant in a patient with dementia | date=2020 | journal=Journal of International Medical Research | volume=48 | issue=4 | pmid=32338100 | pmc=7223204 | vauthors = Hagiwara Y, Seki K, Takahashi Y | article-number=0300060520920065 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|doi=10.14309/crj.0000000000000446 |title=Gastric Necrosis because of Ingestion of Calcium Chloride |date=2020 |journal=ACG Case Reports Journal |volume=7 |issue=8 |article-number=e00446 |pmid=32903978 |pmc=7447462 | vauthors = Nakagawa Y, Maeda A, Takahashi T, Kaneoka Y }}</ref>

Vitamin D is added to some calcium supplements. Proper vitamin D status is important because vitamin D is converted to a hormone in the body, which then induces the synthesis of intestinal proteins responsible for calcium absorption.<ref>{{cite book| vauthors = Combs G |title=The Vitamins |page=[https://archive.org/details/vitaminsfundamen0000comb/page/161 161] |publisher=Academic Press |date=2008 |isbn=978-0-12-183490-6 |url=https://archive.org/details/vitaminsfundamen0000comb/page/161}}</ref>

==Labeling== For US dietary supplement and food labeling purposes, the amount in a serving is expressed in milligrams and as a percent of Daily Value (%DV). The labels indicate the weight of the elemental calcium in the supplement, not the total weight of the compound. For instance, in the case of calcium citrate, the label specifies the weight of the elemental calcium, not the entire calcium citrate compound. For calcium labeling purposes 100% of the Daily Value was 1000 mg, but in May 2016 it was revised to 1000–1300 mg.<ref name="Regulations.gov">{{cite web|title=Regulations.gov|url=https://www.regulations.gov/document/FDA-2012-N-1210-0875|access-date=18 January 2023|website=www.regulations.gov|archive-date=5 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205102542/https://www.regulations.gov/document/FDA-2012-N-1210-0875|url-status=live}}</ref> A table of the pre-change adult Daily Values and references for the revision are provided at Reference Daily Intake. Food and supplement companies had until July 2018 to comply with the labeling change.<ref name="Regulations.gov"/>

== References == {{Reflist}}

Category:Dietary supplements Category:World Health Organization essential medicines Category:Wikipedia medicine articles ready to translate