Calcium
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Claims on Labels
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Top-Rated Calcium Products
Evidence Summary
Calcium is an essential mineral used as a supplement to support bone health, pregnancy outcomes, and the management of mineral imbalances. Research indicates significant benefits in preventing hypertensive disorders during pregnancy and managing phosphate levels in chronic kidney disease.
Evidence by Condition
Calcium supplementation during pregnancy or initiated before pregnancy can reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia and other hypertensive disorders.
Calcium, often in combination with Vitamin D, is effective in increasing bone mineral density in premenopausal women.
Calcium is utilized as a phosphate binder to reduce serum phosphate levels in patients with chronic kidney disease.
Evidence regarding dietary calcium for the prevention of colorectal cancer and adenomatous polyps has been investigated but remains a subject of ongoing study.
Effective Doses
Dose ranges not explicitly specified in the provided research abstracts.
Key Findings
- Calcium supplementation during pregnancy reduces the risk of pre-eclampsia and related maternal/neonatal morbidity (PMID: 41330480).
- Supplementation commenced before pregnancy may prevent the development of hypertensive disorders (PMID: 40965861).
- Calcium and Vitamin D supplementation can increase bone mineral density in premenopausal women (PMID: 36705288).
- Calcium-based phosphate binders are used to manage phosphate balance in chronic kidney disease (PMID: 30132304).
Limitations
Research on the role of dietary calcium in preventing colorectal cancer is not yet definitive. Additionally, much of the literature on calcium in hypertension refers to calcium channel blockers (medication) rather than calcium supplements.
Safety & Interactions
No specific contraindications or drug interactions were detailed in the provided text, though its use in CKD is specifically for phosphate management.
AI-generated summary from 511 peer-reviewed studies. Not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider.
Dietary Reference Intakes
Source: IOM/NAM Dietary Reference Intakes · Dietary Reference Intakes: Calcium
Drug-Supplement Interactions
⚠️ This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before combining supplements with medications.
Claims vs. Evidence
| Claim Type | % of Products | Evidence Required | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Other | 100% | Tier D (Unclassified) | ✅ Supported |
| Structure/Function | 81% | Tier C (DSHEA Structure/Function (no pre-approval)) | ✅ Supported |
| Nutrient | 71% | Tier D (Unknown) | ✅ Supported |
| Approved Health | 13% | Tier A (FDA Approved Health Claim (21 CFR 101.9)) | ✅ Supported |
| Qualified Health | 0% | Tier B (FDA Qualified Health Claim) | ✅ Supported |
🏛️ NIH ODS Factsheet
Research by Topic
⚠️ FDA Safety Data
Research Evidence (511)
BACKGROUND: Phosphate binders are used to reduce positive phosphate balance and to lower serum phosphate levels for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) with the aim to prevent progression of chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-...
BACKGROUND: Maternal nutrition during pregnancy is known to have an effect on fetal growth and development. It is recommended that women increase their calcium intake during pregnancy and lactation, although the recommended dosage varies among profes...
BACKGROUND: Maternal nutrition during pregnancy is known to have an effect on fetal growth and development. It is recommended that women increase their calcium intake during pregnancy and lactation, although the recommended dosage varies among profes...
BACKGROUND: Vitamins and minerals play multiple functions within the central nervous system which may help to maintain brain health and optimal cognitive functioning. Supplementation of the diet with various vitamins and minerals has been suggested a...
RATIONALE: Calcium supplementation may reduce the risk of developing pre-eclampsia, a common cause of serious maternal and neonatal morbidity and death. However, its effectiveness in preventing hypertensive disorders of pregnancy is uncertain. This u...
**Wright et al., 2018** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Wright James M, Musini Vijaya M, Gill Rupam. First-line drugs for hypertension. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018-Apr-18;4(4):CD001841. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001841.pub3 BACKGROUND:...
