Best Calcium Supplements for Osteoporosis – Reviews & Analysis

 

Finding the best calcium supplement for osteoporosis can be a tricky endeavor, especially now when there are so many options that you can choose from and that look quite similar at a first glance. After a careful examination of some of the best-received products in this line, we have concluded that the option worth getting is the New Chapter Bone Strength. The 3-in-1 complete formula will strengthen your bones, support joint health, and improve the health of your heart. The calcium is accompanied by Vitamin K2 to help direct it to the areas in your bones that need it the most. Similarly, the tablets are slim and soft which makes them very easy to swallow. If you are not able to find our first choice available for sale, but you are determined to get a quality supplement, we recommend that you consider the Nature’s Bounty Calcium Pills as it offers similar benefits.

 

 

Comparison table

 

 

 

10 Best Calcium Supplements for Osteoporosis (Reviews) in 2023

 

 

We know how time-consuming it can be to find the right calcium supplements for osteoporosis, which is why we have thought adequate to prepare a list of some of the top products currently available. These options stood out thanks to their quality, affordability, and customer satisfaction.

 

 

1. New Chapter Calcium Supplement – Bone Strength

 

While other options on the market get their calcium from limestone rock, since it is a cheaper source, the Bone Strength formula gets its mineral from plants. This feature allows the supplement to provide you with a holistic solution to bone health. Some additional ingredients you will find are magnesium, 70+ whole-food trace minerals and a proprietary blend of vitamins K2 and D3.

The unique formula allows this supplement not only to help support bone strength and bone density but also movement, joint function, and joint flexibility. Apart from helping your body absorb the Calcium, Vitamins K2 and D3, it will also function to help maintain artery health, and support the well-being of your heart.

One bottle contains 90 slim tables that are very easy to swallow and that will provide a slow and steady release. It is worth noting that since the minerals come from plants, this option is not gluten-free.

Pros

The main advantage of this product is that while other options on the market get their required calcium from the cheaper limestone rock, this one gets its much-needed mineral from plants.

This feature allows it to offer a holistic solution to bone health, especially due to the additional ingredients like magnesium, 70+ whole-food trace minerals, and even a proprietary blend of vitamins K2 and D3.

Due to this unique formula, this supplement not only supports bone strength and bone density but it’s also great for movement, joint flexibility, and joint function.

Its vitamin components will also promote artery health and support the overall well-being of your heart.

One bottle of this product contains 90 slim tablets which were designed with the utmost care by the manufacturer to make them easy to swallow.

Cons

Consumers should be aware that this product has soy and wheat ingredients in it, so watch out for those allergies! 

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2. Nature’s Bounty Calcium Pills and Vitamin D3 Mineral 

 

The huge twin pack will help you save money as each bottle contains 120 rapid release pills. Each soft gel pill contains 1200 mg of calcium together with 1000 IU of vitamin D3 to help assist with calcium absorption as well as boost your immune system and help support neuromuscular health.

Quality and consistency are essential when taking any medicine and Nature’s Body is a brand that lives to its name which is why the supplements don’t contain any artificial flavors. As a plus, to help with allergies, the pills are gluten, dairy, and wheat free. It does contain soy though, so you might want to keep this in mind.

As far as customer feedback goes, we found many users who were thoroughly pleased with the efficiency of this supplement. While the pills are quite big, especially when compared with some of the other options on the market, customers have found that they are quite easy to swallow.

Pros

This twin huge pack will be a nice money saver for you since each bottle contains 120 rapid release pills and that quantity should be enough to last for at least a few months.

Each of the pills contains a strong 1200 mg of calcium coupled with 1000 IU of vitamin D3 which helps the body’s calcium absorption process and boost your immune system, as well as supports neuromuscular health.

Since quality and consistency are essential for any brand looking to have success in this market, Nature’s Bounty stands by its name and does not enrich its supplements with any artificial flavors.

The pills are also gluten, dairy, and wheat-free, so even people with allergies can take these without any issues. However, do keep in mind that they contain soy.

Cons

Several buyers commented about the large size of these pills and the fact that they found it quite difficult to swallow them.

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3. Jarrow Formulas Bone-Up Capsules

 

The Bone-Up formula includes a superior combination of the latest breakthrough in bone health. As is expected, the main ingredient is calcium along with Vitamin D which is known to show significant support for bone health. The formula contains more prolonged calcium balance than the soluble calcium salts.

The primary source of the calcium is from bovine bone ossein microcrystalline hydroxyapatite (OHC) which contains more than just calcium. A dose provides the right amounts of minerals that your body needs. It is ideal for people who can’t get enough calcium from their diet, or for anyone who follows a high-protein or high-phosphorus diet.

