Zhao J, Zeng X, Wang J, Liu L. Association between calcium or vitamin D supplementation and fracture incidence in community-dwelling older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA. 2017;318(24):2466–2482. doi:10.1001/jama.2017.19344 Hypercalcemia can be mild, moderate or severe. It can be acute (short-term) or chronic, depending on what’s causing your calcium levels to go up.

The research on calcium supplements and weight loss is also mixed. So we turn to the highest quality research to draw conclusions from, a research analysis, which looks at the results of many studies. In a research analysis that looked at 41 studies, no association was found between increased dairy food intake or supplemental calcium intake on weight loss. What to Look for in a Calcium Supplement Third-Party Testing A supplement subscription is a convenient option — your calcium gets delivered regularly to your door, so you never run out. There are a few calcium subscriptions available, but we like Care/of Calcium Plus best. If you’re concerned about what goes into your body, then you’ll care about all the stuff this company leaves out. SmartyPants is sweetened with 5 grams of organic cane sugar and organic tapioca syrup, which may not be suitable for some, as it is 20 percent of the recommended daily added sugar limit for kids. So, gummy vitamins may be simpler for both kids and adults to add to their routines and consume on a more consistent basis than other multivitamins. Summary

Booth AO, Huggins CE, Wattanapenpaiboon N, Nowson CA. Effect of increasing dietary calcium through supplements and dairy food on body weight and body composition: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Br J Nutr. 2015;114(7):1013-1025. doi:10.1017/S0007114515001518 When looking to buy gummy vitamins, Registered Dietitian Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, LD, CLEC, CPT, author of Fueling Male Fertility, recommends keeping a few things in mind. First and foremost, be leery of too many added sugars, especially if you're insulin-sensitive or diabetic, consuming too many gummies can lead to a spike in blood sugar levels. Additionally, for people following a vegan diet or kosher lifestyle, be aware that some varieties are made with gelatin. If you have gestational diabetes, you may want to pay extra attention to how these could fit into your day since they contain added sugar from organic cane sugar and organic tapioca syrup.

Bristow SM, Horne AM, Gamble GD, Mihov B, Stewart A, Reid IR. Dietary calcium intake and bone loss over 6 years in osteopenic postmenopausal women [published correction appears in J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2020 Jan 1;105(1):]. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2019;104(8):3576-3584. doi:10.1210/jc.2019-00111 As with all calcium carbonate pills, some people may experience stomach upset and constipation when taking these. Meeting your calcium needs is essential for supporting overall health, playing an important role in bone and heart health specifically, as well nerve transmission, hormone and enzyme regulation, and muscle functioning. While dietary calcium is the preferred source, supplements may be beneficial for some groups of people that are at increased risk for calcium deficiency, including the following: We also like that Citracal Petites contain the digestive-friendly form, calcium citrate, so you’ll worry less about constipation. The two caplet serving size provides 400 milligrams of calcium, and can be taken with or without food. These pills also include vitamin D3, which works in partnership with calcium to maintain strong bones. Keep in mind that if you have increased calcium needs, you would need to take an additional pill at a separate time of day. One bottle contains 50 servings, so it will easily last you more than one month. Marcinowska-Suchowierska E, Kupisz-Urbańska M, Łukaszkiewicz J, Płudowski P, Jones G. Vitamin D Toxicity-A Clinical Perspective. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2018;9:550. doi:10.3389/fendo.2018.00550

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Tablets are the most common calcium supplement format, but they’re not for everyone. Smooth capsules may suit you better if you have trouble swallowing traditional pills. Or you may prefer a chewable supplement. 4. Research available supplements Research suggests that if your stomach acid is low, you may absorb calcium citrate better than other forms of calcium. This means you can take it with heartburn medications or on an empty stomach. In addition, most users don’t experience the bloating and constipation that calcium carbonate can trigger.

Calcium carbonate is the most common and also the most concentrated and typically, least expensive form. It does require stomach acid for optimal absorption, so it is best taken at meal time. While it is typically well tolerated, it can cause some gastrointestinal side effects, like bloating and constipation, in some people. Not all third-party testing is created equal. It is not uncommon for supplement companies to pay labs for certificates after conducting minimal to no testing. Maresz K. Proper calcium use: Vitamin K2 as a promoter of bone and cardiovascular health. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2015;14(1):34-39. Other forms are also available but are less common and have not been studied as extensively, including calcium phosphate, calcium ascorbate, and dicalcium malate. How much calcium do I need per day? If you’re not sensitive to dairy, a good source of dietary calcium is grass-fed, organic Greek yogurt. It gives you 450 mg of calcium per serving, plus vitamin D and protein.

When should I take calcium supplements? Does it matter what time?

Vitamin D: Taking too much vitamin D can raise the calcium levels in the body too high, causing pain, dehydration, nausea, vomiting, kidney stones, or even kidney failure and heart disease. The Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for vitamin D is set at 4000 IUs, though the Food and Nutrition Board committee noted adverse symptoms are unlikely at intakes below 10,000 IUs. Getting blood levels tested to see actual vitamin D status is the most reliable way to determine risk for toxicity. Who wouldn’t want to take their supplements when they are chewable and taste great? Costco’s Signature brand, Kirkland, has delivered a product that is easy to consume, comes in two tasty flavors (orange and cherry). It is also USP Verified, so you can trust it contains what is listed on the label. Multivitamin/Mineral Supplements Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.