Product Image

Calcium Citrate Caps

NOW
4.8
(2048 ratings)
Manganese 4 mg
Magnesium 225 mg
Copper 0.75 mg
Calcium 450 mg
Product Image
Score 65.0

An affordable foundational calcium supplement with added magnesium (less bioavailable form), D2, and trace minerals, offering decent support for bone health but less optimal forms for other stated goals.

Quantity: 240 Capsule(s)Servings size: 3 Veg Capsule(s) (80 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Bone Health
Joint Health
General Health
Energy
Stress Relief

Score 65.0

An affordable foundational calcium supplement with added magnesium (less bioavailable form), D2, and trace minerals, offering decent support for bone health but less optimal forms for other stated goals.

Analysis

NOW's Calcium Citrate Caps target a wide array of health goals, from bone and joint health to energy and mood support. The inclusion of Calcium Citrate is a positive, as it is a well-absorbed form of calcium that can be taken with or without food. However, the use of Magnesium Oxide, a less bioavailable form, means that a significant portion of the magnesium might not be absorbed as efficiently as other magnesium compounds like citrate or malate, potentially limiting its effectiveness for goals like stress relief or sleep support. The use of Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol) rather than the more commonly recommended and bioavailable Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) is also a drawback for optimal calcium absorption and overall Vitamin D status. The inclusion of chelated Zinc, Manganese, and Copper is beneficial for synergistic support of bone health and general metabolic functions, though the specific ratios might not be ideal for everyone, particularly the relatively high Manganese.

Pros
  • Contains well-absorbed Calcium Citrate, which is beneficial for bone health.
  • Includes important co-factors for bone health like Zinc, Manganese, and Copper, provided in chelated forms for better absorption.
  • Very economical price per serving, making it accessible for long-term daily supplementation.
  • High quantity per bottle provides a long-lasting supply, reducing frequent repurchases.
Cons
  • Uses Magnesium Oxide, which has lower bioavailability compared to other magnesium forms like citrate, malate, or glycinate, limiting its effectiveness.
  • Contains Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol) instead of the more potent and widely recommended Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) for optimal calcium absorption and vitamin D levels.
  • The broad array of stated goals might be overly optimistic given the specific forms and dosages of some ingredients, which may not provide significant benefits across all areas.
  • The manganese dosage is relatively high for daily, long-term intake for some individuals.
Warnings
  • Individuals sensitive to magnesium oxide may experience gastrointestinal discomfort such as bloating or loose stools due to its lower absorption rate.
  • The higher dose of manganese (4mg) should be considered in the context of total dietary and supplemental manganese intake to avoid excessive accumulation, especially with long-term use.
$15.95($0.19 per serving)
Daily Vita
$ 19.10
Amazon
$ 15.95
iHerb
$ 20.20
Vitacost
$ 18.39
Ingredients
IngredientAmount per serving
Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol) 19 mcg
Calcium (Calcium Citrate) 450 mg
Magnesium (Magnesium Oxide) 225 mg
Zinc (Zinc Amino Acid Chelate) 11 mg
Copper (Copper Amino Acid Chelate) 0.75 mg
Manganese (Manganese Amino Acid Chelate) 4 mg
Gluten Free Adults 18–50 Vegan Dairy Free Vegetarian
Categories
Manganese 75.0
Contains a substantial dose of manganese (4mg) in a chelated, bioavailable form, which is important for bone health, antioxidant defense, and various enzymatic functions.
Calcium 70.0
The product provides a good dose of calcium in the well-absorbed citrate form, which is beneficial for bone density and meeting daily calcium requirements.
Copper 70.0
Provides copper in a chelated form, which is readily absorbed and important for iron metabolism, energy production, and acting as an antioxidant in the body.
Goals
Bone Health 70.0
This product provides calcium citrate and Vitamin D2 which are essential for bone mineralization. The inclusion of zinc, manganese, and copper also supports bone matrix formation and overall bone density, offering a good, though not optimal, foundation for bone health.
General Health 70.0
The supplement offers a good spectrum of essential minerals and Vitamin D that are vital for numerous bodily functions, contributing to overall well-being and addressing common dietary gaps.
Heart Health 65.0
Calcium and magnesium are crucial for maintaining normal heart rhythm and muscle function. The product provides these minerals, but the less bioavailable magnesium oxide form may not be fully utilized for optimal cardiovascular support.
70 Value

Magnesium & Calcium

NOW
4.8
(16706 ratings)
From the same brand, this product utilizes Aquamin TG, a natural seaweed-derived mineral source for calcium and magnesium, which is often considered more bioavailable than synthetic forms, offering a good balance of quality and a slightly higher price per serving (24 vs 23).
68 Value

