Citracal Maximum Plus
Bayer Citracal
Score 75
A calcium citrate and D3 supplement offering superior absorption, though it lacks essential cofactors like magnesium and boron for comprehensive bone health.
Score 75
A calcium citrate and D3 supplement offering superior absorption, though it lacks essential cofactors like magnesium and boron for comprehensive bone health.
Analysis
This product provides 650mg of calcium in the citrate form, which is generally considered easier to absorb than calcium carbonate, particularly for individuals with lower stomach acid or when taken on an empty stomach. It also includes 25mcg (1000 IU) of Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) to further aid calcium absorption. The formulation focuses on optimizing the delivery of these primary bone-supporting nutrients.
Beyond calcium and D3, Citracal Maximum Plus includes zinc (5.5mg Zinc Oxide), copper (0.45mg Copper Gluconate), and manganese (1.15mg Manganese Gluconate). While the gluconate forms of copper and manganese are generally well-absorbed, the dosages are lower than some competitors. A notable omission is magnesium, a crucial cofactor for bone health, which is not present in this formulation. Additionally, boron is not included.
Pros
- Features calcium citrate, which is generally more easily absorbed than calcium carbonate.
- Provides a good dose of Vitamin D3 (25mcg / 1000 IU) to support calcium absorption.
- Gluconate forms of copper and manganese are typically well-absorbed.
- Contains a solid amount of elemental calcium (650mg) per serving.
Cons
- Does not include magnesium, a critical mineral for bone health and calcium metabolism.
- Lacks boron, another beneficial trace mineral for bone support.
- Lower dosages of zinc, copper, and manganese compared to some comprehensive mineral blends.
- Zinc is provided as zinc oxide, which may have lower bioavailability.
Warnings
- Individuals sensitive to mineral supplements may experience mild digestive upset.
- Always discuss new supplements with a healthcare provider, especially if you have calcium-related health concerns.
- If you are monitoring sodium intake, be aware of the 5mg of sodium per serving.
$18.88($0.13 per serving)
 Walmart | $ 18.88 |
Goals
Impact
High effect
The use of calcium citrate, combined with a robust 25mcg of vitamin D3, provides a highly absorbable foundation for bone health. This is a significant advantage for individuals focused on efficient calcium intake, although the absence of magnesium is a notable gap for holistic bone support.
Impact
Moderate effect
The inclusion of zinc and copper can contribute to the maintenance of healthy nails. These minerals play roles in tissue formation and repair, which indirectly supports nail strength and appearance.
Impact
Moderate effect
Manganese, present in a well-absorbed gluconate form, supports the formation of connective tissues crucial for joint structure. However, the product's primary focus is on calcium and D3, with less emphasis on a full spectrum of joint-specific nutrients.
Impact
Moderate effect
Zinc and copper are known to be involved in skin health, including collagen synthesis and wound healing. While the doses are moderate, they can contribute to overall dermal vitality as part of a balanced mineral intake.
Impact
Moderate effect
With zinc and copper included, this supplement may contribute to supporting healthy hair follicles and maintaining hair structure. These minerals are important for various biological processes that affect hair growth.
Impact
Moderate effect
This formula does not contain specific nutrients widely recognized for direct vision enhancement, such as lutein or zeaxanthin. Its primary benefits are centered around calcium and bone health, with general mineral support playing a secondary role.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
Calories | 5 Calorie(s) |
Vitamin D | 25 mcg |
Calcium | 650 mg |
Zinc | 5.5 mg |
Copper | 0.45 mg |
Manganese | 1.15 mg |
Sodium | 5 mg |
Calcium 85
Providing 650mg of calcium in the highly absorbable citrate form is a key strength of this product. This ensures efficient utilization of calcium, making it a very effective choice for meeting daily calcium requirements.
Manganese 65
The 1.15mg of manganese gluconate is a reasonable dose for this trace mineral. The gluconate form suggests good bioavailability, contributing to various metabolic and bone-related functions.
Copper 60
At 0.45mg of copper gluconate, this product provides a moderate amount of copper. While the gluconate form is beneficial for absorption, the overall dose is a bit lower than some other mineral supplements.
Alternative products
80 Value 
Calcium Citrate Magnesium and Zinc
Kirkland Signature
This product offers calcium citrate, similar to your current choice, but also includes the important addition of magnesium for bone health. With a higher score and a significantly lower cost per serving, it presents an outstanding value for a comprehensive bone mineral supplement.
