Calcium
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body, primarily stored in bones and teeth, providing structural integrity. It plays a crucial role in maintaining bone density throughout life, preventing conditions like osteoporosis. Beyond structural support, calcium is vital for various physiological processes. It is essential for proper muscle contraction and relaxation, including the heartbeat. Calcium also facilitates nerve signal transmission, enabling communication between the brain and the rest of the body. Furthermore, it is involved in blood clotting mechanisms and hormone secretion, ensuring overall bodily regulation. Maintaining adequate calcium intake is fundamental for overall health. However, its absorption and utilization are complex, often requiring the presence of other nutrients like Vitamin D and Magnesium for optimal efficacy. Dietary sources and supplementation are common ways to ensure sufficient levels.
Dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese)Leafy green vegetables (kale, spinach, broccoli)Fortified foods (cereals, orange juice, plant-based milks)TofuSardinesAlmonds
Cheapest Calcium supplements
Compare the cheapest calcium supplements to support your bone and nail health, finding the best value for your wellness needs.
Best Calcium supplements
Compare the best Calcium supplements to support your bone health and strengthen your nails.
Value Calcium supplements
Compare top-rated Calcium supplements for bone and nail health, offering excellent value for your health needs.
RDA (Men)1000 mg
RDA (Women)1000 mg
RDI1000 mg
Minimum1000 mg
Maximum1500 mg
Upper Limit (UL)2500 mg
Toxicity Threshold3000 mg
Toxicity EffectKidney stones, impaired absorption of other minerals
Impact
Highest effect
Typical dose:500–1200 mg
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body, with over 99% stored in the skeleton. It serves as the main building block for bone tissue. Adequate intake is crucial to achieve peak bone mass during youth and to minimize bone loss with age.
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Impact
Limited evidence
While nails are composed of keratin protein, not primarily calcium, severe calcium deficiency can affect overall health, which may be reflected in nail quality. It plays a supportive role in cellular processes and maintaining the hardness of surrounding bone and tissues.
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add_circle_outline Positive Interactions
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is crucial for the absorption of calcium in the intestines.
Magnesium
Magnesium works synergistically with calcium in bone formation, muscle contraction, and nerve function, and helps regulate calcium levels.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K directs calcium to the bones and helps prevent its deposition in soft tissues like arteries.
Phosphorus
Calcium and Phosphorus are the primary minerals for forming and maintaining strong bones and teeth.
remove_circle_outline Negative Interactions
Iron
Calcium can inhibit the absorption of non-heme iron when taken simultaneously. It's best to take them at different times of the day.
Zinc
High doses of calcium can interfere with the absorption of zinc.
Manganese
High calcium intake may reduce manganese absorption.
75 Best 
Calcium 600 mg plus Vitamin D3
Sundown
4.7
★★★★★
(81 ratings)
Calcium: 1200 mg
A calcium carbonate supplement offering 600 mg of calcium per serving (implied) with added Vitamin D3 for improved absorption, a solid choice for bone health.
82 Best 
Mega Multi Mineral
Solaray
4.7
★★★★★
(4280 ratings)
Calcium: 1000 mg
This is a comprehensive mineral complex featuring many chelated forms for better absorption, supporting general wellness with substantial doses of key minerals but with notable levels of iodine and lower copper.
88 Best 
Bone Builder Extra Strength
Metagenics
4.8
★★★★★
(78 ratings)
Calcium: 1010 mg
A high-strength bone support product featuring a blend of MCHC and dicalcium phosphate for comprehensive calcium and phosphorus delivery, beneficial for bone and nail health.
88 Best 
Bone Solid
Country Life
4.6
★★★★★
(757 ratings)
Calcium: 1011 mg
Country Life Bone Solid is a highly comprehensive supplement designed to support robust bone health through a rich blend of essential minerals and key vitamins like D3 and K.
70 Value 
Complete Multivitamin Adults 50+
Equate
4.7
★★★★★
(2059 ratings)
Calcium: 220 mg
This multivitamin for adults 50+ offers a foundational blend of essential vitamins, minerals, and key carotenoids like Lutein and Lycopene, supporting general health, bone density, and vision at a very accessible price.
68 Value 
Therapeutic-M
21st Century
4.7
★★★★★
(615 ratings)
Calcium: 145 mg
Therapeutic-M is a cost-effective multivitamin-mineral supplement designed to offer broad, everyday nutritional support for general wellness.
78 Best 
Prenatal Nutrients
Solgar
4.8
★★★★★
(271 ratings)
Calcium: 1300 mg
This comprehensive prenatal multivitamin offers essential nutrients like chelated iron, folate, and calcium to support the nutritional needs of pregnant individuals and promote healthy fetal development.
78 Budget 
5-HTP 100 mg
Spring Valley
4.3
★★★★★
(276 ratings)
Calcium: 128 mg
This product combines 200mg of 5-HTP from Griffonia simplicifolia with a supplemental dose of 128mg of calcium, focusing on mood and sleep support with a nod to bone and nail health.
