Calcium Citrate Supplement 500 mg

Cooper Complete Calcium Citrate does not contain magnesium. It is a standalone calcium supplement formulated with calcium citrate only.

If you’re looking to pair it with magnesium, many customers choose to take it alongside our Cooper Complete Magnesium Glycinate, which is well absorbed and gentle on the stomach.

Calcium is a mineral and is not derived from animal or plant sources. It is the calcium salt of citric acid which has been neutralized and purified to obtain a highly pure form of Calcium Citrate.

Yes, the tablets may be broken or crushed for easier swallowing.

Osteoporosis is a major public health issue affecting bone health that is becoming more common in both women and men. Learn more about supplements as part of an overall approach may support your goal of having and maintaining strong bones.†

Your body doesn’t just need calcium to build and maintain strong bones. It also supports normal blood clotting and muscle function. Additionally, calcium plays a role in supporting nerve function and helping maintain normal heart rhythms.†

As we age, stomach acid levels may decline, which can affect how certain forms of calcium are absorbed.† Calcium citrate does not require stomach acid for absorption, making it a good option for adults over 50.† In contrast, calcium carbonate is best absorbed when taken with food.†

Cooper Clinic physicians prefer that calcium be consumed through food sources, and individual diets vary greatly. In addition, calcium requirements are dependent upon both gender and age. Because of these variables, Cooper Complete multivitamins do not contain calcium so individuals to tailor their calcium intake based on their specific nutritional needs.†

About 99% of the body’s calcium is stored in the bones and teeth, where it helps maintain their strength. The remaining 1% supports essential functions such as normal muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and heart rhythm.†

Calcium plays a role in many body functions, and a prolonged deficiency may be associated with issues like dry skin, brittle nails, or changes in hair health†. If you’re concerned about nutrient deficiencies or hair loss, consult your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause.†

There is no indication that calcium increases cholesterol levels.† Some studies suggest that calcium may help support normal cholesterol levels, but more research is needed.†

Calcium citrate, including Cooper Complete Calcium Citrate, may be taken with or without food, so many find it convenient to take at bedtime or before breakfast.† Because the body absorbs calcium best in amounts of 500 mg or less, it’s often recommended to split larger daily doses into two servings.† Calcium carbonate, by contrast, is better absorbed when taken with food.†

Calcium supplements may interact with certain prescription medications, so check with your pharmacist or healthcare provider if you have concerns.

Yes. Your body needs vitamin D to help absorb calcium effectively.† Taking them together is common and often recommended when dietary intake is low.†

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020–2025 report that 30% of adult men and 60% of adult women don’t consume enough calcium.  Inadequate calcium intake may contribute to low bone density, which is one of several factors associated with increased risk of bone-related conditions†.

Calcium citrate and calcium carbonate are two common forms of calcium used in supplements, but they differ in how they are absorbed and tolerated by the body.†

Calcium citrate is often recommended for individuals with digestive concerns or those who take acid-reducing medications, as it can be absorbed without the need for stomach acid.† It may also be taken with or without food. Calcium carbonate, on the other hand, typically requires stomach acid for proper absorption and is best taken with meals.† Some people find calcium citrate gentler on the stomach, while calcium carbonate may be more likely to cause gas or constipation in sensitive individuals.†

Here’s a side-by-side comparison:

What’s the Difference Between Calcium Citrate and Calcium Carbonate?

There is an image on the Calcium Citrate product page showing the tablets next to a quarter for size reference. If you go to the bottle image of Calcium on the product page and scroll right you will see the picture.

Calcium citrate does not require stomach acid for absorption, so it can be taken with or without food†. This makes it a suitable option for individuals who take antacids or have reduced stomach acid.†

If you take Coumadin or Warfarin, we recommend consulting your doctor before adding Calcium Citrate Supplement or other supplements to your diet.

To determine the amount of calcium in food products, if you’re reading food labels that say 20 percent calcium, replace the percent sign with a zero to get the total milligrams. So, for example, 20 percent would be the same as 200 milligrams of calcium.

Calcium-rich foods include fortified tofu, canned salmon and dairy products. Calcium-fortified juices, cereals and bread are also available. Broccoli, spinach, kale and brussels sprouts also contain calcium, but at lower levels.

If you drink milk to get your calcium, keep in mind that one cup (eight ounces) typically has about 300 mg of calcium. So, you’ll need to drink between three and four cups daily to meet the calcium requirements. Some soy, rice, and almond milk are fortified with calcium, but amounts vary widely, so check the labels when evaluating different brands.

Research indicates that long-term, daily calcium intake is required to promote bone health best. Bone health doesn’t seem to differ based on how someone consumes calcium — whether by eating calcium-rich foods or taking different types of calcium supplements.

Yes, Cooper Complete Calcium Citrate is vegan.

Our body can absorb approximately 500 mg of calcium at a time. If you need to take more than 500 mg calcium per day, we suggest splitting the pills up across the day. While calcium citrate can be safely taken with food, we recommend taking calcium citrate supplements on an empty stomach or at a meal where there’s little (if any) calcium in the meal.