The 9 Best Calcium Supplements, According to Dietitians
As a dietitian, I get a lot of questions about calcium supplements — like which type is best and how much a person should take. Everyone’s needs differ, so we worked with six other dietitians to investigate this topic. We reviewed dozens of calcium supplements, looking at their ingredients, how trustworthy the brand is, and how much they cost. Here are our top recommendations, to help you make the best choice for your body.
Our Top Picks for Best Calcium Supplements
- Best Powder: NOW Foods Calcium Citrate Pure Powder
- Best Organic: Garden of Life Organic Plant Calcium
- Best for Women Over 50: Jarrow Formulas BoneUp
- Best for Bone Health: Thorne Advanced Bone Support
- Best With Vitamin D: Nature Made Calcium With D3
- Best Calcium-Only: Pure Encapsulations Calcium (Citrate)
- Best for Kids: Renzo’s Hercules Calcium
- Best Gummy: MaryRuth’s Calcium Gummies
- Best Budget-Friendly: Citracal Petites Calcium Citrate
When to Consult Your Doctor
Everyday Health recommends speaking with your doctor before adding any supplement to your diet, to make sure it is safe and appropriate for your individual health needs.
Calcium supplements, while beneficial for some, can interfere with certain medications, such as thyroid medications, and affect the absorption and efficacy of these drugs.
Calcium supplements may not be safe for individuals with specific health issues like kidney disease or a history of kidney stones. Before starting calcium supplements, a conversation with your doctor can help ensure supplementation is right for you.

Best Calcium Powder
NOW Foods Calcium Citrate Pure Powder
Pros
- Easily dissolvable
- Great for those who dislike pills
- Third-party tested, cGMP facilities
- Vegan, kosher, non-GMO
Cons
- Less convenient than a capsule
This is our top choice for the best calcium powder, thanks to its simplicity and brand reputation. For those who can’t or don’t want to swallow a pill, NOW’s calcium citrate powder offers an affordable, quality choice. Powders are easy to mix into your beverage of choice and can give you more control over exactly how many milligrams you take.
“I’m also impressed that they are a founding partner of Vitamin Angels, a nonprofit that provides supplements to populations at risk for malnutrition,” Andrews adds.
Key Specs
- Form: Powder
- Serving size: 1½ teaspoons
- Calcium per serving: 600 mg
- Type of calcium: Calcium citrate
- Other notable ingredients: None
- Dietary considerations: Kosher, vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, nut-free

Best Organic Calcium
Garden of Life Organic Plant Calcium
Pros
- Organic algae-based calcium
- Third-party tested and non-GMO certified
- Vegan-friendly formula
- Made with over 20 organic fruits and vegetables
Cons
- Requires three tablets for full dose
- Priciest on our list
For those seeking an organic, comprehensive approach to bone health, we recommend Garden of Life Organic Plant Calcium. If organic products are a priority for you, this is one of the only products on our list that is certified organic.
“Garden of Life Organic Plant Calcium is a standout choice for anyone prioritizing natural bone health,” says Alyssa Simpson, RDN, a digestive health dietitian in Phoenix, Arizona. “Made with over 20 organic fruits and vegetables, this USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified supplement is a clean, whole-food option that is gentle on digestion while delivering essential nutrients for bone support,” she says.
This product is the most expensive on our list, and some people may not want to spend the extra money if the organic label isn’t a priority. Also, three capsules can seem like a lot for people who don’t love swallowing pills, but we think the benefits are worth it.
Key Specs
- Form: Tablets
- Serving size: Three tablets
- Calcium per serving: 800 mg
- Other notable ingredients: Vitamin D, magnesium, vitamin K2
- Dietary considerations: Kosher, organic, vegan

Best Calcium for Women Over 50
Jarrow Formulas BoneUp
Pros
- Optimal dose of calcium
- Contains other important nutrients for bone health
- Third-party tested, cGMP facilities
- Gluten-free, non-GMO
Cons
- Full dose requires taking two capsules three times a day
Jarrow Formulas tests its ingredients for purity and potency, adhering to strict manufacturing standards and third-party testing.
Key Specs
- Form: Capsules
- Serving size: Two capsules
- Calcium per serving: 333.3 mg
- Type of calcium: Microcrystalline hydroxyapatite
- Other notable ingredients: Vitamin D, vitamin C, zinc, magnesium, copper, manganese, potassium, vitamin K2, boron
- Dietary considerations: Gluten-free, wheat-free, soy-free, nut-free, dairy-free, egg-free, fish- and shellfish-free

Best Comprehensive Calcium for Bone Health
Thorne Advanced Bone Support
Pros
- Contains combination of calcium and other essential vitamins and minerals for bone health
- Rigorous safety and testing standards
- Free of gluten, dairy, and soy
Cons
- Requires four capsules daily for full dose
Thorne is known for its commitment to high-quality supplements, and each product goes through four rounds of in-house testing for identity, purity, potency, and stability. This product is also gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free. The recommended dosage is two capsules twice a day, which might seem like a lot, but it allows optimal nutrient intake throughout the day. Despite the dosage frequency, the benefits make it a top choice for comprehensive bone support.
Key Specs
- Form: Capsules
- Serving size: Two capsules
- Calcium per serving: 300 mg
- Type of calcium: DimaCal, dicalcium malate
- Other notable ingredients: Vitamin D, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin B12, magnesium, and boron
- Dietary considerations: Gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free