BACKGROUND: Several dietary factors have been considered to be involved in the increasing incidence of colorectal cancer in industrialised countries. Experimental and epidemiological evidence has been suggestive but not conclusive for a protective ro...
BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become fragile due to low bone density and impaired bone quality. This results in fractures that lead to higher morbidity and reduced quality of life. Osteoporosis is considered a major public healt...
**Wiysonge et al., 2017** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Wiysonge Charles S, Bradley Hazel A, ... Opie Lionel H. Beta-blockers for hypertension. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017-Jan-20;1(1):CD002003. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD002003.pub5 B...
**Zhu et al., 2021** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Systematic Review Zhu Jiaying, Chen Ning, ... He Li. Calcium channel blockers versus other classes of drugs for hypertension. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2021-Oct-17;10(10):CD003654. doi:10.1002/146...
RATIONALE: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are a leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Calcium supplementation commenced before pregnancy may prevent the development of these disorders. This is an update of a review las...
**Perez et al., 2009** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Perez Marco I, Musini Vijaya M, Wright James M. Effect of early treatment with anti-hypertensive drugs on short and long-term mortality in patients with an acute cardiovascular event...
**Martinez-Zapata et al., 2016** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Martinez-Zapata Maria José, Vernooij Robin W M, ... Bonfill Cosp Xavier. Phlebotonics for venous insufficiency. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016-Apr-06;4(4):CD003229. doi:1...
IMPORTANCE: The increased social and economic burdens for osteoporosis-related fractures worldwide make the prevention of such injuries a major public health goal. Previous studies have reached mixed conclusions regarding the association between calc...
**Zhu et al., 2022** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Systematic Review Zhu Jiaying, Chen Ning, ... He Li. Calcium channel blockers versus other classes of drugs for hypertension. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2022-Jan-09;1(1):CD003654. doi:10.1002/14651...
**Qiu et al., 2024** | Clin Nutr | Meta Analysis Qiu Yu, Li Cantao, ... Xia Daozong. Exploring the causal associations of micronutrients on urate levels and the risk of gout: A Mendelian randomization study. Clin Nutr. 2024-Apr;43(4):1001-1012. doi:1...
**Cormick et al., 2021** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Cormick Gabriela, Ciapponi Agustín, ... Belizán José M. Calcium supplementation for prevention of primary hypertension. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2021-Aug-10;8(8):CD010037. doi:1...
Insufficient calcium intake during pregnancy may lead to maternal bone resorption and lower bone density of offspring. We evaluated the impact of supplementary calcium with or without vitamin D during pregnancy on maternal and offspring bone mineral ...
**Cormick et al., 2022** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Cormick Gabriela, Ciapponi Agustín, ... Belizán José M. Calcium supplementation for prevention of primary hypertension. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2022-Jan-11;1(1):CD010037. doi:1...
BACKGROUND: Clinical trials have shown that calcium supplementation in children can increase bone mineral density (BMD) although this effect may not be maintained. There has been no quantitative systematic review of this intervention. OBJECTIVES: . T...
BACKGROUND: Although calcium is one the simplest and least expensive strategies for preventing osteoporotic fractures calcium supplementation is nevertheless not without controversy (Kanis 1989; Nordin 1990). The Food and Drug Administration in the U...
**Wright et al., 2009** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Wright James M, Musini Vijaya M. First-line drugs for hypertension. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2009-Jul-08(3):CD001841. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001841.pub2 BACKGROUND: Sustained ele...
**Ciapponi et al., 2017** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Ciapponi Agustín, Pizarro Rudolf, Harrison Jeff. WITHDRAWN: Trimetazidine for stable angina. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017-Mar-20;3(3):CD003614. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD003614.p...
**Martinez-Zapata et al., 2020** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Martinez-Zapata Maria José, Vernooij Robin Wm, ... Bonfill Cosp Xavier. Phlebotonics for venous insufficiency. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020-Nov-03;11(11):CD003229. doi:...
