The Best Calcium Supplements of 2025: No Bones to Pick With These Top Brands
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On our mission to find the best calcium supplements, our crew of testers used good ol’ teamwork to divide and conquer, testing a variety of brands until we identified the top contenders out there. However, unless you’re actively suffering from osteoporosis, why take calcium supplements to begin with?
While approximately 98% of our body’s calcium1 is stored in our bones, we use calcium for more than just healthy bones. It also helps muscles—including our heart—to contract, transmits nerve impulses, and helps blood to clot. If calcium levels get too low to carry out these processes, the body starts to steal some from our bones, making them weak and increasing the risk of fractures.
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Once bone density is lost, it’s pretty hard to get it back, especially as we get older or become postmenopausal. This is why it’s important for even young and healthy individuals to make sure they consume enough calcium. If you aren’t getting enough from dietary sources, a calcium supplement can help. These are our picks for the best ones on the market.
Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider.
The 6 Best Calcium Supplements of 2025
- Best Calcium Supplement Overall: Performance Lab Calcium
- Best Calcium Supplement for Bone Health: Thorne Advanced Bone Support
- Best Vegan Calcium Supplement: ProHealth Ca AKG Supplement
- Best Budget Calcium Supplement: Nature Made Calcium
- Best Single-Ingredient Calcium Supplement: Pure Encapsulations Calcium
- Best Calcium Supplement with Vitamin K: Life Extension Bone Restore
Best Calcium Supplement Overall: Performance Lab Calcium
Good for: Those looking for a calcium supplement backed by actual physicians
Best Calcium Supplement for Bone Health: Thorne Advanced Bone Support
Good for: People looking for both calcium and Vitamin D for better bone support
Best Vegan Calcium Supplement: ProHealth Ca AKG Supplement
Good for: Vegans who lack calcium-rich foods and require a high-dose calcium supplement
Best Budget Calcium Supplement: Nature Made Calcium
Good for: People who have no issues swallowing tablets and want a great value
Best Single-Ingredient Calcium Supplement: Pure Encapsulations Calcium
Good for: Those who want to buy a clean calcium supplement that will last several months
Best Calcium Supplement With Vitamin K: Life Extension Bone Restore
Good for: Individuals looking to support bone health with a high-dose supplement
How We Picked and Tested the Best Calcium Supplements
Calcium is a common mineral that fills a lot of needs in supplement form, so there were plenty of brands to choose from. Here’s the criteria we used to narrow down the choices to our list of the best calcium supplements.
Calcium Dosage
One of the most important features of a calcium supplement (or any new supplement for that matter) is that it has an adequate dosage of calcium. We included products with a range of potencies because some people may need more calcium from supplements than others.

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For those taking calcium supplements simply to fill some gaps in their diet, the brands on this list with lower doses are appropriate. However, certain populations such as women over the age of 50, vegans who do not consume dairy products, or people who have issues eating enough calcium-fortified foods in general may need higher doses.
Price
Daily supplements can be an expensive habit if you get carried away. That’s why it’s vital to choose brands that provide the best balance between price and quality. Considering this, we wanted to provide calcium supplement options that suit a wide range of budgets.
Customer Reviews and Side Effects
Unlike a multivitamin, which usually contains smaller amounts of multiple micronutrients, minerals like calcium that are taken in isolation have a higher chance of causing unpleasant side effects. These side effects usually affect the belly and gut area and are typically mild, but we wanted to choose brands that spare you from such treatment.
So, not only did we test each of these products personally (as we’ve been known to do), we also scoured the customer reviews of verified buyers to see if there was any overwhelmingly negative feedback regarding side effects before making our recommendations.
Benefits of Calcium Supplements
It can be useful to supplement with a key nutrient like calcium, especially if you cannot consume enough food sources of calcium for whatever reason. Not only are strong bones important for overall health, independence, and mobility, but they are also vital for active populations to prevent injury. So, let’s take a closer look at the benefits of getting enough calcium.
Helps Prevent Bone Loss
As we’ve all been aware of since high school health class, calcium is key for strong bones. Though we should make an effort to get as much of our calcium intake as possible from food, sometimes this isn’t possible, especially if you have conditions like lactose intolerance or dairy allergies that can prevent you from eating traditionally high-calcium foods.
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Furthermore, certain conditions like menopause can cause individuals to experience bone loss at a rapid rate that dietary consumption just can’t keep up with. That’s why it’s important to consume adequate calcium early, especially if you are a menstruating individual, to strengthen the bones before this occurs.

