DEAR DR. GOTT: Is calcium citrate better than calcium carbonate?

DEAR READER: For most people, no. Both types of calcium are absorbed similarly by healthy people. Calcium carbonate is more commonly available and is usually less expensive. It is more readily absorbed when taken with food. Calcium citrate is generally more expensive but is often more easily absorbed by those with lower levels of stomach acid. It is readily absorbed by the body with or without food. The supplements also contain different amounts of elemental calcium. Carbonate is 40 percent by weight, and citrate is 21 percent.

Calcium absorption decreases as the amount of elemental calcium per dose increases. In order to get the most out of your calcium supplements, you should take several smaller doses. If you are taking 1,000 milligrams per day, for example, try taking 500 milligrams twice a day. Your body will use more of the calcium, thus providing greater benefits.
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