Best Calcium Citrate Supplements (2026)
Calcium citrate is the preferred form of calcium for people with low stomach acid, those taking acid-reducing medications, or anyone who wants a calcium supplement that absorbs well with or without food. It’s gentler on the stomach than calcium carbonate and less likely to cause constipation. While calcium citrate contains less elemental calcium per gram than carbonate, its superior absorption rate — approximately 22–27% better — largely offsets this difference.
For seniors, bariatric surgery patients, and anyone taking PPIs or antacids, calcium citrate is often the only calcium form that absorbs reliably. The supplements below range from pure calcium citrate tablets to comprehensive bone-health formulas that pair calcium citrate with vitamin D3, K2, and magnesium for maximum benefit.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Calcium per Serving | Added Nutrients | Form | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BioSchwartz Bone Strength | Plant calcium blend | D3, K2, Magnesium | Capsules | Best Overall |
| Vitamatic Calcium Citrate + D3 | Calcium citrate + D3 | Vitamin D3 | Tablets | Best Value |
| Bariatric Advantage Calcium Citrate Chewy Bites | 500 mg | Vitamin D3 | Chewables | Best Chewable |
| Pure Encapsulations Calcium Citrate | 300 mg (per 2 caps) | None | Capsules | Best Premium |
| Citracal Petites | Calcium citrate + D3 | Vitamin D3 | Small Tablets | Best Easy-to-Swallow |
| Solaray Calcium Citrate | 1,000 mg | None | VegCaps | Best High-Dose |
| NATURELO Calcium | 600 mg | D3, K2, Mag, C | Capsules | Best Plant-Based Formula |
1. BioSchwartz Bone Strength Supplement – Best Overall
- Advanced Formula: Our multi mineral bone supplement for women features 9 vitamins and minerals with 3 types of calcium for women for optimal absorption and benefits
- Professional Grade: We are proud to offer our bone builder supplement without fillers or preservatives carefully formulated for high absorption featuring D3 and K2 to direct calcium where its needed
- Full Body Support: Vitamin D and calcium for women work together to help maintain healthy muscles joints and bones helping promote flexibility and comfort
- Trusted Quality: Our gentle calcium supplements for women are carefully manufactured and 3rd party tested with the strictest cGMP guidelines to give you confidence that you're in good hands
- Setting a Higher Standard: At BioSchwartz we are proud to be a trusted name in a variety of health and wellness categories - Visit the BioSchwartz Store to see our range of premium dietary supplements
A comprehensive, non-constipating bone health formula that combines highly absorbable calcium with vitamins D3 and K2 for targeted bone support.
BioSchwartz delivers a gentle, well-absorbed calcium formula specifically designed to avoid the digestive issues common with calcium carbonate. The formula includes vitamin D3 for calcium absorption, vitamin K2 to direct calcium to bones, and magnesium to support the entire mineral absorption process. Every batch is third-party tested for purity and potency. Free from GMOs, soy, gluten, milk, egg, wheat, peanuts, and shellfish. No preservatives, artificial ingredients, or fillers.
- Pros:
- Non-constipating formula ideal for sensitive digestive systems
- Comprehensive bone nutrients — D3, K2, and magnesium included
- Third-party tested with clean ingredient profile
- Cons:
- Multiple capsules required per serving
- Premium pricing compared to basic calcium citrate
Best for: Anyone wanting a complete bone-support formula without digestive side effects
2. Vitamatic Calcium Citrate with Vitamin D3 – Best Value
- Calcium Citrate with Vitamin D3 – Delivers 630 mg of calcium and 500 IU of Vitamin D3 per serving for optimal absorption.
- Supports Bone & Teeth Health – Helps maintain strong bones and teeth while supporting proper muscle function.
- Enhanced Absorption – Formulated with Vitamin D3 to improve calcium uptake.
- Large Supply – 240 tablets per bottle, 120 servings – a full 4-month supply.
- Trusted Quality – Non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free; manufactured in the USA under strict quality standards.
A straightforward calcium citrate and D3 combination in a 240-tablet supply that delivers excellent absorption at a budget-friendly price.
Vitamatic pairs calcium citrate with vitamin D3 in a no-frills formula that prioritizes absorption and value. Calcium citrate absorbs effectively regardless of stomach acid levels and can be taken with or without food — a significant advantage over calcium carbonate. The 240-count bottle provides months of daily supplementation. Non-GMO, gluten-free, and manufactured in a GMP-certified facility in the USA.
