Cal-Mag Caps
NOW
Score 83
A comprehensive mineral supplement combining multiple forms of calcium and magnesium with vitamin D3, zinc, copper, and manganese for broad skeletal and nervous system support.
Score 83
A comprehensive mineral supplement combining multiple forms of calcium and magnesium with vitamin D3, zinc, copper, and manganese for broad skeletal and nervous system support.
Analysis
This product delivers a robust combination of essential minerals, featuring three different forms of calcium (Carbonate, Citrate, Malate) and three forms of magnesium (Citrate, Malate, Oxide). This multi-form approach may contribute to varied absorption rates and overall utilization in the body. The classic 2:1 calcium to magnesium ratio (1500mg calcium to 750mg magnesium) is often sought after for balance.
Beyond the core calcium and magnesium, it includes a helpful dose of Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) which is important for calcium absorption and utilization. The addition of L-OptiZinc, Copper AAC, and Manganese AAC rounds out the formula, providing a spectrum of trace minerals that can contribute to enzyme function and overall mineral balance. The inclusion of a trace mineral concentrate further enhances its comprehensive nature.
This formulation is particularly suited for individuals looking to support bone density, nerve and muscle function, and general mineral intake. The careful selection of mineral forms and the inclusion of supporting nutrients make it a practical option for those seeking broad mineral support beyond just calcium.
Pros
- Provides a balanced 2:1 ratio of Calcium to Magnesium.
- Includes Vitamin D3, essential for calcium absorption.
- Offers multiple forms of Calcium and Magnesium for potentially varied absorption.
- Contains additional trace minerals like Zinc (L-OptiZinc), Copper, and Manganese.
- Very economical price per serving for its comprehensive formula.
Cons
- The total amount of calcium (1500mg) and magnesium (750mg) requires consuming the full serving, which means taking four capsules, potentially a lot for some.
- The 'Trace Mineral concentrate' ingredient is not fully detailed, making it less transparent about specific trace mineral amounts beyond Zinc, Copper, and Manganese.
Warnings
- Taking multiple minerals together can affect absorption; consult with a healthcare professional regarding optimal timing if taking other supplements.
- High doses of magnesium can cause digestive upset in some individuals; consider starting with a lower dose to assess tolerance.
- Individuals with kidney concerns or those on certain medications should consult a healthcare professional before use due to calcium and magnesium content.
$9.71($0.16 per serving)
 Vitacost | $ 9.71 | |
 Daily Vita | $ 11.60 | |
 Pure Formulas | $ 11.89 |
Goals
Impact
Highest effect
With a substantial dose of calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D3, this product offers strong support for maintaining bone mineral density. The inclusion of trace minerals like manganese further contributes to skeletal integrity.
Impact
Highest effect
Providing foundational doses of calcium, magnesium, vitamin D3, and essential trace minerals, this supplement offers broad support for numerous bodily systems and functions, contributing to overall well-being.
Impact
High effect
Healthy nails often benefit from adequate calcium, magnesium, and zinc, all of which are present in this formula. These minerals can support the structural components of nails.
Impact
High effect
Magnesium plays a role in supporting normal heart rhythm and muscle function, while calcium is important for proper cardiovascular function. The balanced ratio may help contribute to overall cardiovascular well-being.
Impact
High effect
Magnesium is known to contribute to healthy blood pressure levels already within the normal range, and calcium is vital for muscle contraction, including the heart. This blend can support general cardiovascular system maintenance.
Impact
High effect
Magnesium, especially in citrate form, can have a mild laxative effect, which may help support regular bowel movements. However, this is not its primary focus for digestive health.
Impact
High effect
Calcium and manganese are important for bone structure around joints, and magnesium supports muscle relaxation which can indirectly impact joint comfort. It offers supportive elements for overall joint integrity.
Impact
High effect
Zinc is a key mineral for immune system function, and this product provides a good form of zinc. The other minerals also play supportive roles in maintaining overall health, which indirectly benefits immunity.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
Vitamin D3 | 12.5 mcg |
Calcium | 500 mg |
Magnesium | 250 mg |
Zinc | 7.5 mg |
Copper | 0.5 mg |
Trace Mineral concentrate | 50 mg |
Calcium 90
This product provides a substantial 1500mg of calcium from three different forms (Carbonate, Citrate, Malate). This comprehensive approach may help ensure diverse absorption pathways for maintaining adequate calcium levels.
Magnesium 85
Offering 750mg of magnesium from three forms (Citrate, Malate, Oxide), this supplement provides a robust dose. The combination of forms may enhance bioavailability and reduce potential digestive discomfort sometimes associated with single forms.
Copper 75
The inclusion of 0.50mg of Copper AAC is a beneficial addition for overall mineral balance, particularly when taking higher doses of zinc, as copper and zinc need to be in balance. This helps ensure a more complete mineral profile.
Alternative products
80 Value 
Calcium & Magnesium
Source Naturals
For pure cost savings, this is an excellent value. It provides Vitamin D3, Calcium, and Magnesium at a significantly lower price per serving. While the individual doses of Calcium and Magnesium are lower than your current product, it's a good way to get essential minerals if you're on a tighter budget, or prefer to get higher doses from other sources. It omits Zinc, Copper, and Manganese.
85 Value 
Cal/Mag/Zinc Complex
Metabolic Maintenance
This product offers a slightly higher overall assessment at a lower price per serving, making it a great value. It provides a similar blend of Calcium, Magnesium, and Zinc, along with Boron for bone support. While it lacks Vitamin D3, Copper, and Manganese found in your current product, its overall blend and cost-effectiveness are noteworthy for core mineral support.