**Wu et al., 2024** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Wu Chuncheng, Zhao Ping, ... Luo Shuang-Hong. Evening versus morning dosing regimen drug therapy for hypertension. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2024-Feb-14;2(2):CD004184. doi:10.1002/146...
BACKGROUND: Obesity is a major health problem worldwide as it can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and insulin resistance. The prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing worldwide across different age groups. Ther...
**Palmer et al., 2009** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Palmer Suetonia C, McGregor David O, ... Strippoli Giovanni Fm. Vitamin D compounds for people with chronic kidney disease requiring dialysis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2009-Oct-0...
**Wiysonge et al., 2012** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Wiysonge Charles Shey, Bradley Hazel A, ... Opie Lionel H. Beta-blockers for hypertension. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012-Aug-15(8):CD002003. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD002003.pub3 ...
**Wiysonge et al., 2012** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Wiysonge Charles Shey, Bradley Hazel A, ... Opie Lionel H. Beta-blockers for hypertension. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012-Nov-14;11:CD002003. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD002003.pub4 ...
**Limketkai et al., 2019** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Limketkai Berkeley N, Iheozor-Ejiofor Zipporah, ... Mullin Gerard E. Dietary interventions for induction and maintenance of remission in inflammatory bowel disease. Cochrane Data...
IMPORTANCE: Vitamin D and calcium supplements are recommended for the prevention of fracture, but previous randomized clinical trials (RCTs) have reported conflicting results, with uncertainty about optimal doses and regimens for supplementation and ...
BACKGROUND: Nutritional rickets is a disease which affects children, especially in low- and middle-income countries. It causes problems such as skeletal deformities and impaired growth. The most common cause of nutritional rickets is vitamin D defici...
**Chung et al., 2020** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Chung Edmund Ym, Ruospo Marinella, ... Strippoli Giovanni Fm. Aldosterone antagonists in addition to renin angiotensin system antagonists for preventing the progression of chronic ki...
**Tang et al., 2021** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Tang Huilin, Mourad Selma M, ... Hart Roger J. Dopamine agonists for preventing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2021-Apr-14;4(4):CD008605. doi:10.1002/1...
**Zhang et al., 2012** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Zhang Jing, Yang Jie, ... Liu Ming. Calcium antagonists for acute ischemic stroke. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012-May-16(5):CD001928. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001928.pub2 BACKGROUND:...
**Tai et al., 2015** | BMJ | Meta Analysis Tai Vicky, Leung William, ... Bolland Mark J. Calcium intake and bone mineral density: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ. 2015-Sep-29;351:h4183. doi:10.1136/bmj.h4183 OBJECTIVE: To determine whether i...
**Liu et al., 2020** | Front Biosci (Elite Ed) | Meta Analysis Liu Shurong, Zheng Xue, ... Sun Kai. Predictive value of coronary artery calcium score in cardiovascular disease. Front Biosci (Elite Ed). 2020-Jan-01;12(1):113-125 We investigated corona...
**Korhonen et al., 2022** | Ann N Y Acad Sci | Meta Analysis Korhonen Päivi, Tihtonen Kati, ... Tammela Outi. Calcium supplementation during pregnancy and long-term offspring outcome: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Ann N Y Acad Sci...
**Pusa et al., 2025** | J Oral Sci | Meta Analysis Pusa Natthanon, Chailertvanitkul Pattama, ... Samaksamarn Thalerngsak. Clinical success of vital pulp therapy for pulp-exposed permanent teeth: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Oral Sci. 2025...
**Spinks et al., 2011** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Spinks Anneliese, Wasiak Jason. Scopolamine (hyoscine) for preventing and treating motion sickness. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2011-Jun-15;2011(6):CD002851. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD...
**Perera et al., 2012** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Perera Nirmal, Liolitsa Danae, ... van Issum Christopher. Phlebotonics for haemorrhoids. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012-Aug-15;2012(8):CD004322. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD004322.pub3...
