What is the recommended dosage for Calcium?

Note: Prefer dietary sources; limit supplements to 500 mg/dose; General: 1,000-1,200 mg/day from diet plus supplements

What are the side effects of Calcium?

Potential side effects include: Constipation (especially carbonate form), Potential increased MI risk with high-dose supplements (controversial), Kidney stones at excessive doses, Gas, bloating.

What is calcium and how may it relate to cardiovascular health?

Calcium is essential for heart muscle contraction and electrical signaling. However, the relationship between calcium supplements and cardiovascular health is controversial. Some meta-analyses have suggested that calcium supplements (without vitamin D) may modestly increase cardiovascular event risk, though findings are debated.

What dosage of calcium has been studied for cardiovascular effects?

The controversial cardiovascular findings emerged at supplemental calcium doses of 500–1,000 mg per day. The WHI trial used 1,000 mg calcium with 400 IU vitamin D daily. Current guidelines suggest obtaining calcium primarily from dietary sources, with supplements only to fill gaps. Total intake should not exceed 2,000–2,500 mg daily.

What are the potential side effects of calcium supplements?

Common side effects include constipation and bloating. The potential cardiovascular risk from calcium supplements remains debated. Excessive calcium intake may increase risk of kidney stones. Calcium can interfere with absorption of thyroid medications, tetracycline antibiotics, and bisphosphonates. Calcium citrate is better absorbed than calcium carbonate on an empty stomach.

Calcium

mineral

Also known as: Calcium Carbonate, Calcium Citrate, Calcium Hydroxyapatite

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About

Calcium is essential for cardiac muscle contraction-relaxation cycling and maintaining normal heart rhythm. However, a 2010 BMJ meta-analysis of 11 RCTs found calcium supplements (without vitamin D) were associated with a 31% increased risk of myocardial infarction. Current AHA guidance suggests obtaining calcium preferentially from food sources rather than supplements.

How It Works

Essential for cardiac muscle contraction-relaxation cycling through calcium-induced calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum; maintains normal heart rhythm; low dietary calcium associated with increased PTH and RAAS activation which may promote hypertension; calcium from food sources may have different cardiovascular effects than supplemental calcium.

Evidence For Conditions

Condition	Grade	Studies	Participants
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)	C	13	1500	View →

Side Effects

Constipation (especially carbonate form)
Potential increased MI risk with high-dose supplements (controversial)
Kidney stones at excessive doses
Gas, bloating

Drug & Supplement Interactions

Thyroid medications (separate by 4 hours)
Bisphosphonates (separate by 30-60 minutes)
Iron supplements (reduced absorption — separate by 2 hours)
Certain antibiotics (reduced absorption)
Vitamin K2 (may help direct supplemental calcium to bones, not arteries)

Always inform your healthcare provider about all supplements you take.

Related Ingredients

Magnesium Potassium Selenium

Quick Facts

Dosage: Note: Prefer dietary sources; limit supplements to 500 mg/dose; General: 1,000-1,200 mg/day from diet plus supplements
Forms: tablet capsule chewable liquid
Natural Sources: Dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese), Sardines (with bones), Kale, Broccoli, Fortified orange juice, Tofu (calcium-set)
Upper Limit: 2,000-2,500 mg/day (total from diet and supplements)
Best Time: Divide doses (500 mg max per dose); carbonate with meals; citrate any time

Evidence Summary

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) C

FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The evidence grades presented are based on our analysis of published peer-reviewed research and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.