While examining the numerous customer reviews, we were glad to find quite a few people who claim to have experienced great results after using these supplements. When combined with exercise, it can help slow bone loss, and it helps tremendously with osteoporosis and many other bone diseases.

Pros

If you’re searching for a high-quality calcium supplement, the Bone-Up’s formula stands out through a superior combination of the latest developments in bone health.

As expected, the main ingredient is calcium along with Vitamin D because this combination is the foundation for supporting bone health.

The formula is also known for promoting a more prolonged calcium balance than the soluble calcium salts.

Another bonus is that the primary intake of calcium comes from a natural bovine bone source called Ossein Microcrystalline Hydroxyapatite (OHC). This contains more than just calcium as one dose fuels the body with a tremendous amount of minerals too.

Therefore, this product is great for people who can’t get enough calcium as well as people who need to follow a high-protein or high-phosphorus diet.

Cons

Some consumers were dissatisfied because the product’s advertised pictures do not mention the fact that it contains maltodextrin, a substance known for spiking blood sugar.

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4. Nature Made Calcium 600mg

 

Nature Made has a long history of 45 years, and that shows in its products, this one included, as the formulas it uses are refined to meet the needs of both seniors and younger people. This supplement combines Calcium with Vitamin D to help with the absorption of this mineral.

Two tables provide 1200 mg of calcium which is the recommended dosage for people that require a higher daily intake, such as adults older than 50. The pills don’t use synthetic dyes; the color is instead derived from natural sources. Similarly, you won’t find artificial flavors or preservatives in the formula.

The supplement is USP verified to guarantee the quality and purity of the ingredients and the formula. Customers have also noticed immediate results after taking this product, claiming that apart from helping with osteoporosis, the pills have also helped with hair loss and made their nails look healthier.

Pros

Nature Made has a long history of putting out quality products and this one certainly makes the cut through its quality formulas that are refined to cater to both seniors and younger people.

Due to the combination of Calcium and Vitamin D, the absorption of the mineral into the body is extremely fast and its effects are also increased.

Two tables will provide you with 1200 mg of calcium which is also the recommended daily intake for people who require higher values of it, such as adults older than 50. 

The product does not have synthetic dyes in its composition because the color is instead derived from natural sources. Also, you will not find artificial flavors or preservatives in this quality formula.

Cons

Some customers were unhappy with the difficulties they had when trying to swallow the tablets due to their size and girth.

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5. NATURELO Bone Strength – Plant-Based

 

This product is also made from plant-based nutrients and whole food nutrients in order to offer consumers a healthy bone support. Among these we can name Calcium and Magnesium from Marine Algae, Vitamin D3 from Lichen, but also Vitamin C from Organic Acerola Cherries, all working for improving your bone problems.

Some users have even reported that after using this product, the bone density results showed that not only has that improved but, in some cases, the diagnosis even was upgraded from osteoporosis to osteopenia, which is indeed quite exciting to hear, as it does give hope to a lot of people who need to hear similar news.

Also important is the fact that the product doesn’t come with GMOs, gluten, soy, dairy, eggs, yeast, nuts, caffeine, nor with coloring, preservatives, or flavoring, which makes it a stand-out option for better health and also, obviously, for vegans and vegetarians.

Pros

The product includes several important plant-based and whole food nutrients that are required for better bone health, such as  Calcium and Magnesium from Marine Algae, Vitamin D3 from Lichen, but also Vitamin C from Organic Acerola Cherries.

There are cases of users who reported having their bone density recover to the point where their diagnosis was changed to a less problematic diagnosis.

It is a product that can be used by vegans and vegeterians, since it doesn’t have GMOs, gluten, dairy, eggs, nuts, yeast, soy, etc.

In order to be as natural as possible, the product also doesn’t include coloring, preservatives, or flavoring, so that it can be used as a healthy pill for your own health.

Cons

Some people have complained over the smell and taste, which has been described as being “rancid,” so more sensitive people should probably think of some other alternative that wouldn’t make them sick.

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6. Garden of Life mykind Plant Calcium

 

If you wish to get an option that is 100% plant-based and perfect for people who follow a vegan lifestyle, the Garden of Life alternative is a great choice. The calcium and magnesium blend includes vitamin D3 from lichen and vitamin K2 to support your bone health and reduce the risks of osteoporosis.

The supplement is easily digestible since it is made from real food, with mineral and vitamins that originate from over 20 distinct fruits and vegetables. The tablets are small and shaped to be easy to swallow with just a little sip of water. It is one of the few options on the market that is USDA Organic certified, Non-GMO Verified, and that does not include synthetic binders or fillers.

