Calcium Supplementation Guidelines

Understanding Calcium Supplements

• Calcium supplements are available in various formulations, with calcium carbonate being the most common and cost-effective form, providing 40% elemental calcium by weight 3
• Calcium citrate provides less elemental calcium (21%) but may be better absorbed when taken without food 3
• Other forms include calcium lactate (13% elemental calcium) and calcium gluconate (9% elemental calcium), which are less commonly used due to their lower calcium content 2

Caltrate Plus Composition and Dosing

• Caltrate 600™ contains 1,500 mg of calcium carbonate, which provides 600 mg of elemental calcium per tablet 1
• To obtain 1,500 mg of elemental calcium, one would need to take 2.5 tablets of Caltrate 600™ 1
• Calcium carbonate supplements like Caltrate should be taken with meals to ensure optimal absorption, as gastric acidity improves absorption 3

Optimal Calcium Supplementation Practices

• If daily supplementation exceeds 500 mg of elemental calcium, divided doses are recommended to improve absorption and minimize gastrointestinal side effects 4
• Calcium carbonate is more likely to cause constipation and bloating compared to other calcium supplements 3

Clinical Considerations

• Recommended daily calcium intake varies by age and sex: 1,000 mg for adults 19-50 years and men 51-70 years; 1,200 mg for women over 50 and men over 70 3
• Upper intake levels should not exceed 2,500 mg per day (2,000 mg per day in persons >50 years of age) 3
• Calcium from dietary sources is generally preferred over supplements when possible 4

Common Pitfalls

• Calcium carbonate requires gastric acid for optimal absorption; patients on acid-reducing medications may benefit from calcium citrate instead 3