Top 11 Best Calcium Supplements for Seniors
UpdatedNovember 13, 2024
Calcium is another important mineral that the body needs to maintain healthy bones and teeth. In old age, we become more vulnerable to fractures and breaks because our bones also become thinner and less strong. It is for this reason that the elderly need to ensure that they take enough calcium in their body. It is, however, not always easy to meet the recommended calcium intake levels through foods alone hence the use of calcium supplements among the elderly.
To create this article, we dedicated our time to researching and conducting trials on multiple calcium supplements for seniors. Here, we considered properties such as the form of calcium used, the serving size and other components of the supplement. We also took factors such as taste and ease of use into consideration.
Top 3 Best Calcium Supplements for Seniors
- CITRACAL Slow Release 1200 Calcium Supplement
- Nature Made Calcium 600 mg with Vitamin D3
- Caltrate Minis 600 Plus D3 Plus Minerals
Our list has options that are well-tolerated, contain premium-grade ingredients, are scientifically proven to be effective, and come with other ingredients that benefit bone health.
CITRACAL Slow Release 1200 Calcium Supplement
The CITRACAL Slow Release 1200 Calcium Supplement is our top pick for seniors who wish to strengthen their bones.
Pros
- CITRACAL Slow Release 1200 is a sugar-free calcium supplement that blends 1200 mg of Calcium Carbonate and Citrate per serving as part of your overall wellness and fitness regimen; just 2 caplets a day.
- CITRACAL Slow Release 1200 calcium supplements use patented Slo-Cal Technology to slowly and continuously release calcium and Vitamin D for efficient absorption in one daily dose.
- CITRACAL Slow Release 1200 contains a blend of 1200 mg of Calcium Carbonate and Citrate, 1000 IU of vitamin D3, and 80 mg of magnesium per serving to help achieve optimal bone health and defy bone aging.
Cons
- Exposure to heat or sunlight may lead to melting/damage of the product. Hence customers are expected to be available during the product delivery.
- The pills are big and may be difficult for some people to swallow.
- Some people may experience interactions with other medications when taking calcium supplements.
CITRACAL Slow Release 1200 Calcium Supplement does not cause any side effect because it dissolves easily and is easy on the stomach. It is also a great choice for seniors especially if they are concerned with their bone health. It is easy to take; the patented Slo-Cal Technology that ensures efficient absorption in one daily dose. Therefore, we endorse this product.
Nature Made Calcium 600 mg with Vitamin D3
Nature Made Calcium 600 mg with Vitamin D3
As a calcium supplement for seniors looking to strengthen their bones further, we strongly suggest Nature Made Calcium 600 mg with Vitamin D3.
Pros
- Helps support bone strength
- Contains Vitamin D3 for improved Calcium absorption
- Made in the USA with quality global ingredients
Cons
- May cause constipation if not taken with enough water
- Some users may find the tablets too large to swallow
- May not be suitable for those with certain medical conditions
The inclusion of Vitamin D3 helps enhance calcium uptake and promote the health of bones in general. We understand that this supplement is produced in USA using quality ingredients from around the world and no artificial colours or flavors are used.
However, the users should know that some of them may develop constipation problems if they do not take these tablets with adequate water. Furthermore, the tablets can be very large and may be difficult for some people to swallow. In the same manner, before taking any supplement it is necessary to consult a healthcare provider especially if one has a health condition or is on medication.
For seniors seeking to boost their bone strength, we highly suggest the Caltrate Minis 600 Plus D3 Plus Minerals Calcium and Vitamin D Supplement Tablets.
Pros
- The dual benefit formula includes calcium and vitamin D3 for bone strength and minerals for flexibility.
- Contains key essential minerals like zinc, copper, and manganese to help support collagen production for more resilient bones.
- Caltrate calcium and vitamin D supplements have the most vitamin D3 to help your body maximize calcium absorption.
Cons
- The pills are quite large and may be difficult to swallow for some seniors.
- Some users may experience mild side effects such as constipation or upset stomach.