What’s more, the formula is entirely gluten-free and does not utilize any common allergens. Each of the 180 tablets contains 800 mg of calcium which originates from organic algae.

Pros

This product really aims to make its name proud since it is 100% plant-based and therefore perfect for people who choose to follow a vegan lifestyle. 

The standard calcium and magnesium blend also includes vitamin D3 from lichen as well as vitamin K2, both of which support overall bone health and also reduce the risks associated with osteoporosis.

Another bonus is that this supplement is easily digestible since it is made from real, natural food with minerals and vitamins that come from over 20 distinct fruits and vegetables.

To make it easier for those who are struggling to swallow such products, the manufacturer makes this one very small and shaped in a swallow-prone form.

Furthermore, the entire formula is gluten-free and lacking any of the common allergens so there shouldn’t be any people who cannot ingest this.

Cons

Some of the people who bought this mentioned they had stomach aches after ingesting these pills for the first time.

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7. Bayer Citracal Slow Release 1200 With Calcium + D3

 

Citracal is a brand that is highly recommended by doctors, and that has a lot to do with the quality of the products it produces. This particular option features a calcium formula that is fortified with vitamin D3 to help your body better absorb the minerals it needs to support your bone health and lower the risk and symptoms of osteoporosis.

Each pill features a unique combination of 1200 mg calcium citrate and carbonate and 1000 IU of vitamin D3 that will work with the Slo-Cal technology for an efficient absorption in one single daily dose of two tablets. The addition of vitamin D will allow you to get the benefit of two supplements in a single tablet.

Customers have reported good results after taking the pill and were glad that unlike other options that can only be taken with food, the calcium citrate formula allows you to take the pills on an empty stomach.

Pros

Because of all the doctors recommending Citracal, the brand’s name in itself is a mark of quality for this product.

Furthermore, this particular supplement features a calcium formula that is strengthened with vitamin D3 in order to better help your body absorb the minerals it needs to support your bone health and lower the risks and symptoms of a problematic disease like osteoporosis.

Each of the pills was designed to bring a unique combination of 1200 mg calcium citrate and carbonate as well as 1000 IU of vitamin D3.

The pills are also adapted to use the Slo-Cal technology, effectively guaranteeing their efficient absorption into the body with just a single daily dose of two tablets.

Unlike other similar products, this one can be taken on an empty stomach so you won’t need to force-eat some food for it.

Cons

Some buyers had problems with the amount of Calcium Carbonate found in this product and were therefore not satisfied with it.

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8. Citracal Calcium Citrate Supplements With Vitamin D

 

The Petites alternative is perfect for seniors who have a diet based on foods that are high in calcium but are unable to get all the recommended dosage of 1,200 mg per day. Each pill contains 400 mg of calcium citrate which is highly soluble and very easy for your body to absorb.

Vitamin D is required for your body to assimilate and regulate calcium metabolism and this is the reason why the Citracal formula contains up to 500 IU of vitamin D3. The Citracal formula is ideal to help seniors fight osteoporosis and osteopenia.

Customers were very satisfied with their purchase, but it is worth noting that even if the product bears the petite label, the tablets are just as big as the regular option. You are not required to take these supplements with food, and you can select the dosage depending on your needs, but remember that two tablets is the maximum amount the manufacturer advises.

Pros

The Petites alternative is the perfect choice for seniors who, for need or want, have a diet based on foods high in calcium but are still unable to get the recommended dosage of 1,200 mg every day.

Since every single pill in the bottle contains 400 mg of calcium citrate, a high-soluble, and highly-absorbable solution, this product will make it very easy for you to reach that number.

This supplement is ideal to help seniors fight things like osteoporosis and osteopenia due to the 500 IU of vitamin D3 found in it, which will help your body assimilate and regulate calcium metabolism.

Another bonus is the fact that this product can be taken without eating food first and the user is able to select the dosage depending on his or her needs.

Cons

Even though these tablets are called ‘Petites’, they are still as big as all other similar products and, as such, some customers may have trouble swallowing them. 

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9. Nature’s Bounty Calcium D3

 

The Nature’s Body supplements contain all the minerals and nutrients required to help support bone health and strength, as well as improve your general well-being. The bottle contains 300 tablets which makes it an excellent choice for people who wish to get a good value pack.

The brand is committed to providing users only the purest ingredients, and with a long history of 50 years, you can be confident that its formula will help you get the most out of life every day. As is expected, the tablets are enhanced with vitamin D to help with the absorption of calcium but also to give you increased immune support.

Similarly, you won’t have to worry that the supplements contain artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners since all the ingredients used come from natural sources. It does not contain milk or lactose, making it a good choice for lactose intolerant people.

