Calcium
Mineral that builds the skeleton, taken as carbonate or citrate when dairy is rarely on the menu.
What the research shows
Shown, with a clear condition or a limited scope.
Tang (2007) saw roughly 12 percent fewer fractures in people over fifty, with the largest effect at doses from 1200 mg calcium combined with vitamin D and with good adherence. Weaver (2016), commissioned by the National Osteoporosis Foundation, reported a comparable drop in fracture risk. Liu (2020) saw higher bone mineral density in postmenopausal women, an intermediate measure that differs from fewer fractures.
Who it makes sense for: People over fifty and postmenopausal women with a low calcium intake, preferably combined with vitamin D.
How we weigh evidenceClinical dosage
Scientific sources
The clinical dosages on this page are based on peer-reviewed research.
- Use of calcium or calcium in combination with vitamin D supplementation to prevent fractures and bone loss in people aged 50 years and older: a meta-analysis.Tang BM et al. (2007)
- Calcium plus vitamin D supplementation and risk of fractures: an updated meta-analysis from the National Osteoporosis Foundation.Weaver CM et al. (2016)Funded by: Deze meta-analyse is uitgevoerd in opdracht van de Amerikaanse National Osteoporosis Foundation.
- Effects of combined calcium and vitamin D supplementation on osteoporosis in postmenopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trialsLiu C et al. (2020)
We keep the dosages and values on this page as accurate as possible based on selected studies. New research may change these values. Nothing on this page is medical advice. If you have any doubts, always consult a doctor.