9 Calcium Supplements Dietitians Swear By

This is our top choice for the best calcium powder, thanks to its simplicity and brand reputation. For those who can’t or don’t want to swallow a pill, NOW’s calcium citrate powder offers an affordable, quality choice. Powders are easy to mix into your beverage of choice and can give you more control over exactly how many milligrams you take.

“I’m also impressed that they are a founding partner of Vitamin Angels, a nonprofit that provides supplements to populations at risk for malnutrition,” Andrews adds.

For those seeking an organic, comprehensive approach to bone health, we recommend Garden of Life Organic Plant Calcium. If organic products are a priority for you, this is one of the only products on our list that is certified organic.

“Garden of Life Organic Plant Calcium is a standout choice for anyone prioritizing natural bone health,” says Alyssa Simpson, RDN, a digestive health dietitian in Phoenix. “Made with over 20 organic fruits and vegetables, this USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified supplement is a clean, whole-food option that is gentle on digestion while delivering essential nutrients for bone support,” she says.

This product is the most expensive on our list, and some people may not want to spend the extra money if the organic label isn’t a priority. Also, three capsules can seem like a lot for people who don’t love swallowing pills, but we think the benefits are worth it.

This product contains a patented form of calcium called StimuCal MicroCrystalline HydroxyApatite, a type of calcium from cow bones, plus other nutrients like vitamin D, vitamin K, and magnesium.

Jarrow Formulas tests its ingredients for purity and potency, adhering to strict manufacturing standards and third-party testing.

A notable consideration here is that the recommended dosage is two capsules three times a day (two capsules provide 333 mg of calcium), totaling six capsules daily, which adds up. Taking more calcium at once doesn’t mean you absorb more. The amount you absorb from food and supplements depends on the type and total amount.

Thorne is known for its commitment to high-quality supplements, and each product goes through four rounds of in-house testing for identity, purity, potency, and stability. This product is also gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free. The recommended dosage is two capsules twice a day, which might seem like a lot, but it allows optimal nutrient intake throughout the day. Despite the dosage frequency, the benefits make it a top choice for comprehensive bone support.

While many calcium supplements include vitamin D, Nature Made Calcium With D3 stands out for its affordability, high-quality formulation, and optimal dosage of 500 mg of calcium per serving. The softgel form may be easier for some to swallow, and we also like that Nature Made products are verified by United States Pharmacopeia (USP), a third-party organization for confirming purity and potency.

Pure Encapsulations Calcium (Citrate) is the go-to choice for a straightforward and effective calcium supplement. “It provides well-absorbed calcium citrate without any additional ingredients, making it ideal for those who want to customize their vitamin D intake separately,” says Simpson.

Pure Encapsulations is renowned for its commitment to purity and potency, setting high standards with rigorous third-party testing. “This supplement is also hypoallergenic, free from common allergens, and is manufactured in facilities that adhere to strict quality standards,” Simpson says.

Pure Encapsulations supplements are National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) certified, one of the most highly recognized independent, third-party certifications for supplement safety and standards.

With 300 mg of calcium per serving, this supplement is versatile. You can take it to fill any dietary gaps or adjust the dosage to meet higher calcium needs throughout the day.

Renzo’s Hercules Calcium is our favorite choice for a children’s calcium supplement. This product features a simple formula that includes calcium, vitamin D3, and vitamin K2 for healthy bones and strong teeth. While not all children need calcium supplements, pediatric dietitian Jennifer House, RD, founder of First Step Nutrition in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, notes, “A calcium supplement may be required for children who don’t consume dairy or fortified alternatives regularly.”

This product contains 100 mg of calcium per tablet, making it an ideal choice to combine with food sources of calcium. “When it comes to supplements for kids, I’m a fan of products that don’t overdo it,” says Bourgeois. “As both a registered dietitian and a mom, I like to prioritize whole foods and let supplements bridge the gap.”

MaryRuth’s Calcium Gummies are a standout choice for convenience and flavor. These gummies have a sugar-free peach, mango, and apricot flavor — but note that they are made for adults, so keep them away from children.

MaryRuth’s is known for its commitment to producing high-quality, non-GMO, allergen-free products with third-party testing for purity and content. Its gummies are free of common allergens like dairy, gluten, and nuts, while also being vegan-friendly.

These gummies contain only 200 mg of calcium (again, from calcium phosphate, so you also get some phosphorus). This amount of calcium is on the lower end, but this can be advantageous if you get some calcium from food and only need to supplement a small amount to meet daily recommendations.

Citracal Petites Calcium Citrate is our favorite budget-friendly, effective calcium supplement. Priced at just around 5 cents per pill, it remains affordable even if you need to increase your dose. Each serving provides 400 mg of calcium and 500 IU of vitamin D3, essential for maintaining strong, healthy bones. This product is third-party tested, ensuring safety and quality, and it uses calcium citrate for easier digestion and absorption.

Some users might find the capsule size larger than expected. While these pills are labeled as “petites,” this description might be a bit misleading for those anticipating tiny capsules. This is a straightforward and cost-effective supplement. It offers significant value, with 100 servings per bottle.