88 Value 
Cal/Mag 500 mg/250 mg
NaturesPlus
If you're looking for an upgrade in the forms of Calcium and Magnesium while keeping similar core dosages, this NaturesPlus option could be a good value. It offers a higher overall assessment for a slight increase in cost per serving, utilizing amino acid chelate forms for both minerals, which are often favored for absorption. It focuses solely on these two minerals.
92 Performance 
Liquid Calcium Magnesium Citrate & Vitamin D3 Strawberry Flavor
Bluebonnet
This liquid formula by Bluebonnet has a significantly higher overall assessment, and many find liquid supplements easier to take and potentially faster to absorb. It provides ample Calcium and Magnesium in highly absorbable citrate and aspartate forms, plus Vitamin D3. The ratio of calcium to magnesium is closer to 1:1, which some prefer, though it means higher magnesium. It doesn't include the zinc, copper, or manganese.
88 Performance 
Calcium Magnesium with Vitamin D3
Solgar
Solgar's offering has a higher overall assessment and delivers a much more robust dose of both Calcium and Magnesium (1000mg each) along with Vitamin D3. If you're looking for a higher potency combined dose of these core minerals for intensive bone or cardiovascular support, this could be a great fit. It uses absorbable citrate forms for both minerals. You would miss out on the other trace minerals.
88 Performance 
Cal/Mag/Zinc Complex with Vitamin D
Metabolic Maintenance
This Metabolic Maintenance complex earns a higher overall assessment and offers a well-rounded combination similar to your current product, including Vitamin D3, Calcium, Magnesium, and Zinc. It also adds Boron, which can support mineral metabolism. While the Vitamin D3 dose is a bit lower and it doesn't have copper or manganese, its balanced approach for bone and general health support makes it a strong contender.
85 Budget
Cal/Mag/Zinc Complex
Metabolic Maintenance
This option is a bit more affordable per serving while still hitting the main Calcium, Magnesium, and Zinc notes, plus adding Boron, which can be helpful for bone mineral density. It uses well-regarded forms like citrate and aspartate for absorption. You'd be missing the D3, copper, and manganese, though.
80 Budget
Calcium & Magnesium
Source Naturals
If budget is a primary concern, this product offers a significantly lower price per serving. It provides Vitamin D3, Calcium, and Magnesium in chelated forms, which often means good absorption. You'd get less Calcium and Magnesium per serving compared to your current product, and it doesn't include the extra trace minerals.
75 Budget 
Cal/Mag with Whole Foods
NaturesPlus
This NaturesPlus option offers a slight saving per serving and matches your current Calcium and Magnesium doses, using aminoate complexes which are typically well-tolerated. It's a simpler formula, focusing on just these two minerals from a whole-food source, so it won't give you the Vitamin D3 or other trace minerals your current supplement provides.
80 Value
Calcium & Magnesium
Source Naturals
For pure cost savings, this is an excellent value. It provides Vitamin D3, Calcium, and Magnesium at a significantly lower price per serving. While the individual doses of Calcium and Magnesium are lower than your current product, it's a good way to get essential minerals if you're on a tighter budget, or prefer to get higher doses from other sources. It omits Zinc, Copper, and Manganese.
85 Value
Cal/Mag/Zinc Complex
Metabolic Maintenance
This product offers a slightly higher overall assessment at a lower price per serving, making it a great value. It provides a similar blend of Calcium, Magnesium, and Zinc, along with Boron for bone support. While it lacks Vitamin D3, Copper, and Manganese found in your current product, its overall blend and cost-effectiveness are noteworthy for core mineral support.
88 Value
Cal/Mag 500 mg/250 mg
NaturesPlus
If you're looking for an upgrade in the forms of Calcium and Magnesium while keeping similar core dosages, this NaturesPlus option could be a good value. It offers a higher overall assessment for a slight increase in cost per serving, utilizing amino acid chelate forms for both minerals, which are often favored for absorption. It focuses solely on these two minerals.
92 Performance
Liquid Calcium Magnesium Citrate & Vitamin D3 Strawberry Flavor
Bluebonnet
This liquid formula by Bluebonnet has a significantly higher overall assessment, and many find liquid supplements easier to take and potentially faster to absorb. It provides ample Calcium and Magnesium in highly absorbable citrate and aspartate forms, plus Vitamin D3. The ratio of calcium to magnesium is closer to 1:1, which some prefer, though it means higher magnesium. It doesn't include the zinc, copper, or manganese.
88 Performance
Calcium Magnesium with Vitamin D3
Solgar
Solgar's offering has a higher overall assessment and delivers a much more robust dose of both Calcium and Magnesium (1000mg each) along with Vitamin D3. If you're looking for a higher potency combined dose of these core minerals for intensive bone or cardiovascular support, this could be a great fit. It uses absorbable citrate forms for both minerals. You would miss out on the other trace minerals.
88 Performance
Cal/Mag/Zinc Complex with Vitamin D
Metabolic Maintenance
This Metabolic Maintenance complex earns a higher overall assessment and offers a well-rounded combination similar to your current product, including Vitamin D3, Calcium, Magnesium, and Zinc. It also adds Boron, which can support mineral metabolism. While the Vitamin D3 dose is a bit lower and it doesn't have copper or manganese, its balanced approach for bone and general health support makes it a strong contender.