Ask Karen: Calcium supplements

By Karen McNew
WSLS10 Anchor
Published: August 27, 2008

Q:  I saw a report on Calcium plus D and found some are compound and some are citrate.  Which is best for me?

A:  I called one of my pharmacist experts, James Black with the Carilion Medical Center Pharmacy in Roanoke for an answer to this question. 

He says the two main supplement forms are carbonate and citrate.  He says it does not really matter whether your calcium supplement is carbonate or citrate for bone building benefits.  The main difference between the two is that the citrate version tends to cause less gas.

The most important thing about calcium is getting the amount you need.  It is best to talk to your doctor about the milligram strength that is best for your needs but typically 1200mg to 1500 mg is recommended daily for post menopausal women to help fight osteoporosis.  Generally 600mg to 1500mg of calcium is recommended daily depending on your needs.

Black says, “Space the doses.  If you are supposed to get 1200mg a day and you have 600mg tablets, instead of taking two at once take one with the first meal and one with the second.”

It is better to split up the doses to get the maximum absorption benefit.  If you take the full dose all at once your body will not be able to absorb all of the calcium and some of it will be lost.

Calcium Supplement 10 On Your Side Tip:
*Always take a calcium supplement with food

Link to more information about calcium