- Pros:
- High-absorption calcium citrate form
- 240 tablets per bottle for long-lasting supply
- Affordable price point with D3 included
- Cons:
- Lower elemental calcium per tablet than carbonate alternatives
- Basic formula without K2 or magnesium
Best for: Budget-conscious shoppers who want proven calcium citrate absorption with D3
3. Bariatric Advantage Calcium Citrate Chewy Bites – Best Chewable
- Premium Calcium Supplement: Calcium Citrate Chewy Bites are easily digestible and provide essential vitamins and supplements to support overall health and wellness, including for those who have undergone bariatric procedures*
- Highly Absorbable Vitamins & Minerals: Each chew delivers 500 mg of calcium as calcium citrate, and 500 IU of vitamin D3 for better calcium absorption*
- Digestible & Delicious: These tasty calcium citrate chewables taste like a treat and are very digestible, facilitating simple and flexible dosage*
- Sugar-Free Chews: Each Bariatric Advantage chew is individually wrapped and sugar-free, making them easy to take on the go and an ideal choice for a chewable calcium supplement with no additional sugar content
- Supports Life-Long Health: At Bariatric Advantage, we create scientifically crafted supplements that support your health and wellness journey, whether you're post-bariatric or just want high-quality support*
Highly absorbable calcium citrate in a delicious chewable format, originally designed for bariatric patients but ideal for anyone who can’t swallow large calcium tablets.
Bariatric Advantage formulated these chewy bites for post-surgical patients who need maximum calcium absorption in an easy-to-take format. Each chew delivers 500 mg of calcium citrate with vitamin D3 to enhance absorption. The soft, chewable texture makes them a standout option for seniors, those with dysphagia, or anyone who dislikes swallowing pills. Available in multiple flavors including assorted fruit and caramel. The calcium citrate form ensures absorption even with reduced stomach acid — a critical feature since bariatric patients and many seniors produce significantly less stomach acid than younger adults.
These chewy bites have become a cult favorite in the bariatric community, where calcium compliance is essential for preventing post-surgical bone loss. The pleasant taste and chewable format result in much higher compliance rates compared to large calcium tablets that many patients simply stop taking. For non-bariatric users, they offer the same absorption benefits in a more enjoyable format. The 500 mg per chew is a clinically appropriate single dose that the body can absorb efficiently.
- Pros:
- Chewable format — no swallowing large pills
- 500 mg calcium citrate per chew with D3
- Designed for maximum absorption post-bariatric surgery
- Cons:
- Contains sugar and calories per chew
- Higher cost per serving than standard tablets
Best for: Anyone who can’t or won’t swallow large calcium tablets, including bariatric patients
4. Pure Encapsulations Calcium (Citrate) – Best Premium
- Heart Health: Highly absorbable calcium, which supports cardiovascular health.*
- Colon Health: Calcium has been associated with supporting colon health; support colon health with these calcium citrate supplements*
- Bone Support: Calcium Citrate is a highly bioavailable calcium supplement, providing support for bone, cardiovascular, colon, and joint health*
- Pure Quality: Our supplements are made with only premium ingredients sourced from trusted suppliers and guided by our nutritional experts, then carefully manufactured and tested to verify their potency and purity.
- Pure Difference: What makes us different isn't just our process or what goes into our supplements -- what we leave out matters, too. Pure Encapsulations products are free from wheat, eggs, tree nuts & peanuts, gluten, artificial colors, flavors & sweeteners, coatings and shellacs, GMOs, and unnecessary binders, fillers & preservatives.
A hypoallergenic, pure calcium citrate supplement from one of the most trusted professional-grade brands, with no fillers, additives, or common allergens.
Pure Encapsulations is the gold standard in clean supplementation. Each serving of two vegetarian capsules provides 300 mg of calcium from highly bioavailable calcium citrate — and nothing else. No gluten, wheat, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, coatings, GMOs, or unnecessary binders. NSF-certified manufacturing facilities with extensive in-house and third-party testing. This is the supplement healthcare practitioners most frequently recommend for patients with multiple sensitivities.
The lower per-serving calcium amount (300 mg) is actually by design — it allows flexible dosing and accommodates people who get varying amounts of calcium from food. Taking 2 capsules one to three times daily lets you dial in exactly the amount you need. Pure Encapsulations is one of the few supplement brands that most naturopathic physicians and integrative medicine practitioners stock in their offices, reflecting its clinical reputation for purity and consistency.
- Pros:
- Hypoallergenic with zero fillers or additives
- NSF-certified facility with rigorous third-party testing
- Most recommended calcium citrate by integrative practitioners
- Cons:
- Only 300 mg per serving — requires 3-6 capsules daily for full dose
- Significantly more expensive than mass-market options
Best for: People with food sensitivities or allergies who need the purest calcium citrate available
5. Citracal Petites – Best Easy-to-Swallow
No products found.
Smaller-sized calcium citrate tablets with vitamin D3 from the #1 doctor-recommended calcium citrate brand, designed for easier swallowing.