- The price may be higher than other calcium supplements on the market.
The dual benefit formula contains calcium and vitamin D3 for bone health and minerals for flexibility. We understand that Caltrate includes other important trace elements such as zinc, copper, and manganese that aids collagen formation for stronger bones.
Regarding the size of the pills, though they are relatively large, we have not experienced difficulty in swallowing them with some water. However, it may be challenging for some seniors to swallow them. However, some users may have some side effects, which may be minor such as constipation, upset stomach among others.
The Amazing Nutrition Calcium Supplement is highly recommended for seniors who are searching for an easy to swallow calcium supplement that works.
Pros
- Provides 1200mg of calcium and 1000mg of vitamin D3 per serving
- Non-GMO, gluten-free, and third-party tested
- Manufactured in accordance with GMP standards
Cons
- Softgels are quite large
- May be difficult to swallow for some
- Some users report difficulty with absorption
The Amazing Nutrition Calcium Supplement is ideal for elderly people who want to add more calcium to their diet. This product has each serving containing 1200mg of calcium and 1000mg of Vitamin D3 which makes it helpful for the support of bones. We note that it is non-GMO, gluten-free, and third-party evaluated to confirm that the supplement is safe and efficient. Also, the supplement follows GMP standards, which provide assurance to the quality of the supplement.
However, the softgels are rather large which could pose a challenge when being ingested by some seniors. Some users also mention that they have issues with absorption; thus, it might not be ideal for everyone. In conclusion, we rate the Amazing Nutrition Calcium Supplement as a good option for seniors who want to take a calcium supplement that has large doses of both calcium and vitamin D3.
Kirkland Signature Calcium Tablet with Vitamin D3
Kirkland Signature Calcium Tablet with Vitamin D3
For seniors who want to take calcium supplements, it is advisable to use Kirkland Signature Calcium Tablet with Vitamin D3.
Pros
- Provides 600 mg of calcium and 10 mcg of vitamin D3 per tablet
- USP verified
- Supports strong bones and teeth
Cons
- Packaging may vary
- Pregnant or nursing women should consult their physician before using this product
- May not be suitable for individuals with certain health conditions or those taking certain medications
The Kirkland Signature Calcium Tablet with Vitamin D3 has 600 mg of calcium and 10 mcg of Vitamin D3 for every tablet, which will guarantee that the body is getting the required daily allowance of these nutrients.
We note that the supplement is verified by USP; this is an indication that the supplement meets specific quality standards. Also, the supplement enhances bone health and teeth, which is beneficial to senior citizens in particular.
However, as the packaging maybe slightly different, don’t be surprised if you receive a different bottle than the one pictured. Furthermore, pregnant/nursing women should not use this product without first speaking to their doctor, and people with certain health conditions or those taking specific medications may not be able to use this product.
Citracal Maximum Plus is one of the best calcium supplements that are easy on the stomach and highly bioavailable.
Pros
- Provides 650 mg of calcium per serving to help support bone health
- Contains essential minerals such as zinc, copper, and manganese to support bone health
- Contains 1000 IU of vitamin D3 per serving to help absorb dietary calcium
Cons
- The caplets are large and may be difficult for some people to swallow
- The recommended dosage is 2 caplets twice a day, which may be inconvenient for some people
- The product may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions or who are taking certain medications
Citracal Maximum Plus is sugar-free and easy on the stomach; I have never been left with any unpleasant aftertaste. It is also important to note that despite the size of the caplets, they slip down easily with a glass of water. We also like that the product includes other minerals apart from calcium and vitamin D3 which we deem important in the bone system.
For individuals seeking a calcium supplement that is well absorbed and has potential benefits on bones, teeth, colon and cardiovascular systems, Pure Encapsulations Calcium (Citrate) may suit best.