Best Calcium With Vitamin D
Nature Made Calcium With D3
Pros
- Contains 400 IU of vitamin D
- Softgels may be easier for some to swallow
- USP-verified and third-party tested
Cons
- Requires stomach acid for optimal absorption
While many calcium supplements include vitamin D, Nature Made Calcium With D3 stands out for its affordability, high-quality formulation, and optimal dosage of 500 mg of calcium per serving. The softgel form may be easier for some to swallow, and we also like that Nature Made products are verified by United States Pharmacopeia (USP), a third-party organization for confirming purity and potency.
Key Specs
- Form: Softgels
- Serving size: One softgel
- Calcium per serving: 500 mg
- Type of calcium: Calcium carbonate
- Other notable ingredients: Vitamin D3
- Dietary considerations: Gluten-free

Best Calcium-Only Supplement
Pure Encapsulations Calcium (Citrate)
Pros
- Provides well-absorbed calcium citrate without extra ingredients
- Hypoallergenic and free of common allergens
- NSF-certified for safety and quality standards
Cons
- Requires separate vitamin D supplementation
- Relatively low calcium content at 300 mg per serving
Pure Encapsulations Calcium (Citrate) is the go-to choice for a straightforward and effective calcium supplement. “It provides well-absorbed calcium citrate without any additional ingredients, making it ideal for those who want to customize their vitamin D intake separately,” says Simpson.
Pure Encapsulations is renowned for its commitment to purity and potency, setting high standards with rigorous third-party testing. “This supplement is also hypoallergenic, free from common allergens, and is manufactured in facilities that adhere to strict quality standards,” Simpson says.
Pure Encapsulations supplements are National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) certified, one of the most highly recognized independent, third-party certifications for supplement safety and standards.
With 300 mg of calcium per serving, this supplement is versatile: You can take it to fill any dietary gaps or adjust the dosage to meet higher calcium needs throughout the day.
Key Specs
- Form: Capsules
- Serving size: Two capsules
- Calcium per serving: 300 mg
- Type of calcium: Calcium citrate
- Other notable ingredients: None
- Dietary considerations: Free of wheat, nuts, gluten, vegan

Best Calcium Supplement for Kids
Renzo’s Hercules Calcium
Pros
- Convenient dissolvable/chewable tablet form
- Includes other essential bone nutrients
- Allergen-free, non-GMO, and sugar-free
- Made in NSF-certified facility
Cons
- Not all children need extra vitamin D or K2
- Calcium phosphate may cause constipation
Renzo’s Hercules Calcium is our favorite choice for a children’s calcium supplement. This product features a simple formula that includes calcium, vitamin D3, and vitamin K2 for healthy bones and strong teeth. While not all children need calcium supplements, pediatric dietitian Jennifer House, RD, founder of First Step Nutrition in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, notes, “A calcium supplement may be required for children who don’t consume dairy or fortified alternatives regularly.”
This product contains 100 mg of calcium per tablet, making it an ideal choice to combine with food sources of calcium. “When it comes to supplements for kids, I’m a fan of products that don’t overdo it,” says Bourgeois. “As both a registered dietitian and a mom, I like to prioritize whole foods and let supplements bridge the gap.”
Key Specs
- Form: Chewable or dissolvable tablets
- Serving size: One to two capsules, depending on age
- Calcium per serving: 100 mg
- Type of calcium: Calcium phosphate
- Other notable ingredients: Vitamin D3 and vitamin K2
- Dietary considerations: Free of top eight allergens, gluten-free, vegan

Best Calcium Gummy
MaryRuth’s Calcium Gummies
Pros
- Easy to take and delicious flavor
- Sugar-free and allergen-free
- Third-party tested and non-GMO
Cons
- Lower calcium content per serving
- Contains sugar alcohols that could cause minor gastrointestinal upset
MaryRuth’s Calcium Gummies are a standout choice for convenience and flavor. These gummies have a sugar-free peach, mango, and apricot flavor — but note that they are made for adults, so keep them away from children.
MaryRuth’s is known for its commitment to producing high-quality, non-GMO, allergen-free products with third-party testing for purity and content. Its gummies are free of common allergens like dairy, gluten, and nuts, while also being vegan-friendly.
These gummies contain only 200 mg of calcium (again, from calcium phosphate, so you also get some phosphorus). This amount of calcium is on the lower end, but this can be advantageous if you get some calcium from food and only need to supplement a small amount to meet daily recommendations.
Key Specs
- Form: Gummy
- Serving size: Two gummies
- Calcium per serving: 200 mg
- Type of calcium: Calcium phosphate
- Other notable ingredients: Phosphorus
- Dietary considerations: Vegan, gluten-free