Citracal Petites are specifically sized smaller than standard calcium tablets, addressing the most common complaint about calcium supplements. Each tablet delivers calcium citrate with vitamin D3 for enhanced absorption. The Citracal brand has been the #1 doctor and pharmacist recommended calcium citrate for years. The petite size makes daily compliance much easier for those who struggle with standard supplements. Can be taken with or without food.
The petite tablet design is particularly valuable for elderly patients who may have swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) or who simply find large pills uncomfortable. Despite the smaller size, each tablet still delivers a meaningful amount of calcium citrate plus D3. The 375-count bottle offers excellent longevity. Citracal is manufactured by Haleon (formerly GSK Consumer Healthcare), bringing pharmaceutical-grade quality standards to the supplement space. The brand’s consistent presence in clinical recommendations gives it strong credibility among healthcare providers.
- Pros:
- Smaller tablet size specifically designed for easy swallowing
- #1 doctor-recommended calcium citrate brand
- Can be taken with or without food
- Cons:
- Need to take more tablets per day due to smaller size
- Lower calcium per tablet means buying more frequently
Best for: Anyone who has difficulty swallowing standard-sized calcium tablets
6. Solaray Calcium Citrate 1000mg – Best High-Dose
No products found.
A chelated calcium citrate supplement delivering a full 1,000 mg per serving for those who need maximum calcium intake from a well-absorbed form.
Solaray provides one of the highest calcium citrate doses per serving on the market. The chelated form means the calcium is bound to citric acid for improved bioavailability and easier digestion compared to non-chelated forms. This vegan-friendly formula uses VegCaps and is lab verified for quality. Solaray backs their products with a 60-day satisfaction guarantee. The high per-serving dose means fewer capsules needed to reach daily targets.
Solaray has been producing supplements since 1973 and maintains strong quality controls across their product line. Their calcium citrate undergoes lab verification to confirm potency and purity. The brand is particularly popular in natural food stores and has built a loyal following among health-conscious consumers. The VegCap format dissolves efficiently and is suitable for vegetarians and those avoiding gelatin-based capsules.
- Pros:
- High 1,000 mg per serving of chelated calcium citrate
- Vegan-friendly VegCap format
- 60-day money-back guarantee
- Cons:
- Requires 4 VegCaps per serving
- Does not include vitamin D3 — must supplement separately
Best for: Those who need high-dose calcium citrate and are willing to take multiple capsules
7. NATURELO Calcium Supplement – Best Plant-Based Formula
No products found.
A plant-based calcium formula combining calcium with vitamins C, D3, K2, and magnesium for comprehensive bone support in a clean, natural supplement.
NATURELO takes a whole-body approach to calcium supplementation by pairing 600 mg of calcium with vitamin C (for collagen production), vitamin D3 (for absorption), vitamin K2 (for bone targeting), and magnesium zinc complex for mineral balance. The plant-based formula uses vegetarian capsules and avoids soy, gluten, and GMOs. NATURELO is known for using higher-quality ingredient forms and transparent labeling.
This is one of the most comprehensive calcium formulas on the market, addressing not just calcium delivery but the entire ecosystem of nutrients needed for bone health. Vitamin C supports collagen synthesis — the protein matrix that calcium deposits into to create strong bones. The inclusion of K2 in the MK-7 form is particularly thoughtful, as it ensures calcium reaches bones rather than accumulating in arteries. For those who want one supplement to handle their bone health needs rather than juggling multiple bottles, NATURELO delivers exceptional completeness.
- Pros:
- Comprehensive formula with C, D3, K2, and magnesium
- Plant-based, vegetarian, non-GMO, soy-free, gluten-free
- Addresses multiple aspects of bone health in one supplement
- Cons:
- 4 capsules per serving
- Higher price than single-ingredient calcium citrate options
Best for: Health-conscious consumers who want a clean, multi-nutrient bone support formula
8. EVL Magnesium Citrate 400mg – Best Companion Mineral
- Muscle Support - Don’t let your health fall behind with our magnesium supplements for men which is an essential mineral that supports nerves and muscle recovery so you can get back to peak condition
- Bone Strength Supplements - Crush your goals with our magnesium 400 mg capsules that play a key role in regulating and transporting calcium to enhance bone strength so you can focus on performance
- Optimized Health - Feel your best with our high absorption magnesium citrate 400mg that supports your health in many ways including muscle and leg cramps digestion regulation and health
- Simply Powerful - Experience the power of our simple vegan and non GMO formula with calm magnesium citrate and 30 servings to last you through the month for enhanced energy and sleep support
- Join the Evlution - Kickstart your path to better health with Evlution Nutrition a leading name in health supplements because we care about quality with lab tested performance maximizing ingredients
While not a calcium supplement itself, magnesium citrate is an essential companion mineral that enhances calcium absorption and supports bone and muscle health.