Pros
- Highly absorbable calcium supplement capsules
- Provides support for bone, cardiovascular, colon, and joint health
- Made with premium ingredients sourced from trusted suppliers
Cons
- Expensive compared to other calcium supplements
- Some users reported experiencing stomach upset or constipation
- Large capsules may be difficult to swallow for some users
Pure Encapsulations Calcium (Citrate) capsules are small and easy to swallow and do not upset our stomachs, which is a plus. We also acknowledge the fact that this supplement is made from high-quality raw materials and does not contain allergens, artificial or unwanted substances or Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).
The only thing to consider is that this particular supplement is slightly more costly than most other calcium supplements that are available out there. Furthermore, some users have mentioned stomach upset or constipation as some of the side effects they encountered while using the supplement. Finally, the capsules are relatively large and may not be easy to ingest, especially for some consumers.
If you want a bone enhancing supplement that contains other essential nutrients for bone building, there is BioSchwartz Ultra Pure Bone Strength.
Pros
- The formula includes Vitamin K2, Calcium, and Vitamin D3 for bone support.
- Magnesium is included to assist in calcium absorption, which is an essential mineral for bone health.
- Each batch of BioSchwartz Ultra Pure Bone Strength is third-party tested to guarantee high purity, potency, and quality. The formula is free from GMOs, soy, gluten, milk, egg, wheat, peanuts, or shellfish, and does not contain preservatives, artificial ingredients, fillers, chemicals, or color additives.
Cons
- The recommended dosage is four pills per day.
- Some may find the pills difficult to swallow.
- The product is slightly more expensive than other calcium supplements on the market.
The formula is non-acidic and thus does not lead to constipation or any problems with digestion at all.
The inclusion of Vitamin K2, Calcium and Vitamin D3 offers complete bone support while magnesium assists in calcium absorption. It is also good to know that the product contains no allergens and additives and each batch is independently tested for quality and efficacy.
Carlyle Calcium with D3 is our top pick for seniors because it is a small and easy to swallow calcium supplement that offers superior support. The product itself is very good and comes from a brand which is famous for offering genuine supplements.
Pros
- The mini softgels are easy to swallow and don't have a bad taste.
- The supplement provides 1,200 mg of calcium per serving, which is 92% of your daily value.
- The product is naturally free of gluten, wheat, yeast, milk, artificial flavor, preservatives, and non-GMO.
Cons
- The daily dose is four capsules, which may be too many for some people.
- The gels are larger than expected, which may be a problem for those who have difficulty swallowing pills.
- The product contains soybean oil, which may be a problem for those who can't consume soy.
From our research, we can conclude that Carlyle Calcium with D3 is a high-end product that has its basis in nourishment. The product is laboratory tested and contains trusted ingredients that are of superior quality. Carlyle is a brand that offers genuine supplements to enhance your healthy life.
The mini softgels are easy to swallow and does not have a bad taste which is an added advantage for seniors, they may find it hard to swallow the pills. The supplement contains magnesium at 1,200 mg per serving, and this is equivalent to 92% DV. This means that for you to get the recommended daily dose of calcium you don’t have to take as many capsules. The product does not contain gluten, wheat, yeast, milk, artificial flavor, preservatives, and non-GMO, which is especially beneficial for people suffering from certain health conditions.
However, the daily dose is four capsules, and this might be too much for some people to handle. The gels are a great larger than anticipated, this can be a problem for people who have difficulty in swallowing capsules. Furthermore, the product has soybean oil which might not be good for anyone who does not take soy products.
Nature Made Calcium 600 mg with Vitamin D3, Dietary Supplement for Bone Support, 220 Tablets - Pack of 2 130 Count (Pack of 2)
Nature Made Calcium 600 mg with Vitamin D3, Dietary Supplement for Bone Support, 220 Tablets - Pack of 2 130 Count (Pack of 2)
For seniors who want to boost their bone health through taking calcium supplements, Nature Made Calcium 600 mg with Vitamin D3 may be the appropriate supplement for you to take.
Pros
- Pack of 2
- Contains Vitamin D3 for improved calcium absorption
- Quality ingredients and manufacturing process verified by USP
Cons
- May be difficult to swallow
- Some customers reported no noticeable effects
- Large bottle may be inconvenient for travel
The USP verification provided assurance that we were using a safe and effective supplement. We also noted that the supplement contained Vitamin D3 which plays a critical role in calcium absorption as well as bone health.