One meta-analysis found that women under the age of 35 showed improved bone density after taking a daily calcium supplement9. Another recent study showed that women who are already menopausal who begin taking calcium supplements may see a slower rate of bone loss (though it did not lower their risk of fractures10).
Can Help Reduce High Blood Pressure
Some research has claimed that calcium supplementation can help reduce the risk of heart disease. In addition to sodium, magnesium, and potassium, calcium plays a key role in muscle contractions and relaxations, with the heart being the most important muscle of them all.
One study showed that increased calcium intake lowered both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in young individuals without high blood pressure. Though the decrease was only about 2mmHg, study authors insist even this small change can lower the risk of a heart attack by 7% and the risk of a stroke by 10%11.
On the other hand, there are just as many studies, one following subjects for seven years, that show that calcium supplementation has no impact12 on the risk of high blood pressure.
Finally, there is promising evidence that calcium can decrease the risk of pre-eclampsia, a life-threatening condition pregnant women can develop that’s characterized by dangerously high blood pressure. Pre-eclampsia can lead to premature birth, blunting of fetal growth, and even death of the mother. Studies13 show that supplementing with 500 milligrams of calcium carbonate daily could help prevent the development of pre-eclampsia in pregnant women.
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Helps Reduce the Risk of Colon Cancer
Several studies have suggested that both calcium supplements and dietary calcium may lower the risk of colon cancer. One meta-analysis14 asserts that there is a 6% decrease in risk for every 300 milligrams of calcium consumed daily when taken alongside at least 100 IUs of vitamin D3.
May Support Weight Loss
Some studies have shown that low calcium intake has been associated with higher body fat percentage, especially when accompanied with low levels of vitamin D3. Some science has shown that combining these two supplements daily resulted in more weight loss in individuals with overweight and obesity15 than those who didn’t take the supplements.
Nevertheless, the authors noted that because the weight loss was so insignificant—only a few pounds over 8 weeks to 2 years—it may not justify supplementing with calcium for the sole purpose of weight loss.
Potential Side Effects
Calcium supplements are generally safe when taken as directed. However, in rare cases, some people may experience GI issues like constipation, gas, bloating, and nausea. Minerals in their supplement form are metals that technically aren’t meant to be absorbed by the gut, so that is the likely reason for these effects.
If you take too much calcium (1,200 to 1,500 milligrams per day) you may also see an increased risk of kidney stones, high levels of calcium in the blood, and calcium buildup in the blood vessels that could increase the risk of high blood pressure. If you take iron supplements, you shouldn’t take them at the same time as calcium, as iron can block the absorption of calcium16.
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You should also avoid taking calcium if you take medications for osteoporosis, antibiotics, diuretics, and certain thyroid medications. Always get medical advice from your healthcare provider before taking any dietary supplement.
How Much Calcium Should I Take Per Day?
To understand the proper dosage for a good calcium supplement, let’s first look at the amount of calcium the National Institutes of Health recommends that each American takes on a daily basis.
For women 50 and younger and men 70 and younger, the USDA recommends a daily intake of 1,000 milligrams of calcium. If you are a woman over the age of 50 or a man over the age of 70, your calcium needs are slightly higher at 1,200 milligrams per day.
Older adults require more calcium because they have a higher risk of osteoporosis, as the natural process of aging involves bone loss. Older women, in particular, are at an even higher risk of lower bone density due to menopause.

Estrogen plays a huge role in maintaining bone health, and postmenopausal women experience a characteristic drop in estrogen after menopause occurs. What usually follows is bones that are less dense, which puts women at a higher risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures when compared to men.
It is also possible to get too much calcium. The upper limit is 2,000 milligrams of calcium for adults over the age of 51 and 2,500 milligrams for those 50 and under, as established by the National Institutes of Health17.
Going over these amounts can increase the risk of calcium toxicity, which can result in side effects like kidney stones, nausea, vomiting, constipation, iron and zinc malabsorption, and dangerously high calcium levels in the blood and soft tissues.
This is why most calcium supplements do not contain 100% of the daily value of calcium (the 1,000 to 1,200 milligrams mentioned earlier). So, if your selected calcium supplement doesn’t have this amount, don’t write it off as a bad product. There are many dietary sources of calcium we may be consuming without realizing it, so we have to account for calcium-rich foods along with supplements to avoid potential toxicity.
