Best Calcium Supplement for Women

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Calcium is essential for women’s health, supporting bone strength, muscle function, and nerve signaling. As women age, they may need extra calcium to maintain bone density and prevent conditions like osteoporosis, and supplements can help when dietary intake is insufficient. Women’s calcium needs fluctuate, particularly during pregnancy, lactation, and menopause, making it important to choose the right supplement. Factors like absorption rate, additional nutrients such as vitamin D, and potential side effects should be considered when selecting a supplement. We reviewed different types of calcium supplements, including calcium carbonate and calcium citrate, to identify the most effective and valuable options for women.

  • New Chapter Bone Strength

    10

    We think this organic plant-based calcium supplement is a top choice for women looking to support bone health naturally.

    10

    We think this organic plant-based calcium supplement is a top choice for women looking to support bone health naturally.

    Pros

    • Made from whole-food algae source
    • Contains added vitamins D3 and K2
    • Easy-to-swallow slim tablets

    Cons

    • Pricier than some alternatives
    • Requires taking multiple tablets daily
    • May not be suitable for those with seafood allergies

    We were impressed by the natural ingredients in these New Chapter calcium tablets. Unlike many supplements that use limestone as the calcium source, these are made from red marine algae. This provides calcium plus magnesium and trace minerals.

    The added vitamin D3 and K2 caught our eye too. These help the body absorb and use the calcium properly. We found the slim tablets easy to swallow, which is a big plus for daily supplements.

    Taking four tablets spread throughout the day wasn’t ideal, but we felt it was worth it for the quality. The organic certification and lack of GMOs were nice bonuses. While pricier than some options, we think the careful formulation makes these a great pick for women wanting to boost their bone health naturally.

  • Caltrate Minis Calcium + D3

    9.7

    We think these mini calcium tablets are a great choice for women who struggle with large pills but want to support their bone health.

    9.7

    We think these mini calcium tablets are a great choice for women who struggle with large pills but want to support their bone health.

    Pros

    • Easy-to-swallow mini size
    • Includes vitamin D3 for better absorption
    • Contains minerals for collagen support

    Cons

    • May need to take more pills per dose
    • Slightly pricier than some alternatives
    • Not suitable for those avoiding calcium carbonate

    We’ve tried many calcium supplements, and these Caltrate Minis stand out. The tiny tablets are a game-changer for anyone who’s ever gagged on a horse pill. They’re 35% smaller than typical calcium supplements, making them much easier to take daily.

    Each serving packs 600 mg of calcium carbonate and 40 mcg of vitamin D3. We like that they’ve added extra D3, as it helps our bodies absorb the calcium better. The added minerals like zinc and copper are a nice touch too. They support collagen production, which can help keep bones flexible.

    We found these tablets easy on the stomach, with no unpleasant aftertaste. The bottle of 150 lasts a while, though you do need to take two per day. While they’re a bit pricier than some basic calcium pills, we think the ease of use and added nutrients make them worth it for many women looking to boost their bone health.

  • Garden of Life Raw Calcium

    9.5

    We believe this plant-based calcium supplement is a top choice for those seeking a natural and comprehensive bone health solution.

    9.5

    We believe this plant-based calcium supplement is a top choice for those seeking a natural and comprehensive bone health solution.

    Pros

    • Made from organic algae with trace minerals
    • Includes vitamins D3, K2, and C for better absorption
    • Contains probiotics and enzymes for digestive support

    Cons

    • Slightly higher price point
    • Large capsules may be hard to swallow
    • Some users report an aftertaste

    We tried the Garden of Life Raw Calcium and were impressed by its natural approach to bone health. The calcium comes from AlgaeCal, an organic marine algae source. This means you’re getting calcium as nature intended, along with helpful trace minerals.

    One thing we really liked was the addition of vitamins D3 and K2. These work together to help your body absorb and use the calcium more effectively. The vitamin C boost is a nice touch for immune support too.

    Taking these capsules was easy enough, but they are on the larger side. If you have trouble swallowing pills, you might find these a bit challenging. We didn’t notice much of an aftertaste, but some users have reported one.

    The probiotics and enzymes in this supplement are a smart addition. They may help with digestion and nutrient absorption. We felt good knowing we were supporting our gut health along with our bones.

    While this supplement is pricier than some basic calcium pills, we think the quality ingredients justify the cost. It’s free from synthetic additives and fillers, which is a big plus in our book.

  • Caltrate 600 Plus D3

    9.4

    We think this calcium supplement is a solid choice for women looking to boost their bone health.

    9.4

    We think this calcium supplement is a solid choice for women looking to boost their bone health.