We did find, however, that the tablets could be a little large to swallow, particularly for those who have issues with large capsules. Also, some customers complained that they did not experience any changes after consuming the supplement. Finally, the large bottle size may also be a drawback especially for people who are always on the move.
New Chapter Calcium Supplement - Bone Strength Tiny Tabs Organic Red Marine Algae Calcium
New Chapter Calcium Supplement - Bone Strength Tiny Tabs Organic Red Marine Algae Calcium
If you want a top-notch calcium supplement that promotes bone, joint, and heart health, then go for New Chapter Calcium Supplement.
Pros
- The product is sourced from Red Marine Algae, a whole-food source that’s rich in Calcium plus Magnesium and 70+ trace minerals.
- The product is expertly formulated with Vitamin D3 for better absorption, Vitamin K2 to direct calcium to bones (where you need it most), magnesium, and 70 whole-food trace minerals.
- The miniature tiny tablets are easy to swallow.
Cons
- The product is a bit pricey compared to other calcium supplements.
- The product may not be suitable for people with soy allergies since it contains fermented soy.
- Some users may find the taste of the product unpleasant.
These are very small in size and can be easily swallowed with no bad side effects or problems in digestion. The product is also USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, 100% Vegetarian, Kosher, and Certified Gluten-Free by NSF, which provides confidence that we are using high quality product.
Buying Guide
There are a number of factors that need to be taken into consideration when deciding on what calcium supplement is the best for seniors. Here are some features that should be looked at:
Form of Calcium
Calcium supplements are available in various forms including calcium carbonate, calcium citrate and calcium gluconate. Calcium carbonate is the most widely used type and in most cases it is also the least costly. Calcium citrate malabsorption is less than calcium carbonate and may be preferred by seniors with low stomach acid. Calcium gluconate is less frequently used and more often prescribed by doctors.
Dosage
It is suggested that the elderly should consume 1,200 milligrams of calcium daily. If you are taking calcium supplements, ensure that the supplement labels contain the recommended dosage of calcium.
Additional Nutrients
Some of the calcium supplements have other ingredients such as vitamin D, magnesium, and vitamin K which enhance calcium uptake and maintain bone health. However, one should ensure that the amount of these nutrients consumed is moderate and within the recommended daily allowance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best form of calcium to take for osteoporosis?
Calcium citrate should be taken as the best form of calcium for osteoporosis. This is better absorbed in the body than other forms of calcium supplements in the market today.
What is the safest and most effective calcium supplement?
The best calcium supplements are those that have both calcium and vitamin D, because the two constituents are most effective in maintaining bones and preventing osteoporosis.
Should a 70 year old woman take calcium supplements?
Of course, a 70 year old woman should take calcium supplements. We notice as we grow older, our ability to absorb calcium reduces hence leading to loss of bones and osteoporosis. This can be prevented by taking calcium supplements.
What is the best calcium citrate supplement?
The best calcium citrate supplement is the one that is well absorbed in the body and contains high amount of calcium. When selecting your calcium supplement, ensure that the product has a minimum of 1000mg of calcium citrate per serving.
When is the best time to take calcium supplements?
For better digestion and absorption of calcium supplements, it is recommended to take them with meals. Ideally, calcium is supposed to be taken with a meal since the absorption rate of the mineral increases during this time. Also, do not take calcium supplements with iron supplements because iron hinders the absorption of calcium.
What are the best calcium tablets?
The most effective calcium tablets are those that are quickly and highly bioavailable and have a high calcium content. Make sure the tablets you take have at least 1000mg of calcium per serving.
Affiliate Disclosure:
The links provided may earn us a small commission at no additional cost to you if you choose to purchase the recommended product. This support allows our research and editorial team to continue providing high-quality recommendations. As a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising initiative, we are able to earn advertising fees through providing links to products on Amazon.com. Please rest assured that we only recommend high-quality products.