72 Value 
Complete Multivitamin Adults 50+
Equate
4.8
★★★★★
(2164 ratings)
Calcium: 220 mg
This multivitamin is designed for adults over 50, offering higher Vitamin D3 and eye-supporting nutrients at a very cost-effective price, providing good daily nutritional support.
75 Value 
600+D3
21st Century
4.8
★★★★★
(7310 ratings)
Calcium: 600 mg
An economical calcium carbonate tablet providing a moderate dose of calcium and beneficial Vitamin D3 for improved absorption and bone health.
78 Value 
Calcium 500+D3
21st Century
4.8
★★★★★
(5226 ratings)
Calcium: 500 mg
This highly affordable supplement provides 500mg of oyster shell calcium with added Vitamin D3, offering effective and economical support for bone and nail health.
85 Best 
Cal/Mag/Zinc Pina Colada
Trace Minerals Research
4.7
★★★★★
(159 ratings)
Calcium: 1200 mg
This liquid Cal/Mag/Zinc supplement delivers high doses of key bone-supporting minerals and zinc, fortified with Vitamin D3 and trace minerals, ideal for comprehensive mineral intake.
32 Budget 
Alpha Lipoic Acid 50 mg
21st Century
4.7
★★★★★
(1143 ratings)
Calcium: 196 mg
Mainly an Alpha Lipoic Acid product with a very minor amount of calcium carbonate, making it unsuitable as a primary calcium supplement.
78 Best 
100% Mass Gainer Chocolate Fudge Brownie
MuscleTech
4.3
★★★★★
(5114 ratings)
Calcium: 1250 mg
A high-calorie, high-carb, high-protein mass gainer with added performance ingredients, designed for significant weight and muscle gain goals.
58 Budget 
600 Calcium Supplement
21st Century
4.7
★★★★★
(4454 ratings)
Calcium: 600 mg
A basic calcium carbonate supplement providing 600 mg of calcium, but without the essential addition of Vitamin D.
90 Best 
Calcium + Vitamin D
Swisse Ultiboost
4.6
★★★★★
(1270 ratings)
Calcium: 1020 mg
A comprehensive calcium and Vitamin D tablet, combining carbonate and citrate forms for enhanced bone and nail support.
86 Best 
Stronger Bones
Garden of Life Dr. Formulated
4.6
★★★★★
(117 ratings)
Calcium: 1300 mg
A robust bone-support formula featuring high-dose natural eggshell calcium, Vitamin D, and a good K1/K2 blend, though it requires multiple tablets per serving.
76 Budget 
Niacin 250 mg
21st Century
4.6
★★★★★
(3304 ratings)
Calcium: 125 mg
An affordable Niacin supplement with a moderate 250 mg dose, plus calcium, well-suited for regular intake and those targeting specific wellness goals.
68 Value 
One Daily Women's
Equate
4.7
★★★★★
(5571 ratings)
Calcium: 380 mg
This women's multivitamin offers a budget-conscious blend of essential vitamins and minerals, including a significant amount of Biotin, to support women's daily health needs.
78 Budget 
600+D3
21st Century
4.8
★★★★★
(7287 ratings)
Calcium: 600 mg
A calcium carbonate tablet with Vitamin D3, providing core nutrients for bone and nail health.
75 Value 
Prenatal Multivitamin/Multimineral with Folate
Spring Valley
4.7
★★★★★
(2403 ratings)
Calcium: 200 mg
<p>This prenatal multivitamin delivers a key set of vitamins and minerals, including a good amount of folate and iron, tailored to support nutritional needs during pregnancy at a very affordable price.</p>
75 Value 
One Daily Women's Health
Equate
4.7
★★★★★
(5571 ratings)
Calcium: 500 mg
This multivitamin provides essential vitamins and minerals in a convenient daily tablet, formulated to help meet the general nutritional needs of women.
62 Best 
Bone Meal Powder
KAL
4.7
★★★★★
(2785 ratings)
Calcium: 1300 mg
A high-dose powdered supplement providing calcium and phosphorus from bone meal and calcium carbonate, offering flexible intake for significant mineral needs.
72 Budget 
PreNatal with Folic Acid
21st Century
4.8
★★★★★
(8208 ratings)
Calcium: 200 mg
This prenatal vitamin offers a comprehensive, budget-friendly blend of essential nutrients like folate, iron, and B vitamins, providing solid foundational support for pregnancy.
75 Budget 
Calcium 500+D3
21st Century
4.8
★★★★★
(10402 ratings)
Calcium: 500 mg
An oyster shell calcium supplement providing 500 mg of calcium with Vitamin D3, offering a balanced approach to bone and nail health.
58 Value 
600 Calcium Supplement
21st Century
4.7
★★★★★
(4454 ratings)
Calcium: 600 mg
An extremely budget-friendly calcium carbonate tablet providing a moderate dose of calcium, but it lacks Vitamin D3 for optimal absorption.
78 Value 
Calcium 500 + D3
21st Century
4.8
★★★★★
(4202 ratings)
Calcium: 500 mg
A highly affordable tablet delivering 500mg of natural calcium from oyster shell with a beneficial dose of Vitamin D3 for robust bone and nail health.