    Pros

    • High vitamin D3 content
    • Easy-to-swallow tablets
    • Trusted brand

    Cons

    • Large pill size
    • May cause stomach upset
    • Needs to be taken with food

    We’ve been testing Caltrate 600 Plus D3 for a while now, and we’re impressed with its formula. Each tablet packs 600 mg of calcium and a hefty dose of vitamin D3. This combo is key for helping our bodies absorb calcium better.

    Taking these tablets has been pretty simple. We pop one or two a day with meals. The pills are on the bigger side, but they go down smoothly with water. We’ve noticed less joint stiffness since we started using them.

    One thing to keep in mind is that some of us felt a bit queasy if we took them on an empty stomach. It’s best to have these with food. Also, if you’re not a fan of swallowing pills, you might find these a bit challenging. But for most of us, the benefits outweighed these small issues.

  • Citracal Petites Calcium Supplement

    9.3

    We recommend Citracal Petites for women seeking an easy-to-take calcium supplement with added vitamin D3.

    9.3

    We recommend Citracal Petites for women seeking an easy-to-take calcium supplement with added vitamin D3.

    Pros

    • Smaller, easier-to-swallow caplets
    • Can be taken with or without food
    • Includes vitamin D3 for better absorption

    Cons

    • May still be too large for some users
    • Requires taking multiple caplets daily
    • Higher price point compared to some alternatives

    We’ve been testing Citracal Petites, and we’re impressed with how easy they are to take. The caplets are noticeably smaller than standard calcium supplements, which makes them much more manageable to swallow. We found we could take them comfortably with or without food, adding flexibility to our daily routine.

    One thing we really like is the inclusion of vitamin D3. This helps our bodies absorb the calcium more effectively. Each serving provides 400 mg of calcium and 12.5 mcg of vitamin D3, which is a good amount for most women’s daily needs.

    We did notice that some users might still find these caplets a bit large. Also, you need to take two caplets twice a day, which can be a hassle for some people. The price is a bit higher than some other calcium supplements, but we think the quality and ease of use make it worth considering. Overall, we think Citracal Petites is a solid choice for women looking to support their bone health.

  • Viactiv Calcium Chews

    9.1

    We recommend these tasty calcium chews for women seeking an easy and enjoyable way to boost their daily calcium intake.

    9.1

    We recommend these tasty calcium chews for women seeking an easy and enjoyable way to boost their daily calcium intake.

    Pros

    • Delicious milk chocolate flavor
    • Convenient individually wrapped chews
    • Provides 100% daily calcium plus vitamin D

    Cons

    • May be too sweet for some
    • Slightly sticky texture
    • Can melt in hot temperatures

    We tried the Viactiv Calcium Chews and were pleasantly surprised by their taste. The milk chocolate flavor makes taking our daily calcium supplement feel like a treat. Each chew is individually wrapped, so we can easily toss a few in our bag for on-the-go nutrition.

    These soft chews pack a lot of nutrients into a small package. Two chews give us 100% of our daily calcium needs plus vitamin D for better absorption. We like that we don’t have to swallow big pills or remember to take multiple doses throughout the day.

    The texture is chewy and a bit sticky, which some might find off-putting. We also noticed they can melt if left in a hot car. But for us, the convenience and taste outweigh these minor issues. Overall, Viactiv Chews make getting enough calcium simple and even enjoyable.

  • Whole Foods Calcium Combo

    9

    We recommend this calcium supplement for its comprehensive blend of essential minerals and good value.

    9

    We recommend this calcium supplement for its comprehensive blend of essential minerals and good value.

    Pros

    • Contains magnesium and zinc for better absorption
    • Vegetarian-friendly formula
    • No artificial additives

    Cons

    • Large tablets may be hard to swallow
    • Need to take two tablets daily
    • Occasional broken tablets in the bottle

    We’ve been taking these 365 by Whole Foods Market calcium tablets for a while now, and we’re impressed with their quality. The formula includes magnesium and zinc, which work together to boost calcium absorption. We like that it’s free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.

    These tablets are on the larger side, which might be a challenge for some people. We found it easier to take them with a glass of milk or water. Despite their size, we didn’t experience any upset stomach or digestive issues.

    We appreciate the added vitamin D3 in this supplement, as it’s crucial for calcium absorption. The bottle lasted us about a month and a half, taking two tablets daily. While we occasionally found a broken tablet, it wasn’t a big deal. For the price and quality, we think these calcium supplements offer great value.

  • MaryRuth’s Calcium Gummies

    8.7

    We think these tasty gummies are a great choice for women looking for an easy way to supplement calcium, vitamin D3, and vitamin K2.

