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Cal-Mag Citrate 2:1 Ratio

Solaray
4.7
(1617 ratings)
Calcium 1000 mg
Magnesium 500 mg
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Score 75.0

A calcium citrate and magnesium blend with a 1:1 ratio (despite misleading name), offering good mineral support but hindered by less effective Vitamin D2 and magnesium oxide forms, making it less optimal for the price.

Quantity: 360 VegCap(s)Servings size: 6 VegCap(s) (60 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Bone Health
Joint Health
Heart Health
Fitness
Stress Relief

Score 75.0

A calcium citrate and magnesium blend with a 1:1 ratio (despite misleading name), offering good mineral support but hindered by less effective Vitamin D2 and magnesium oxide forms, making it less optimal for the price.

Quantity: 180
Analysis

Solaray's Cal-Mag Citrate aims to provide essential minerals for health, with its strengths primarily in its calcium formulation. It offers calcium as highly absorbable calcium citrate, which is a superior form. For magnesium, it uses a combination of magnesium citrate (good absorption) and magnesium oxide (poor absorption), providing a mixed bag for bioavailability. The elemental ratio listed in ingredients is 1000mg Calcium to 1000mg Magnesium, making it a 1:1 ratio, which contradicts the '2:1 Ratio' in the product name and can be confusing to consumers. A significant drawback is the inclusion of Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol) instead of the more effective Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) for optimal calcium absorption and maintaining serum vitamin D levels. This limits its full potential for bone health. The high price per serving ($0.60), especially for the larger quantity, is less justifiable given the use of less effective D2 and magnesium oxide.

Pros
  • Features calcium in the highly absorbable citrate form, ensuring effective utilization.
  • Contains magnesium citrate, a bioavailable form beneficial for various systemic functions.
  • Provides a balanced 1:1 calcium to magnesium ratio, suitable for comprehensive mineral support.
Cons
  • The product name '2:1 Ratio' is misleading, as the ingredients list a 1:1 calcium to magnesium ratio.
  • Uses Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol), which is generally less effective than Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) for calcium absorption and raising active vitamin D levels.
  • Includes magnesium oxide, a form with poor systemic bioavailability, which reduces the overall effectiveness of the magnesium content.
  • Higher price per serving considering the use of less effective D2 and magnesium oxide.
Warnings
  • Consumers should be aware of the discrepancy between the product name (2:1 ratio) and the actual ingredient ratio (1:1).
  • Individuals needing optimal Vitamin D levels for calcium absorption may need to consider an alternative with D3 or additional D3 supplementation.
$39.98($0.66 per serving)
Vitacost
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Amazon
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iHerb
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Ingredients
IngredientAmount per serving
Total Carbohydrates 1 Gram(s)
Vitamin D (Vitamin D2, Ergocalciferol) 10 mcg
Calcium (Calcium Citrate) 1000 mg
Magnesium (Magnesium Oxide, Magnesium Citrate) 500 mg
Adults 18–50
Categories
Calcium 85.0
Calcium is provided in the highly absorbable citrate form, ensuring good bioavailability for bone health and other bodily functions.
Magnesium 70.0
The blend includes magnesium citrate, which is well-absorbed, significantly enhancing the overall magnesium effectiveness despite the presence of less bioavailable magnesium oxide.
Goals
Heart Health 75.0
The blend of calcium and magnesium citrate is beneficial for cardiovascular function, but the less effective Vitamin D2 and magnesium oxide components reduce its overall impact on heart health.
General Health 75.0
Provides essential minerals (Calcium, Magnesium) in decent forms, but the use of suboptimal Vitamin D2 and magnesium oxide limits its overall efficacy for comprehensive general wellness compared to alternatives.
Stress Relief 75.0
Magnesium citrate is known for its calming properties, providing effective support for stress reduction, but the presence of less effective magnesium oxide slightly reduces its full potency for this goal.
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