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Coral Calcium Plus

NOW
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(2318 ratings)
Magnesium 250 mg
Calcium 500 mg
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Score 70.0

This product offers a mixed bag of effective magnesium forms for various benefits, but its use of less bioavailable coral calcium and suboptimal Vitamin D2 limits its overall effectiveness, especially for robust bone health.

Quantity: 100 Capsule(s)Servings size: 2 Veg Capsule(s) (50 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Bone Health
Heart Health
Joint Health
Muscle Gain
General Health

Score 70.0

This product offers a mixed bag of effective magnesium forms for various benefits, but its use of less bioavailable coral calcium and suboptimal Vitamin D2 limits its overall effectiveness, especially for robust bone health.

Quantity: 250
Analysis

NOW Coral Calcium Plus aims to support various health goals, particularly bone and heart health, with its combination of coral calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D2. The blend of magnesium forms (oxide, citrate, aspartate) is a positive, as it provides both elemental magnesium (from oxide) and more bioavailable forms (citrate, aspartate) that are better absorbed and gentler on the digestive system, contributing to nerve and muscle function, energy production, and relaxation. However, the calcium source, coral calcium, is generally considered similar to calcium carbonate in terms of absorption, which is best taken with food. The choice of Vitamin D2 over D3 is a notable disadvantage, as D3 is more efficiently utilized by the body to raise serum vitamin D levels, crucial for calcium absorption and bone mineralization. The calcium to magnesium ratio (500mg Ca to 750mg Mg) leans heavily towards magnesium, which might be beneficial for individuals seeking magnesium's specific benefits for stress, sleep, or muscle function, but less aligned with the typical 2:1 or 1:1 Ca:Mg ratios often recommended for primary bone density support.

Pros
  • Includes a blend of magnesium forms (citrate, aspartate) known for better absorption and bioavailability compared to oxide alone.
  • Provides Vitamin D, which is essential for calcium absorption.
  • Good price per serving for a combined supplement.
Cons
  • Uses Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol), which is generally less effective than Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) at raising and maintaining active vitamin D levels in the body.
  • Relies on coral calcium, which performs similarly to calcium carbonate in terms of absorption and may be less bioavailable than calcium citrate or malate.
  • The calcium to magnesium ratio is 0.67:1 (500mg Ca to 750mg Mg), which is a high magnesium dose relative to calcium, potentially less ideal for those primarily focusing on calcium-dependent bone density.
Warnings
  • Individuals with compromised stomach acid production may find the absorption of coral calcium (similar to carbonate) less efficient.
  • The lower Ca:Mg ratio might not be sufficient for individuals with high calcium needs specifically for bone density, requiring additional calcium sources or adjustments.
$11.39($0.22 per serving)
Vitacost
$ 11.39
Daily Vita
$ 11.60
Pure Formulas
$ 11.89
iHerb
$ 12.24
Ingredients
IngredientAmount per serving
Vitamin D (Ergocalciferol) 10 mcg
Calcium (Coral Calcium) 500 mg
Magnesium (Magnesium Oxide, Magnesium Citrate, Magnesium Aspartate) 250 mg
fossilized Coral Calcium 1.43 Gram(s)
Gluten Free Adults 18–50 Dairy Free
Categories
Magnesium 75.0
The inclusion of magnesium citrate and aspartate alongside magnesium oxide provides a better absorption profile than oxide alone, supporting various physiological functions.
Calcium 60.0
While providing elemental calcium, the coral calcium form is not the most efficiently absorbed, and the product lacks the more bioavailable calcium citrate or malate found in other alternatives.
Goals
Stress Relief 80.0
Magnesium, especially in citrate and aspartate forms, is well-known for its calming effects on the nervous system, aiding in relaxation and stress reduction.
Sleep Support 80.0
Magnesium's ability to promote relaxation and regulate neurotransmitters like GABA can significantly contribute to improved sleep quality.
Heart Health 75.0
The combination of calcium and bioavailable magnesium forms (citrate, aspartate) is beneficial for cardiovascular function, muscle contraction, and blood pressure regulation, contributing positively to heart health.
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600+D3

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80 Value

Magnesium & Calcium

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★★★★★
(16706 ratings)
Offers Aquamin TG, a seaweed-derived multi-mineral complex providing both calcium and magnesium in a more bioavailable and balanced ratio than the coral calcium, justifying the slightly higher price per serving for enhanced benefits.
70 Value

Calcium Magnesium Zinc + D3

21st Century
4.7
★★★★★
(97627 ratings)
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75 Value

Calcium (Carbonate Aspartate & Citrate) 500 mg

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95 Performance

Calcium Bone Maker Complex with MCH-Cal and VitaMK7

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4.7
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(6735 ratings)
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90 Performance

Cal/Mag/Vit D3 with Vitamin K2

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Living Calcium Advanced

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