Best Budget-Friendly Calcium
Citracal Petites Calcium Citrate
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to absorb calcium citrate
- Third-party tested
Cons
- Capsule may be larger than expected
Citracal Petites Calcium Citrate is our favorite budget-friendly, effective calcium supplement. Priced at just around 5 cents per pill, it remains affordable even if you need to increase your dosage. Each serving provides 400 mg of calcium and 500 IU of vitamin D3, essential for maintaining strong, healthy bones. This product is third-party tested, ensuring safety and quality, and it uses calcium citrate for easier digestion and absorption.
Some users might find the capsule size larger than expected. While these pills are labeled as “petites,” this description might be a bit misleading for those anticipating tiny capsules. This is a straightforward and cost-effective supplement. It offers significant value, with 100 servings per bottle.
Key Specs
- Form: Caplet
- Serving size: Two caplets
- Calcium per serving: 400 mg
- Type of calcium: Calcium citrate
- Other notable ingredients: Vitamin D
- Dietary considerations: None listed
Comparison Table
How We Chose the Best Calcium Supplements
I’m a registered dietitian with years of experience reviewing and using supplements. I worked with six other expert dietitians to ensure a comprehensive and transparent evaluation process. We examined numerous products, assessing ingredient quality, effectiveness, and dosage to ensure that the supplements meet standards for efficacy. We also scrutinized brand integrity, looking for companies that uphold high standards for transparency and safety.
Our dietitian experts included:
- Lisa Andrews, RD
- Jennifer House, RD
- Alyssa Simpson, RDN
- Stephanie Dunne, RDN
- Bess Berger, RDN
- Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN
What to Look for When Buying Calcium Supplements
When purchasing a calcium supplement, consider the following factors:
- Amount of calcium: Remember that more calcium isn’t better. Look for 500 mg of calcium or less per serving. “Consider the [dosage] and how it compares to your dietary intake through whole foods,” says Bourgeois. “And when in doubt, reach out to your registered dietitian for guidance.” And check other supplements like multivitamins that may add to your total daily intake.
- Type of calcium: Certain forms like calcium citrate may be better absorbed or tolerated. “Calcium carbonate can sometimes cause bloating or gas, since it requires more stomach acid to break down, so calcium citrate may be a gentler option,” says Simpson.
- Other ingredients: “Look for calcium supplements that include other compounds that increase the mineral’s absorption, such as vitamin D, vitamin K2, and magnesium,” says Bourgeois.
- Prescription interactions: Consult a healthcare professional to understand potential interactions with medications, such as blood pressure meds or antibiotics. “Calcium can interfere with certain medications, like antibiotics and thyroid medications, and may also affect the absorption of iron and zinc,” Simpson says. “If you’re taking these, space them out for the best results.”
- Quality: Consider choosing supplements that are third-party tested by independent organizations, such as USP or NSF, which test for contamination, and make sure that what is on the label matches what’s in the bottle. Some companies may also use internal testing, but if so, make sure that it’s a reputable brand.
Can Calcium Supplements Actually Benefit Your Health?
“The first step is to determine if a person is deficient in a micronutrient through lab tests, dietary recall records, or symptom analysis,” says Dunne. “If a supplement is warranted, identifying the best form of the supplement and if any additional micronutrients are needed will yield the best results.”
Who Can Benefit From a Calcium Supplement?
Who Should Not Take a Calcium Supplement?
Dunne says that certain individuals should skip supplements or check with their primary care provider before starting them. “People with cancer or cardiovascular disease and those with elevated blood calcium levels should not begin a calcium supplement without speaking to their healthcare provider,” she says.
What Is a Safe Dosage for Calcium Supplements?
- Poor muscle tone
- Kidney insufficiency
- High phosphorus
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Frequent urination
- Heart arrhythmias
- Increased risk of cardiovascular disease mortality
If hypercalcemia is caused by supplements, it should normalize once you stop taking them.
FAQ
Calcium supplements are generally safe when taken as recommended. “As long as calcium supplements aren’t taken in excess, they're considered a safe supplement to use,” says Andrews. Taking too much could increase the risk of developing kidney stones (although getting enough calcium may actually prevent them). “Calcium taken in excess could increase the risk of soft tissue calcification, prostate cancer, and constipation,” she adds.
Why Trust Everyday Health

Caitlin Beale, MS, RDN
Author
Caitlin Beale, MS, RDN, is a registered dietitian and freelance health writer with experience in clinical nutrition, education, research, and private practice. Caitlin’s special interests include women's health, gut health, autoimmunity, and reproductive health. Committed to the belief that health information should be accessible to all, she is passionate about empowering individuals to make positive changes for their well-being. Caitlin holds advanced training certificates in women's health and integrative and functional nutrition.
Caitlin was born and raised in northern California, where she resides with her family. An avid lover of sunshine and the outdoors, she finds joy in activities such as visiting the beach, exercising, cooking, and indulging in a good read. You can find Caitlin’s writing in a variety of outlets and brands, including Motherly, Nourish, Signos, Greatest, Pure Encapsulations, Abbott, and Clue, among others.
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