Calcium Carbonate
Mineral
Also known as: Caltrate, Tums
A
Grade A💊 500-1000 mg daily🎯 2 primary uses🔗 2 synergies⚠️ Review warnings
Levels upNutrition+50 pts
Overview
Common, economical calcium form with highest elemental calcium percentage. Requires stomach acid for absorption.
Primary Uses
Bone healthCalcium supplementation
Frequently Asked About Calcium Carbonate
How much Calcium Carbonate should I take?
The typical effective range is 500-1000 mg daily. Individual needs vary based on age, body weight, diet, and goals — start at the lower end and adjust based on response. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement.
When is the best time to take Calcium Carbonate?
With meals. Consistency matters more than perfect timing — pick a daily anchor (e.g. with breakfast or before bed) and stick with it.
Should I take Calcium Carbonate with food?
Yes, needs acid.
Does Calcium Carbonate interact with medications?
Yes — known interactions include Same as citrate. If you take any prescription medication, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting Calcium Carbonate.
What does Calcium Carbonate pair well with?
Calcium Carbonate stacks well with D3 and K2 — these combinations either improve absorption or work synergistically toward common goals.
Who should not take Calcium Carbonate?
Calcium Carbonate should be avoided or used with caution by people with Same as citrate. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare provider before use.
What are the side effects of Calcium Carbonate?
Most people tolerate Calcium Carbonate well. The most commonly reported side effects are Constipation and Gas. Side effects are usually dose-dependent — lowering the dose often resolves them.
Dosage
Typical range
500-1000 mg daily
Timing
With meals
With food
Yes, needs acid
Duration
Safe long-term
Special Populations
Take with food for absorption
Research & Studies
Search the literature now
We haven’t curated landmark studies for Calcium Carbonateyet — one-click into the primary literature here. PubMed (RCTs) is usually the highest-signal starting point.
Search Calcium Carbonate research
Mechanism of Action
- • Highest elemental calcium %
- • Requires stomach acid
- • Also an antacid
Evidence Quality
Evidence Grade A
Economical calcium source
Safety & Contraindications
Serious Warnings
- • Same as citrate
Contraindications
- • Same as citrate
Common Side Effects
- • Constipation
- • Gas
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Consult healthcare provider
Liver & Kidney Notes
Same cautions
Interactions
💊 Medications
- • Same as citrate
🧪 Supplements
- • Same as citrate
🍽️ Food & Alcohol
- • Take with food
Stacking & Synergies
Buying Guide
What to Look For
- • Take with food
Standardization Markers
Elemental calcium
Adulteration risk
Low
Practical Notes
- • Must take with food
- • Citrate better if on PPIs
Tags
mineralbone health
More in Mineral
Other ingredients in the Mineral category.
Boron
Trace mineral supporting bone health, cognitive function, and hormone metabolism. May support testosterone in deficient states.
Calcium
Essential mineral for bone health, muscle function, nerve signaling, and blood clotting.
Calcium Citrate
Well-absorbed calcium form that doesn't require stomach acid. Better for those on acid-reducing medications.
Chloride
Essential electrolyte mineral that works with sodium and potassium to maintain fluid balance, nerve transmission, and stomach acid production.
Chromium Picolinate
Trace mineral for insulin sensitivity and blood sugar regulation. Popular for carb cravings.
Copper
Essential trace mineral for iron metabolism, connective tissue, and antioxidant function. Often depleted by high zinc supplementation.
Last reviewed: June 2026 by the Formulate Research Team. Sources cited above; methodology and scoring criteria published here.
Cite this page
Formulate Research Team. (2026, June). Calcium Carbonate — Evidence-Based Supplement Guide. Formulate Supplement Encyclopedia. https://app.formulate-health.app/learning/supplements/calcium-carbonate
Educational content based on published research and our scoring methodology. Not medical advice — consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing supplements, especially if you take medications, are pregnant, or have a medical condition.