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With all of that in mind, most experts recommend taking only around 500 milligrams of calcium per day18 from supplements. Some may need a higher dose if they are older or already have existing bone health issues, but most individuals will want to stay around this number. Another critical reason is that elemental calcium from supplements is not as easily absorbed as dietary calcium, so getting more than this can result in GI issues and malabsorption.
Here is a list of some high-calcium foods you can add to your diet if you want to increase your calcium intake without relying on supplements:
- Dairy products like milk
- Legumes
- Tofu
- Leafy greens
- Fish
- Tahini
Buying Guide: What to Look for in the Best Calcium Supplements
Anxious about purchasing the right product? Never fear. Keep these factors in mind as you search the labels on your next calcium supplement.
Inclusion of Vitamin D3
While the inclusion of vitamin D3 is not a requirement, it definitely can serve as a tiebreaker if you’re struggling to decide between several choices. Ask any dietitian—the body cannot use or absorb calcium in any significant capacity if vitamin D is not present.
There are surprisingly few natural food sources of vitamin D. The most common sources are egg yolks and fish, but there isn’t much else. Most of the vitamin D we get comes from fortified foods like orange juice and breakfast cereals. This is one reason vitamin D supplements have recently risen in popularity.
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However, if you don’t eat these foods, you could be in trouble, especially if you’re a vegan who does not eat dairy, eggs, or fish. And if that’s the case, taking a calcium supplement is simply a waste of time and money. So, having vitamin D already included in your calcium supplement can save you a ton of hassle and provide peace of mind that you’re getting all that you need.
Serving Size
To offer the proper amount of calcium, brands often house the mineral in larger-than-normal capsules and tablets. If this is the case with one particular supplement, it’s more ideal for you to not have to take 10 of the things each morning. So, assess how comfortable you are with taking large pills and let that, plus the serving size, affect your decision of which brand to buy.
Form of Calcium
There are several forms of calcium supplements out there, with the most common being calcium citrate and calcium carbonate. Due to the nature of these forms of calcium, it’s important to select the one that’s right for you.
Calcium citrate is usually the more expensive form, but it is the most optimally absorbed. This makes it appropriate for people who cannot take their calcium with food, have health conditions that result in a sensitive gut, or have low levels of stomach acid, which can negatively affect calcium absorption.
Calcium carbonate, on the other hand, is a good choice if you’re working on a budget. It also contains more elemental calcium by volume, so you can take a smaller serving size. This form is ideal for those who have trouble swallowing pills.
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FAQs About the Best Calcium Supplements
What is the most effective form of calcium supplement?
Calcium carbonate is the most effective form of calcium. It contains 40% elemental calcium, which means you can get a higher dose in a smaller serving. However, it can cause more side effects than other forms of calcium.
Which brand of calcium supplement is best?
After testing and evaluation, we determined that Performance Lab Calcium is the best calcium supplement. It is free of most common allergens and may be gentler on the stomach than other brands. However, individual needs vary, so it’s important to consult a physician to determine the best calcium supplement for you.
Which calcium is best for osteoporosis?
Calcium supplements that include vitamin D3 and other synergistic micronutrients are better for osteoporosis than those that contain calcium alone.
What is the fastest way to increase calcium?
Eating enough calcium-rich foods is the fastest way to increase calcium levels, as the body absorbs dietary sources of calcium better than calcium supplements. Contact a registered dietitian if you’re unsure how to identify high-calcium food sources.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
References
- Institute of Medicine (US) Committee to Review Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin D3 and Calcium, Ross AC, Taylor CL, Yaktine AL, Del Valle HB, eds. Dietary Reference Intakes for Calcium and Vitamin D3. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2011.