Pros

This is another product from Nature’s Bounty’s quality line which aims to help the body by offering the minerals and nutrients which are required to help support bone health, bone strength, and overall well-being.

The tablets are, as expected, filled to the brink with vitamin D to aid in the absorption of calcium but they also provide increased immune support and fewer causes for health problems in the future.

Furthermore, you don’t have to worry about the ingredients in this because the supplement does not contain any artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners since, according to the company’s habit, all the ingredients come from natural sources.

The product does not contain milk and lactose so it can be a great boost for lactose-intolerant people.

Cons

One customer mentioned that the previous pills he used to buy tasted better than these ones, which he finds hard to ingest.

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10. Caltrate 600+D3 Calcium and Vitamin D Supplement Tablet

 

The Caltrate supplements are designed to help keep your bones and your body strong since it uses calcium for most everyday activities including muscle contraction and nerve function. It is important to maintain a diet with enough calcium and vitamin D, and this is exactly what this alternative seeks to provide.

The bottle contains 200 tablets, and each tablet carries 500 mg of calcium together with just enough vitamin D3 to help maximize calcium absorption. What’s unique about this option is that calcium and vitamin D3 come in concentrate form which is very important since it allows the manufacturer to produce tablets that are very small.

Thus, if you have troubles swallowing big pills, with this option getting your daily dose of calcium will no longer be an unpleasant experience. If you are not yet sure about the quality of this option, a glance at the overwhelmingly positive customer reviews will surely convince you.

Pros

The Caltrate supplements were designed to help anybody who deals with problems keep their bones and body strong since calcium is the most used substance in everyday activities like muscle contraction and nerve function. 

Because of this, it is adamant to have our diet include enough calcium and vitamin D and, for those of us who cannot do it through food alone, this product will work wonders since it comes with just enough from both worlds to boost the body’s calcium absorption rate.

What is unique about this product is the fact that the calcium and vitamin D3 in it come in concentrate form which allows the manufacturer to produce tablets that are very small and easy to swallow, therefore meeting the needs of customers who have to take a lot of pills daily.

Cons

Despite the positive reviews, there were some customers who were not satisfied with the effects they noticed after taking these pills.

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Our Yearly Guide

 

Calcium and osteoporosis are closely linked, and if you have a calcium deficiency, your bones will be the ones to suffer. Thankfully there is a straightforward solution for this in the form of calcium supplements. The downside is that since the market is flooded with so many options to choose from, people often end up getting more confused in the process.

We want to simplify the entire process for you, which is why we have compiled the following buyer’s guide that will go through the key aspects one should consider when purchasing calcium for osteoporosis.

How much calcium do you need?

The amount of calcium that you should get from a supplement depends on how much of it you are already getting from your diet. Men over 70 and women over 50 require 1,200 mg per day while an adult needs 1,000 mg. Before you decide to get a supplement, it is best to check with your doctor to know exactly how much you need.

Another thing to remember that if, for example, you need to get 1,000 mg of calcium per day from supplements, you can’t take it all at once since the more calcium you take, the more difficult it will be for your body to process it all. This is why it is recommended to take smaller amounts at each meal throughout your day until you reach the desired total.

Make sure that you don’t go over your recommended daily amount since if you go overboard, your body will have to get rid of it through the kidneys which will raise the risk of kidney stones as well as hardened blood vessels and tissue.

 

Types of calcium

There are two types of calcium that you are likely to find in supplements, and the more common of the two is calcium carbonate. If your tablets contain the carbonate variety, you will need to eat something when you take it because this type needs to react with the acid in your stomach for the best results.

The other type available is calcium citrate, and we found that customers who have a hectic schedule tend to like this option more since it is possible to take it on an empty stomach.

Why vitamin D is important

Vitamin D gets produced by your body when sunlight hits your skin, and very few people get enough of it through natural means. It is also possible to get it from some foods such as fish, egg yolks, cheese, and certain foods that have added vitamin D such as juice, cereal, or milk.

The reason why vitamin D is so essential to help you fight osteoporosis has to do with the fact that your intestines absorb the calcium from the foods you eat with the help of vitamin D. This is the reason why you will find that most calcium supplements on the market include just enough vitamin D in each tablet to help your body absorb all the minerals.

 

Should I worry about side effects?

While we can’t say for certain if you will encounter a side effect when taking a particular type of calcium supplement, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself. In case you know you are allergic to certain ingredients, you should take the time to read the entire list since some options may get the calcium from natural sources such as grains.

When switching to a new type of calcium supplement, you should start with a small daily dose of 200-300 mg for around a week and build it up gradually since this way if you experience a side effect, it won’t affect you as much. Some of the side effects you can experience are gas, constipation, and bloating.

 

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