Choosing a Calcium Supplement

by Genna Uden, UNL Nutrition 453

Not getting enough calcium in your diet? If you are not a milk fan, there are other options such as a calcium supplement. When choosing a calcium supplement the first thing to remember is that there are no "bad" forms of calcium. Calcium carbonate is the most commonly used calcium supplement because it contains the most calcium in the smallest dosage. Calcium citrate is another popular supplement which contains a little less calcium but is better absorbed by the body. Read the label on a calcium supplement and try to find one that also contains vitamin D (preferably Vitamin D3) which is important because it aids in the absorption of calcium.

Calcium supplements come in a variety of forms such as chews, tablets, softgels, powders, and liquids. Choose a form that best suits your taste. Take your calcium supplement after a meal because food along with vitamin D aids in the absorption. Finally if possible try and take half of your daily recommended amount of calcium at one meal and the other half at another.

Sources:
http://www.thehealthyway.org/info/ff/ca1.html
http://arthritis.about.com/od/supplement/a/calcium.htm