Much attention has been placed on calcium supplements in the last few years and most Americans are encouraged to take a daily calcium supplement. Several of the most popular calcium supplements are a form of calcium citrate and a for of calcium carbonate, but the important issue is not which one to choose. Rather, the important ideal is to take whichever one according to the directions and in a manner that promotes the absorption of the calcium.

Calcium is absorbed in the intestine and different stomach conditions promote better absorption. Calcium citrate, contained in products like Citracal, does not require an especially acidic stomach to break it down, so it can be taken at any time of the day.

Calcium carbonate, often found in acid-reducers like Tums, requires stomach acid to break it down enough that it can be absorbed and is best taken after meals.

Either is an acceptable form of calcium supplement, as are vitamin supplements containing calcium, but consumers must be aware of that the calcium absorption is based on the amount of elemental calcium in the supplement, not the milligrams of the supplement itself. For example, some calcium citrate pills contain 500 mgs of calcium citrate, but only 200 mgs of elemental calcium. The USDA recommended 1000 mgs of calcium per day for adult women is based on elemental calcium.

Since calcium can be found in many natural sources, it may not be necessary to take all 1000 mgs of elemental calcium in the form of a supplement, but those who rely on supplements for calcium intake should be aware of the difference.

Recently, some producers of calcium have also made claims regarding the calcium supplements that are not backed by research by the Food and Drug administration.

Among these are claims that coral calcium is a healthier way to take calcium and that it may promote other health benefits in addition to simply replacing calcium not absorbed through normal diet. Coral calcium is simply another form of calcium carbonate and has no proven dietary benefits other than as a source of calcium.

Persons considering calcium supplements should consider their own lifestyle in choosing a supplement and should avoid calcium citrate if they are prone to acid-reflux disease. For those persons, calcium carbonate may also provide the added health benefit of reducing stomach acid.