**Rirash et al., 2017** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Rirash Fadumo, Tingey Paul C, ... Pope Janet. Calcium channel blockers for primary and secondary Raynaud's phenomenon. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017-Dec-13;12(12):CD000467. doi:1...
IMPORTANCE: Because of the aging population, osteoporotic fractures are an increasingly important cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Approximately 2 million osteoporotic fractures occurred in the United States in 2005, and annual ...
**Zhang et al., 2019** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Zhang Jing, Liu Jia, ... Liu Ming. Calcium antagonists for acute ischemic stroke. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019-Feb-13;2(2):CD001928. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001928.pub3 BACKGROUND...
BACKGROUND: To exploring the role of vitamin D or calcium supplementation in reducing all-cause mortality and cardiovascular outcomes. METHODS: The search was restricted to systematic reviews or meta-analyses published from January 1, 2010, to July 7...
**Wang et al., 2022** | J Clin Neurosci | Meta Analysis Wang Jiaxin, Li Wei, ... Cao Lei. Association between serum calcium and hemorrhagic transformation in ischemic stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Neurosci. 2022-Oct;104:107-11...
BACKGROUND: Although calcium is one the simplest and least expensive strategies for preventing osteoporotic fractures calcium supplementation is nevertheless not without controversy (Kanis 1989; Nordin 1990). The Food and Drug Administration in the U...
BACKGROUND: Several dietary factors have been considered to be involved in the increasing incidence of colorectal cancer in industrialised countries. Experimental and epidemiological evidence has been suggestive but not conclusive for a protective ro...
BACKGROUND: Although calcium is one the simplest and least expensive strategies for preventing osteoporotic fractures calcium supplementation is nevertheless not without controversy (Kanis 1989; Nordin 1990). The Food and Drug Administration in the U...
BACKGROUND: Several dietary factors have been considered to be involved in the increasing incidence of colorectal cancer in industrialised countries. Experimental and epidemiological evidence has been suggestive but not conclusive for a protective ro...
Showing top 50 of 511 sources, sorted by quality score.
Details
Calcium
Overview
Calcium is a essential nutrient tracked in the biomedical knowledge base.
Also known as: ca, calcium ion, calcium carbonate, calcium citrate
Role in Health
Detailed overview pending — this entity has sources compiled across multiple verticals.
Related Verticals
See sources-index for all verified sources referencing Calcium.
Safety Considerations
Safety data extraction pending.
Sources
See linked source pages for full provenance.
Related Supplements
Frequently Asked Questions
What is calcium and why is it used?
Calcium is an essential mineral used to support bone health, manage mineral imbalances, and improve pregnancy outcomes. There is strong evidence for its use in preventing hypertensive disorders during pregnancy and moderate evidence for managing phosphate levels in chronic kidney disease.
Can calcium supplements prevent pre-eclampsia?
Yes, there is strong evidence that calcium supplementation during or before pregnancy can reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia and other hypertensive disorders. This can also help reduce related maternal and neonatal health complications.
Does calcium help with bone density?
There is moderate evidence that calcium, especially when taken with Vitamin D, is effective at increasing bone mineral density in premenopausal women. It is a key mineral for maintaining overall bone health.
Is calcium used for chronic kidney disease?
There is moderate evidence that calcium is used as a phosphate binder to help reduce serum phosphate levels in patients with chronic kidney disease. It is specifically utilized to manage mineral imbalances in these patients.
Does calcium prevent colorectal cancer?
Currently, there is insufficient evidence to confirm if dietary calcium can prevent colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps. This area of research is still a subject of ongoing study.
Are there any drug interactions with calcium?
Yes, calcium can moderately interfere with the absorption of certain medications. Specifically, it can reduce the effectiveness of fluoroquinolone antibiotics and levothyroxine by forming insoluble complexes in the body.
What is the recommended daily dose of calcium?
For men between the ages of 19 and 70, the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) is 1000 mg per day. Always consult a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dose for your specific needs.
Answers generated from research evidence. Not medical advice.