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Calcium

The main mineral in bones and teeth. It also helps muscles contract, nerves signal, and blood clot. Most people do best getting much of it from food.

Supplements can interact with medications and aren't right for everyone, especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or with a chronic condition. Ask your provider before you start.

Studied for

  • Bone health
  • Low calcium intake from diet, such as dairy-free eating
  • Osteopenia or osteoporosis (with your practitioner)
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding (as directed)

Found naturally in

  • Dairy (milk, yogurt, cheese)
  • Canned sardines and salmon with bones
  • Leafy greens like kale and bok choy
  • Fortified plant milks
  • Calcium-set tofu
What variations of calcium exist?Our top pick, what to skip, and how to read the label

Label red flags

  • The label lists the compound weight instead of elemental calcium
  • Unrefined oyster shell, coral, dolomite, or bone meal without testing for heavy metals
  • Calcium stacked across a multi, a bone formula, antacids, and fortified foods

Check with a provider

  • Taking levothyroxine or other thyroid medicine. Calcium blocks absorption, so separate doses by at least 4 hours.
  • Taking an iron supplement. Calcium reduces iron absorption, so take them at different times.
  • Taking certain antibiotics (tetracyclines, quinolones) or bisphosphonates. Separate doses.
  • History of kidney stones, high blood calcium, or parathyroid problems, or taking thiazide diuretics
  • Some studies link high-dose calcium supplements, unlike calcium from food, with heart and artery concerns. Ask whether you need a supplement at all.

Supplements that contain it

6 products in Dr. Lesher's dispensary list calcium on the label.

Check with your provider before taking any of these, especially if you're pregnant or take medications.

Parts of the body it affects

Explore what each area does and the conditions that can affect it.

Illustration of a healthy joint with cartilage and joint lining

Joints

Joints let your bones move smoothly. Swelling and morning stiffness, rather than ache alone, can point to inflammation.

Illustration of a forearm with the skin cut away to show the muscles and the tendons that attach them to the bone at the elbow

Muscles

Your muscles move and steady your body. Autoimmune muscle disease shows up as true weakness, not just soreness.

Illustrations: Servier Medical Art, CC BY 4.0

Dr. Lesher, ND

Ready to find the root cause?

Dr. Lesher is a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on autoimmune and chronic conditions in women. Since 2020, she's helped hundreds of patients stop managing symptoms and start healing.

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