Calcium supplements: Should they be taken with meals?

Should calcium supplements be taken with meals? At a certain time of day?

- Nel / Michigan

Answer

Whether calcium supplements should be taken with meals depends on what the supplements contain.

If your calcium supplements contain calcium carbonate, take them with meals. Stomach acid enhances absorption of calcium carbonate. If your calcium supplements contain calcium citrate, you can take them with meals or on an empty stomach. Unsure? Check the product label.

You can take calcium supplements at any time of day. However, it's important to note that calcium is absorbed most efficiently when it's taken in amounts of 500 milligrams (mg) or less. If you take 1,000 mg of calcium a day, split it into two or more doses over the course of the day.

It's also important to consider other medications. Because calcium supplements can impair the absorption of some medications — including certain antibiotics and blood pressure drugs — you may need to take your calcium supplements separately. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about possible interactions between calcium supplements and other medications you're taking.