Calcium + Vitamin D

Swisse Ultiboost
4.6
(1270 ratings)
This alternative provides Calcium Citrate, a well-absorbed calcium form, and crucially includes Vitamin D, which is essential for calcium absorption, at a competitive price point per serving (19 vs 23), offering better basic efficacy for calcium supplementation.
80 Value

Raw Calcium

Garden of Life Vitamin Code
4.6
(4135 ratings)
While having a higher price per serving (64 vs 23), this product offers calcium from a whole-food, algae-based source and magnesium from Dead Sea Minerals, which are highly regarded by nutritionists for their natural form and bioavailability, offering excellent value for those seeking premium, natural ingredients.
90 Performance

Calcium Bone Maker Complex with MCH-Cal and VitaMK7

Doctor's Best
4.7
(6735 ratings)
This product uses MCH-Cal (Microcrystalline Hydroxyapatite), a superior form of calcium, along with DiMagnesium Malate (a much better absorbed magnesium form) and VitaMK7 (Vitamin K2), which is essential for proper calcium utilization and bone health, making it a highly effective and comprehensive option.
88 Performance

Bone Solid

Country Life
4.6
(725 ratings)
Featuring MCHA, a whole-food calcium source, and Magnesium Taurinate, a highly bioavailable magnesium form, this supplement provides superior bone-building ingredients compared to the original, offering enhanced absorption and efficacy for skeletal support.
85 Performance

Cal/Mag/Vit D3 with Vitamin K2

NaturesPlus
4.6
(2209 ratings)
This alternative utilizes amino acid chelates for both calcium and magnesium, ensuring better absorption. Crucially, it also includes Vitamin D3 and K2, which are vital cofactors for calcium metabolism and bone density, offering a more complete bone health solution.
50 Budget

Calcium Magnesium Zinc + D3

21st Century
4.7
(97627 ratings)
This alternative offers calcium and magnesium (in oxide form), plus zinc and Vitamin D3 at a significantly lower price per serving (13 vs 23), providing more comprehensive basic mineral support for the cost.
55 Budget

Calcium (Carbonate Aspartate & Citrate) 500 mg

Swanson Premium Brand
4.8
(307 ratings)
While containing only calcium, it includes calcium citrate and is exceptionally cheap per serving (4 vs 23), making it a highly economical option for those primarily seeking well-absorbed calcium.
45 Budget

Sentry Adults

21st Century
4.7
(23629 ratings)
This multi-mineral provides calcium, magnesium (oxide), manganese, and copper at a very low price per serving (4 vs 23), offering a broader spectrum of minerals for significantly less, despite similar bioavailability issues for magnesium.
70 Value

Magnesium & Calcium

NOW
4.8
(16706 ratings)
From the same brand, this product utilizes Aquamin TG, a natural seaweed-derived mineral source for calcium and magnesium, which is often considered more bioavailable than synthetic forms, offering a good balance of quality and a slightly higher price per serving (24 vs 23).
68 Value

Calcium + Vitamin D

Swisse Ultiboost
4.6
(1270 ratings)
This alternative provides Calcium Citrate, a well-absorbed calcium form, and crucially includes Vitamin D, which is essential for calcium absorption, at a competitive price point per serving (19 vs 23), offering better basic efficacy for calcium supplementation.
80 Value

Raw Calcium

Garden of Life Vitamin Code
4.6
(4135 ratings)
While having a higher price per serving (64 vs 23), this product offers calcium from a whole-food, algae-based source and magnesium from Dead Sea Minerals, which are highly regarded by nutritionists for their natural form and bioavailability, offering excellent value for those seeking premium, natural ingredients.
90 Performance

Calcium Bone Maker Complex with MCH-Cal and VitaMK7

Doctor's Best
4.7
(6735 ratings)
This product uses MCH-Cal (Microcrystalline Hydroxyapatite), a superior form of calcium, along with DiMagnesium Malate (a much better absorbed magnesium form) and VitaMK7 (Vitamin K2), which is essential for proper calcium utilization and bone health, making it a highly effective and comprehensive option.
88 Performance

Bone Solid

Country Life
4.6
(725 ratings)
Featuring MCHA, a whole-food calcium source, and Magnesium Taurinate, a highly bioavailable magnesium form, this supplement provides superior bone-building ingredients compared to the original, offering enhanced absorption and efficacy for skeletal support.
85 Performance

Cal/Mag/Vit D3 with Vitamin K2

NaturesPlus
4.6
(2209 ratings)
This alternative utilizes amino acid chelates for both calcium and magnesium, ensuring better absorption. Crucially, it also includes Vitamin D3 and K2, which are vital cofactors for calcium metabolism and bone density, offering a more complete bone health solution.