EVL’s magnesium citrate delivers 400 mg of highly absorbable magnesium per serving — a mineral that works in tandem with calcium for bone health. Many calcium users overlook magnesium, but the two minerals depend on each other for proper utilization. Research shows that approximately 50% of Americans don’t get adequate magnesium from their diet, and this deficiency worsens with age. This supplement uses pure magnesium citrate for superior bioavailability compared to magnesium oxide, which has notoriously poor absorption rates. Clean formula with no artificial additives. An excellent add-on for anyone taking standalone calcium citrate without magnesium included.
- Pros:
- 400 mg highly absorbable magnesium citrate
- Essential companion to calcium for bone health
- Clean formula with excellent bioavailability
- Cons:
- Not a calcium supplement — meant as a companion product
- May cause loose stools at higher doses
Best for: Anyone taking calcium citrate who needs to balance their magnesium intake
How to Choose the Best Calcium Citrate Supplement
Calcium citrate contains about 21% elemental calcium compared to 40% in calcium carbonate. This means you’ll need to take more calcium citrate to get the same amount of absorbable calcium. However, studies show calcium citrate is absorbed approximately 22–27% better than carbonate, partially offsetting the lower elemental calcium content. For people with low stomach acid — including most adults over 50 and anyone taking PPIs — calcium citrate is clearly the better choice.
Look for supplements that pair calcium citrate with vitamin D3 (at least 400–1,000 IU) since D3 is essential for calcium absorption. Vitamin K2, particularly in the MK-7 form, adds further benefit by directing calcium to bones and away from arteries. Magnesium is another important co-factor — aim for roughly half your calcium dose in magnesium (e.g., 600 mg calcium with 300 mg magnesium). If your chosen calcium citrate doesn’t include these co-nutrients, consider adding separate D3 and magnesium supplements to your routine.
For dosage, the body absorbs calcium most efficiently in amounts of 500 mg or less at one time. If you need more than 500 mg daily, split your doses between morning and evening. The total daily target for adults is 1,000–1,200 mg from all sources (food plus supplements). Most people get 200–400 mg from food, so a supplement providing 600–800 mg typically fills the gap. Keep a rough mental tally of calcium-rich foods you eat regularly — dairy products, fortified juices, leafy greens, and canned fish with bones are the most concentrated dietary sources.
Quality markers to look for include GMP certification, third-party testing (USP, NSF, or independent lab verification), and minimal use of fillers and artificial additives. Vegetarian capsules and allergen-free formulas are important for those with dietary restrictions. Price per milligram of elemental calcium is a useful comparison metric since different products provide varying amounts per serving. Don’t be swayed by high tablet counts alone — compare the number of servings and the calcium content per serving to get a true value comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is calcium citrate and why is it different from calcium carbonate?
Calcium citrate is calcium bound to citric acid, making it more soluble and easier to absorb — especially for people with lower stomach acid levels. Unlike calcium carbonate, it can be taken with or without food and is less likely to cause constipation, gas, or bloating. Calcium citrate contains about 21% elemental calcium versus 40% in calcium carbonate, so you need more of it to get the same calcium dose. However, its superior absorption rate (22–27% better in studies) means more of what you take actually reaches your bones.
How much calcium citrate should I take daily?
Most adults need 1,000–1,200 mg of total calcium daily from all sources. Since food typically provides 200–400 mg, supplementing with 600–800 mg is common. Take no more than 500 mg at a time for best absorption, splitting larger doses between meals. If you eat calcium-rich foods regularly — dairy, fortified plant milks, sardines, leafy greens — you may need less from supplements. A food diary for a few days can help estimate your dietary calcium baseline.
When is the best time to take calcium citrate?
Calcium citrate can be taken at any time — with or without food. For optimal absorption, split doses throughout the day rather than taking the full amount at once. Avoid taking calcium at the same time as iron or thyroid medications, as it can interfere with absorption of those drugs.
Does calcium citrate cause constipation?
Calcium citrate is significantly less likely to cause constipation than calcium carbonate. However, high doses of any calcium supplement can contribute to digestive issues. Drinking adequate water, eating fiber-rich foods, and splitting doses can help prevent this.
Can I take calcium citrate with other supplements?
Yes, but with some timing considerations. Calcium can interfere with the absorption of iron, thyroid medications, and certain antibiotics. Space calcium citrate at least 2 hours apart from these. Calcium works well when taken alongside vitamin D3, K2, and magnesium.
Who benefits most from calcium citrate over calcium carbonate?
Calcium citrate is especially beneficial for adults over 50 (who often have reduced stomach acid), people taking proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole) or antacids, those with inflammatory bowel disease, bariatric surgery patients, anyone with achlorhydria (absent stomach acid), and people who experience digestive discomfort from calcium carbonate. If you’ve tried calcium carbonate and experienced constipation, bloating, or gas, switching to calcium citrate often resolves these issues while maintaining the same bone-health benefits.
