When Should You Take Calcium Citrate?

Calcium is necessary in the bone to boost bone health and strength. Calcium citrate in particular is helpful because it is more bioavailable in the body, meaning the body can absorb more of it than other forms, such as calcium carbonate or regular calcium supplements.

For Maximum Absorption

• When taking calcium citrate, only so much calcium can be absorbed by the body in one sitting. The recommended daily allowance for calcium is 1,000 mg. Therefore, you should take 500 mg at a time, such as taking the first supplement in the morning, then the next in the evening.

  Calcium citrate usually is sold in an effervescent tablet form. Allow the tablet to fully dissolve in a glass of water before drinking, then drink the full amount.

Should Calcium Citrate Be Taken with Meals?

• Because some calcium supplements, such as calcium carbonate, affect the balance of acid in the stomach, they must be taken with a meal. However, calcium citrate can be taken with meals or on an empty stomach because it does not require certain amount of stomach acid to be properly absorbed.

  Eating while taking the supplement may also depend upon the brand you are taking. Be sure to read the label carefully, particularly for any adverse side effects.

Those Who Should Not Take Calcium Citrate

• Certain medications may react with calcium citrate and cause harmful side effects or delay the effectiveness of certain medications, such as:
  • digoxin
  • antacids already containing calcium
  • tetracycline antibiotics, such as doxycycline, minocycline or others.