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Cal-Mag Citrate

Solaray
4.7
(1618 ratings)
Calcium 1000 mg
Vitamin D 400 IU
Magnesium 500 mg
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Score 56.0

A high-dose supplement with good calcium citrate, but hampered by poorly absorbed magnesium oxide and less effective Vitamin D2.

Quantity: 180 VegCap(s)Servings size: 6 VegCap(s) (30 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Bone Health
Joint Health
Heart Health
Fitness
Stress Relief

Score 56.0

A high-dose supplement with good calcium citrate, but hampered by poorly absorbed magnesium oxide and less effective Vitamin D2.

Quantity: 90
Analysis

Solaray Cal-Mag Citrate offers a combination of calcium and magnesium with Vitamin D, aiming for comprehensive bone and mineral support. While the calcium is provided in the well-absorbed citrate form at a high dosage, a notable drawback is the inclusion of magnesium oxide alongside magnesium citrate, as the oxide form has poor bioavailability. Furthermore, the product contains Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol), which is generally considered less effective than Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) for raising and maintaining blood levels. Despite the high total mineral content, the compromised forms of magnesium and Vitamin D, coupled with a relatively high price per serving, reduce its overall appeal.

Pros
  • Provides Calcium in the highly bioavailable Citrate form, supporting better absorption.
  • Offers a very high total dosage of both Calcium (1000mg) and Magnesium (1000mg).
  • Capsule form may be preferred by some over chewables or liquids.
Cons
  • Uses Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol), which is less effective and bioavailable than Vitamin D3.
  • A significant portion of Magnesium is in the poorly absorbed Oxide form, limiting its overall effectiveness.
  • High price per serving ($0.65) still makes it less competitive value-wise.
Warnings
  • The use of Vitamin D2 may not adequately support Vitamin D levels for all individuals, especially those with deficiencies.
  • High doses of magnesium, even partially from citrate, can sometimes cause gastrointestinal discomfort in sensitive individuals.
$21.99($0.73 per serving)
Amazon
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iHerb
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Ingredients
IngredientAmount per serving
Total Carbohydrates 1 Gram(s)
Vitamin D (Vitamin D2, Ergocalciferol) 400 IU
Calcium (Calcium Citrate) 1000 mg
Magnesium (Magnesium Oxide, Magnesium Citrate) 500 mg
Adults 18–50
Categories
Calcium 85.0
This product features Calcium Citrate, an excellent and highly bioavailable form of calcium that is well-absorbed regardless of stomach acid levels. This is a significant strength, positioning it well for effective calcium supplementation.
Magnesium 50.0
The blend of Magnesium Citrate (good bioavailability) and Magnesium Oxide (poor bioavailability) results in a mixed absorption profile. While a high total dose is present, the significant portion of poorly absorbed oxide limits the overall effectiveness compared to products that exclusively use highly bioavailable magnesium forms.
Vitamin D 30.0
The product utilizes Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol), which is considerably less effective at raising and maintaining Vitamin D levels in the body compared to Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol). This makes it a suboptimal choice for Vitamin D supplementation when superior forms are widely available.
Goals
Bone Health 60.0
The substantial dose of calcium in the well-absorbed citrate form is a strong point for bone health. However, the suboptimal magnesium absorption due to the oxide form and the less effective Vitamin D2 limit its overall synergistic support for robust bone density and strength.
General Health 55.0
While it offers substantial quantities of calcium and magnesium, the compromised bioavailability of magnesium oxide and the less effective Vitamin D2 diminish its potential for comprehensive general health support. It falls short of more optimally formulated multi-mineral supplements.
Metabolism Boost 50.0
Magnesium is a vital cofactor in hundreds of metabolic processes. While a high total dose is provided, the significant presence of magnesium oxide, a poorly absorbed form, reduces its overall potential to effectively contribute to metabolic efficiency or a 'boost' in metabolism.
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(6735 ratings)
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