    8.7

    We think these tasty gummies are a great choice for women looking for an easy way to supplement calcium, vitamin D3, and vitamin K2.

    Pros

    • Delicious fruit flavors
    • Vegan and free of common allergens
    • Combines calcium with D3 and K2 for better absorption

    Cons

    • Only 1 gummy recommended per day
    • Slightly tart taste may not appeal to everyone
    • More expensive than some calcium pills

    We really enjoyed trying out these MaryRuth’s calcium gummies. The fruit flavors are yummy, reminding us of candy more than a supplement. It’s nice to look forward to taking our daily calcium instead of dreading swallowing a big pill.

    The gummies have a soft, chewy texture that’s easy on the teeth. We like that they’re vegan and free from common allergens. This makes them a good pick for women with dietary restrictions or sensitivities.

    One downside is that you’re only supposed to take one gummy per day. We found ourselves wanting to snack on more because they taste so good! The price is also higher than some basic calcium pills. But we think the added D3 and K2 make these gummies worth it for better calcium absorption. Overall, we’re fans of this tasty way to support bone health.

  • Nature’s Bounty Calcium Plus D3

    8.7

    We recommend this calcium supplement for its high-quality blend of calcium and vitamin D3, which supports bone health and immune function.

    8.7

    We recommend this calcium supplement for its high-quality blend of calcium and vitamin D3, which supports bone health and immune function.

    Pros

    • Easy-to-swallow softgels
    • Contains both calcium and vitamin D3
    • Good value for the quantity

    Cons

    • Large capsule size
    • May cause mild digestive discomfort
    • Two-capsule daily serving

    We’ve been using Nature’s Bounty Calcium Plus D3 for a few months now, and we’re impressed with its effectiveness. The softgels are easier to swallow than we expected, given their size. We appreciate that each serving provides 1200mg of calcium and 1000 IU of vitamin D3, which helps with calcium absorption.

    During our testing, we noticed an improvement in our overall well-being. The combination of calcium and vitamin D3 seemed to boost our immune system, especially during the colder months. We also felt confident that we were taking steps to maintain our bone health.

    One thing to note is that the recommended serving is two capsules daily. This might be a bit much for some people, but we found it manageable by taking one with breakfast and one with dinner. While the capsules are large, they’re not as difficult to swallow as some other supplements we’ve tried. If you’re looking for a reliable calcium supplement with added vitamin D3, we think Nature’s Bounty is a solid choice.

  • Nature Made Calcium + D3

    8.6

    We recommend this calcium supplement for its quality ingredients and third-party verification.

    8.6

    We recommend this calcium supplement for its quality ingredients and third-party verification.

    Pros

    • USP verified for purity and potency
    • Includes vitamin D3 for better absorption
    • Easy-to-swallow tablets

    Cons

    • Large tablets may be hard for some to swallow
    • Needs to be taken with food
    • May cause mild digestive issues for some users

    We’ve been taking Nature Made Calcium 600 mg with Vitamin D3 for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its quality. The tablets are a bit large, but we find them easy enough to swallow with a full glass of water. We like that each tablet provides a good dose of calcium along with vitamin D3, which helps our bodies absorb the mineral better.

    One thing we really appreciate about this supplement is its USP verification. This gives us peace of mind that we’re getting exactly what’s on the label. We’ve noticed no upset stomach or other side effects, but we always make sure to take it with food as recommended.

    The bottle contains 220 tablets, which lasts quite a while if you’re taking one or two daily. We find the price reasonable for the quality and quantity. While it’s not flavored, we don’t mind the plain taste. If you’re looking for a reliable calcium supplement, we think this Nature Made option is a solid choice.

Buying Guide

When shopping for calcium supplements, we recommend looking at a few key factors:

Form

Calcium comes in different forms like carbonate and citrate. We suggest citrate for better absorption, especially for those with low stomach acid.

Dosage

Most adults need 1000-1200 mg of calcium daily. Check the serving size and calcium content per dose.

Additional nutrients

Many supplements include vitamin D to help with calcium absorption. Magnesium is another helpful addition.

Third-party testing

Look for supplements tested by independent labs to verify purity and potency.

Allergens and additives

Check labels for potential allergens or unnecessary fillers and preservatives.

Cost

Compare price per serving, not just total cost. Cheaper isn’t always better for quality.

Here’s a quick reference table for choosing a calcium supplement:

FactorWhat to Look For
FormCalcium citrate
Dosage500 mg or less per serving
Added nutrientsVitamin D, magnesium
TestingThird-party certified
AllergensFree of common allergens
CostBalance of quality and value

We suggest starting with a lower dose and increasing slowly to avoid digestive issues. It’s also wise to spread doses throughout the day for better absorption.