Different types of calcium pills contain different forms of this bone-building mineral. The type of calcium used in a supplement is listed on the product label. The most effective types of calcium pills are those that contain calcium citrate or calcium carbonate. When comparing different types of calcium pills, it is important to look at the amount of elemental calcium they provide. This is a separate amount from the total amount of calcium bound with other compounds in the pill. The best way to take calcium supplements is in 500mg doses (or less) at different times of the day, because that is the maximum amount the body can absorb at one time.
Calcium Citrate
Of all the types of calcium pills, calcium citrate is one of the most easily digested and absorbed by the body. Unlike some forms of calcium, calcium citrate can be taken with or without food, allowing more flexibility to take the pill with meals or at other times throughout the day.
Calcium Carbonate
Calcium carbonate is one of the least expensive types of calcium pills and yet one of the most effective because it is easily absorbed by the body when taken with meals. The reason calcium carbonate should be taken with meals is because this form of calcium can only be absorbed in an acidic environment. Stomach acid production increases when there is food in the stomach.
Calcium Combinations
Some types of calcium pills also contain 200 to 400 IU of vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium. Although multivitamin and mineral supplements will also contain both calcium and vitamin D and often provide the daily recommended amount of vitamin D (400 IU), the standard formulas contain only small amounts (100mg to 200mg) of calcium.
Other Forms of Calcium
Dicalcium phosphate is a type of calcium sometimes found in multivitamin and mineral pills. Other types of calcium pills may include calcium lactate or calcium gluconate. These types of calcium pills are not recommended because they contain much less elemental calcium than calcium carbonate and calcium citrate pills. Oyster shells, bone meal and the mineral dolomite have all been used in calcium pills but they may contain lead or other toxic metals.
