The recommended daily allowance of calcium is 1,000 mg per day for women ages 19 to 50 and men ages 19 to 70. Men over 70 years of age and women over 50 years of age have an RDA of 1,200 mg per day of calcium. If you struggle to consume an adequate amount of calcium each day, you may find benefit in taking calcium supplements, such as Citracal and Os-Cal. Consult your physician prior to adding any medications or supplements to your regimen.
Citracal
Citracal offers a line of seven over-the-counter calcium supplements manufactured by Bayer. In addition to calcium, some of the supplements offer other benefits. For example, the Citracal Gummies include 500 mg of calcium, 500 IU of vitamin D and 230 mg of phosphorus per serving, which is two gummies. On the other hand, Citracal Maximum contains 500 IU vitamin D and 630 mg calcium per serving, which is two tablets.
Os-Cal
Os-Cal offers a line of four over-the-counter calcium supplements manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. The supplements include regular, extra strength and ultra varieties. A chewable supplement is also available. Regular Os-Cal contains 500 mg calcium and 200 IU vitamin D per serving. Each serving of Ultra Os-Cal contains 600 mg calcium and 500 IU vitamin D in addition to magnesium, zinc, vitamin C, copper, boron, manganese and vitamin E.
Similarities and Differences
Both Os-Cal and Citracal add vitamin D with the calcium supplements. Vitamin D assists with the absorption of calcium and is therefore a beneficial ingredient in calcium supplements. Both supplements offer a chewable option, although Citracal's chewable supplement is in the form of a gummy candy whereas Os-Cal's chewable supplement is in the form of a chewable tablet. Os-Cal offers an Ultra supplement containing vitamins and minerals in addition to calcium and vitamin D, whereas Citracal does not.
Considerations
Both Citracal and Os-Cal contain adequate vitamin D and calcium to be used successfully as a daily calcium and vitamin D supplement. Which supplement is better for you is dependent upon your personal needs and preferences. For example, if you prefer not to swallow pills and do not like gummy candies, Os-Cal's chewable supplement may be the best choice for you. Take the supplement you want to take to your doctor or pharmacist to review prior to adding it to your regimen to ensure it meets your personal health needs and is safe for you to take.
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