85 Value 
BoneUp
Jarrow Formulas
BoneUp provides MCHA calcium, Vitamin D, and crucial Vitamin K2 to help direct calcium to your bones. It also contains magnesium and other trace minerals. For just a bit more per serving, you get a much more comprehensive and higher-scoring formula, offering excellent value for advanced bone support.
82 Value 
Cal-Mag Caps
NOW
This product combines multiple forms of calcium (carbonate, citrate, malate) and magnesium (citrate, malate, oxide) for broad-spectrum mineral delivery, alongside Vitamin D3 and trace minerals. With a notably higher score and a competitive price, it represents a strong value for a well-rounded calcium and magnesium supplement.
89 Performance 
Bone Strength
NOW
This formula provides calcium in the MCHA form, which is a natural bone matrix, along with Vitamin K2 to optimize calcium utilization in bones. It also contains robust doses of Vitamin D3, magnesium, and chelated trace minerals, making it a very comprehensive and effective option for overall bone health.
88 Performance 
Calcium Bone Maker Complex with MCH-Cal and VitaMK7
Doctor's Best
This product combines MCH-Cal for calcium and phosphorus in natural bone ratios with Vitamin K2 (Menaquinone-7), crucial for directing calcium to the bones. With Vitamin D3, well-absorbed magnesium malate, and other trace minerals, it offers an advanced and synergistic approach to bone support.
88 Performance 
OsteoBalance
Pure Encapsulations
Featuring highly bioavailable forms of calcium (citrate, malate) and magnesium (malate), this supplement ensures efficient absorption. It also includes an optimal dose of Vitamin D3 and chelated forms of zinc, copper, manganese, and boron, plus silica, creating a potent and well-rounded formula for bone health.
72 Budget 
600 + D3 plus Minerals
21st Century
This option is significantly more budget-friendly than your current product. It provides a good dose of calcium and Vitamin D3, along with magnesium and other essential trace minerals, offering foundational bone health support at a fraction of the cost.
80 Budget
Calcium Citrate Magnesium and Zinc
Kirkland Signature
This Kirkland Signature product delivers calcium citrate, similar to your current product, but also includes magnesium, which is a vital partner to calcium for bone health, alongside Vitamin D3, zinc, copper, manganese, and boron. It's a comprehensive blend at a notably lower price point.
70 Budget 
600+D3
Caltrate
This Caltrate choice provides a similar amount of calcium and Vitamin D3, plus magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese, and boron. It's a more economical option for general bone health support, offering a solid mineral profile at a lower cost per serving.
80 Value
Calcium Citrate Magnesium and Zinc
Kirkland Signature
This product offers calcium citrate, similar to your current choice, but also includes the important addition of magnesium for bone health. With a higher score and a significantly lower cost per serving, it presents an outstanding value for a comprehensive bone mineral supplement.
85 Value
BoneUp
Jarrow Formulas
BoneUp provides MCHA calcium, Vitamin D, and crucial Vitamin K2 to help direct calcium to your bones. It also contains magnesium and other trace minerals. For just a bit more per serving, you get a much more comprehensive and higher-scoring formula, offering excellent value for advanced bone support.
82 Value
Cal-Mag Caps
NOW
This product combines multiple forms of calcium (carbonate, citrate, malate) and magnesium (citrate, malate, oxide) for broad-spectrum mineral delivery, alongside Vitamin D3 and trace minerals. With a notably higher score and a competitive price, it represents a strong value for a well-rounded calcium and magnesium supplement.
89 Performance
Bone Strength
NOW
This formula provides calcium in the MCHA form, which is a natural bone matrix, along with Vitamin K2 to optimize calcium utilization in bones. It also contains robust doses of Vitamin D3, magnesium, and chelated trace minerals, making it a very comprehensive and effective option for overall bone health.
88 Performance
Calcium Bone Maker Complex with MCH-Cal and VitaMK7
Doctor's Best
This product combines MCH-Cal for calcium and phosphorus in natural bone ratios with Vitamin K2 (Menaquinone-7), crucial for directing calcium to the bones. With Vitamin D3, well-absorbed magnesium malate, and other trace minerals, it offers an advanced and synergistic approach to bone support.
88 Performance
OsteoBalance
Pure Encapsulations
Featuring highly bioavailable forms of calcium (citrate, malate) and magnesium (malate), this supplement ensures efficient absorption. It also includes an optimal dose of Vitamin D3 and chelated forms of zinc, copper, manganese, and boron, plus silica, creating a potent and well-rounded formula for bone health.