Average$31.16
Median$23.94
Average$0.82
Median$0.55
Average$0.32
Median$0.13
Reference amount: 100 mg
Calcium carbonate is a widely available and cost-effective form of calcium, containing approximately 40% elemental calcium by weight. Its absorption is acid-dependent, meaning it requires stomach acid for optimal dissolution and uptake, making it most effective when taken with meals.
- High elemental calcium content per pill
- Inexpensive
- Widely available
- Requires stomach acid for absorption (best taken with food)
- Can cause gas, bloating, and constipation in some individuals
Avg$19.92
Med$17.86
Avg$0.40
Med$0.28
Avg$0.11
Med$0.06
Price distribution
Calcium citrate is a highly bioavailable form of calcium, containing about 21% elemental calcium by weight. Unlike calcium carbonate, its absorption is not dependent on stomach acid, allowing it to be taken with or without food. It is generally better tolerated and less likely to cause gastrointestinal side effects.
- Excellent bioavailability
- Can be taken with or without food
- Less likely to cause constipation or gas
- Lower elemental calcium per tablet requires more pills for the same dose
- Generally more expensive than calcium carbonate
Avg$30.91
Med$23.09
Avg$0.89
Med$0.55
Avg$0.16
Med$0.06
Price distribution
Dicalcium phosphate is a dietary supplement ingredient that provides both calcium and phosphorus, two essential minerals crucial for bone health and other physiological processes. While it provides elemental calcium, its bioavailability can vary and may be lower than more soluble forms like calcium citrate. It is commonly found in multi-mineral supplements.
- Provides both calcium and phosphorus
- Supports bone and teeth structure
- Bioavailability may be less optimal than other forms
- Lower elemental calcium contribution compared to carbonate
Avg$29.15
Med$18.51
Avg$1.10
Med$0.34
Avg$0.18
Med$0.09
Price distribution
Calcium ascorbate is a mineral salt of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C). It provides a non-acidic form of Vitamin C, which is often preferred by individuals sensitive to the acidity of pure ascorbic acid. While it contains some elemental calcium, its primary purpose is as a Vitamin C source for immune support, antioxidant activity, and collagen formation, not as a major calcium supplement for bone health.
- Non-acidic Vitamin C
- Provides antioxidant benefits
- Supports collagen synthesis
- Provides a relatively small amount of elemental calcium
- Not a primary calcium source
Avg$33.72
Med$29.49
Avg$0.86
Med$0.71
Avg$0.17
Med$0.11
Price distribution
Calcium malate is a calcium salt of malic acid, an organic acid found in many fruits. This form is considered to have good bioavailability and absorption, similar to calcium citrate, and is generally well-tolerated without significant gastrointestinal side effects. It provides a reliable source of elemental calcium for various bodily functions.
- Good bioavailability and absorption
- Generally well-tolerated
- Less common and potentially more expensive than calcium carbonate
- Lower elemental calcium per dose compared to carbonate
Avg$29.31
Med$23.67
Avg$0.60
Med$0.37
Avg$1.28
Med$0.46
Price distribution
Calcium D-pantothenate is the calcium salt of D-pantothenic acid, also known as Vitamin B5. While it contains calcium, its primary role in supplements is to deliver pantothenic acid, which is vital for energy metabolism and hormone synthesis. The elemental calcium contribution is relatively small and it is not typically used as a primary calcium supplement for bone health.
- Excellent source of Vitamin B5
- Provides minimal elemental calcium compared to dedicated calcium supplements
- Not intended as a primary calcium source
Avg$35.16
Med$31.99
Avg$1.11
Med$0.79
Avg$0.19
Med$0.12
Price distribution
Calcium amino acid chelates (e.g., calcium bisglycinate, calcium glycinate) are forms where calcium ions are bonded to amino acids. This chelation process protects the mineral from interference in the gut, leading to superior absorption and bioavailability compared to inorganic forms. They are often well-tolerated and less likely to cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
- Superior absorption and bioavailability
- Generally gentle on the stomach
- Well-tolerated
- Can be significantly more expensive than other forms
- Elemental calcium content can vary depending on the specific chelate
Avg$28.24
Med$26.08
Avg$0.57
Med$0.52
Avg$0.82
Med$0.62
Price distribution
Calcium hydroxyapatite is a microcrystalline hydroxyapatite (MCHA) complex derived from bovine bone. It provides calcium, phosphorus, and other naturally occurring trace minerals in a highly bioavailable form, mirroring the mineral matrix of human bone. This form is believed to offer benefits beyond elemental calcium due to its complex natural composition.
- Natural, bone-derived source
- Contains phosphorus and trace minerals in physiological ratios
- May offer holistic bone support
- Higher cost
- Potential concerns for those avoiding animal products
- Elemental calcium content can be lower per dose than carbonate
Avg$26.30
Med$25.99
Avg$0.48
Med$0.43
Avg$0.20
Med$0.14
Price distribution