- Rondanelli M, Minisola S, Barale M, et al. Evaluating adherence, tolerability and safety of oral calcium citrate in elderly osteopenic subjects: a real-life non-interventional, prospective, multicenter study. Aging Clin Exp Res. 2024;36(1):38. Published 2024 Feb 12. doi:10.1007/s40520-024-02696-9
- Groenendijk I, van Delft M, Versloot P, van Loon LJC, de Groot LCPGM. Impact of magnesium on bone health in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Bone. 2022;154:116233. doi:10.1016/j.bone.2021.116233
- Bailey RL, van Wijngaarden JP. The Role of B-Vitamins in Bone Health and Disease in Older Adults. Curr Osteoporos Rep. 2015;13(4):256-261. doi:10.1007/s11914-015-0273-0
- Voulgaridou G, Papadopoulou SK, Detopoulou P, et al. Vitamin D and Calcium in Osteoporosis, and the Role of Bone Turnover Markers: A Narrative Review of Recent Data from RCTs. Diseases. 2023;11(1):29. Published 2023 Feb 8. doi:10.3390/diseases11010029
- Naciu AM, Tabacco G, Bilezikian JP, et al. Calcium Citrate Versus Calcium Carbonate in the Management of Chronic Hypoparathyroidism: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Crossover Clinical Trial. J Bone Miner Res. 2022;37(7):1251-1259. doi:10.1002/jbmr.4564
- Liu C , Kuang X , Li K , Guo X , Deng Q , Li D . Effects of combined calcium and Vitamin D3 supplementation on osteoporosis in postmenopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Food Funct. 2020;11(12):10817-10827. doi:10.1039/d0fo007
- Maresz K. Proper Calcium Use: Vitamin K2 as a Promoter of Bone and Cardiovascular Health. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2015;14(1):34-39.
- Liu Y, Le S, Liu Y, et al. The effect of calcium supplementation in people under 35 years old: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Elife. 2022;11:e79002. Published 2022 Sep 27. doi:10.7554/eLife.79002
- Bailey RL, Zou P, Wallace TC, et al. Calcium Supplement Use Is Associated With Less Bone Mineral Density Loss, But Does Not Lessen the Risk of Bone Fracture Across the Menopause Transition: Data From the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation. JBMR Plus. 2019;4(1):e10246. Published 2019 Nov 15. doi:10.1002/jbm4.10246
- Cormick G, Ciapponi A, Cafferata ML, Cormick MS, Belizán JM. Calcium supplementation for prevention of primary hypertension. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2022;1(1):CD010037. Published 2022 Jan 11. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010037.pub4
- Margolis KL, Ray RM, Van Horn L, et al. Effect of calcium and Vitamin D3 supplementation on blood pressure: the Women’s Health Initiative Randomized Trial. Hypertension. 2008;52(5):847-855. doi:10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.108.114991
- Gomes F, Ashorn P, Askari S, et al. Calcium supplementation for the prevention of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: current evidence and programmatic considerations. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2022;1510(1):52-67. doi:10.1111/nyas.14733
- Lopez-Caleya JF, Ortega-Valín L, Fernández-Villa T, Delgado-Rodríguez M, Martín-Sánchez V, Molina AJ. The role of calcium and Vitamin D3 dietary intake on risk of colorectal cancer: systematic review and meta-analysis of case-control studies. Cancer Causes Control. 2022;33(2):167-182. doi:10.1007/s10552-021-01512-3
- Cormick G, Ciapponi A, Harbron J, et al. Calcium supplementation for people with overweight or obesity. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2024;5(5):CD012268. Published 2024 May 9. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012268.pub2
- Abioye AI, Okuneye TA, Odesanya AO, et al. Calcium Intake and Iron Status in Human Studies: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials and Crossover Studies. J Nutr. 2021;151(5):1084-1101. doi:10.1093/jn/nxaa437
- Office Of Dietary Supplements – Calcium. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements.
- Waldman T, Sarbaziha R, Merz CN, Shufelt C. Calcium Supplements and Cardiovascular Disease: A Review. Am J Lifestyle Med. 2015;9(4):298-307. doi:10.1177/1559827613512593
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Handful of Performance Lab calcium capsules.On our mission to find the best calcium supplements, our crew of testers used good ol’ teamwork to divide and conquer, testing a variety of brands until we identified the top contenders out there. However, unless you’re actively suffering from osteoporosis, why take calcium supplements to begin with?While approximately 98% of our body’s calcium1 is stored in our bones, we use calcium for more than just healthy bones. » Read more about: The Best Calcium Supplements of 2025: No Bones to Pick With These Top Brands » Read more

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Handful of Performance Lab calcium capsules.On our mission to find the best calcium supplements, our crew of testers used good ol’ teamwork to divide and conquer, testing a variety of brands until we identified the top contenders out there. However, unless you’re actively suffering from osteoporosis, why take calcium supplements to begin with?While approximately 98% of our body’s calcium1 is stored in our bones, we use calcium for more than just healthy bones. » Read more about: The Best Calcium Supplements of 2025: No Bones to Pick With These Top Brands » Read more