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Mineral guide

Calcium

Calcium products can look very different on the label. This guide explains how much calcium a product actually provides, how citrate and carbonate differ, and what else matters before choosing one.

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In this guideIngredient basics, choosing & product comparison

What is calcium?

Calcium is an essential mineral and the most abundant mineral in the human body. Most body calcium is stored in bones and teeth. Dietary sources include dairy products, calcium-fortified foods, some fish eaten with bones, and certain vegetables.

What does calcium support?

Calcium is needed for the maintenance of normal bones and teeth. It also contributes to normal muscle function, neurotransmission, blood clotting and energy-yielding metabolism, and supports the normal function of digestive enzymes.

What happens if you don’t get enough calcium?

Over time, too little calcium can weaken the skeleton. In adults, inadequate calcium contributes to low bone mass and osteoporosis, increasing the risk of fragile bones and fractures. In children, severe deficiency can contribute to rickets; osteomalacia can cause soft bones in children and adults.

Bone health is about more than calcium alone

Vitamin D is needed for calcium absorption, and bone health also depends on age, hormones, physical activity and overall diet. A symptom list cannot tell you whether calcium intake is adequate.

Food, iron and medicine interactions

Calcium can reduce the absorption of iron when taken together, and it can also interfere with the absorption of some medicines. People taking thyroid medicines, certain antibiotics or other medicines with timing instructions should follow the medicine-specific guidance rather than treating calcium like an ordinary food ingredient.

Calcium carbonate vs calcium citrate

Calcium carbonate contains a higher proportion of calcium by weight and is commonly taken with food. Calcium citrate contains less calcium per gram of compound but can be taken with or without food and is often chosen when digestive tolerance is a concern. Neither form should be treated as an automatic winner for everyone.

How much calcium should you compare at one time?

Calcium absorption becomes less efficient as the amount taken at one time increases, so large daily amounts are often divided into more than one dose. Product labels should therefore be read by daily calcium and by the number of units needed to reach that amount.

Calcium + vitamin D — and other bone formulas

Calcium + vitamin D is one of the most common supplement combinations because vitamin D contributes to normal calcium absorption and utilisation and to normal blood calcium levels. Bone-focused formulas may also add magnesium, vitamin K or zinc, so combination products can differ substantially even when the front label looks similar.

What should you compare?

Calcium per day

Use the amount of calcium itself, not the total compound weight.

Calcium form

Carbonate, citrate or a mixture.

Recommended serving

A 1,000 mg daily amount may require several tablets.

Vitamin D and other nutrients

Combination products can include vitamin D, magnesium, zinc or vitamin K.

Format and vegan suitability

Tablets, powders and chewables differ in convenience and formulation.

Health information: Calcium supplements are not necessary for everyone. High intake, kidney disease, kidney stones, medicines and individual dietary needs can change what is appropriate.

Product comparison

Compare calcium supplements

Compare calcium per day, calcium form, serving, calcium per unit, added nutrients, format and vegan suitability.

Compare the amount of calcium itself — not the weight of the calcium compound. The table shows calcium itself (sometimes called elemental calcium), not the total weight of calcium carbonate, citrate or another calcium compound. Calcium EU Nutrient Reference Value (NRV): 800 mg for adult labelling; it is a labelling reference, not a personal dose recommendation or a safety limit.

How products are ordered: by a standard labelled daily calcium amount, lower to higher; equal amounts alphabetically. This is not a ranking.

ProductCalcium / dayCalcium formRecommended servingCalcium / unitOther active ingredientsFormatVegan
Viridian Calcium Magnesium Zinc PowderView product ↗400 mgCalcium carbonate + citrate1 level teaspoon daily400 mgMagnesium 300 mg; vitamin C 500 mg; zinc 10 mgPowderYes
Pharma Nord Bio-Calcium + D3 + KView product ↗500 mgCalcium carbonate1 tablet daily with a meal500 mgVitamin D3 5 µg; vitamin K 35 µgChewable / swallowable tabletNot confirmed
NOW Foods Calcium CitrateView product ↗600 mgCalcium citrate2 tablets daily, preferably divided, with food300 mgVitamin D2 10 µg; magnesium 300 mg; zinc 15 mg; copper 1 mg; manganese 5 mgTabletYes
Solgar Calcium Citrate + D3View product ↗1,000 mgCalcium citrate4 tablets daily with a meal250 mgVitamin D3 15 µgTabletYes
Solgar Calcium Magnesium CitrateView product ↗1,000 mgCalcium citrate5 tablets daily, preferably with a meal200 mgMagnesium 500 mgTabletYes
Solgar Calcium Magnesium ZincView product ↗1000 mgCalcium carbonate + gluconate + citrate3 tablets daily with a meal≈333 mgMagnesium 400 mg; zinc 15 mgTabletYes
EU health claim details
✓

Authorised health claims

A quick consumer view — full regulatory list available below
●  Calcium and vitamin D are needed for normal growth and development of bone in children.Children's bone development · Children
Claim type
Children's growth & development (Article 14(1)(b))

Condition of use
Food must be at least a source of calcium and vitamin D.
What does “source of” usually mean?
General food: 120 mg / 100 g or 100 ml
Beverage: 60 mg / 100 ml
Single-portion pack: 120 mg per portion
Calculated from the EU NRV significant-amount reference. Claim-specific conditions take precedence.


EFSA / scientific assessment
Q-2008-116

EU legal source
SRC-983-2009
●  Calcium contributes to normal muscle function.Muscle function · General population
Claim type
Health functions (Article 13)

Condition of use
The claim may be used only for food which is at least a source of calcium.
What does “source of” usually mean?
General food: 120 mg / 100 g or 100 ml
Beverage: 60 mg / 100 ml
Single-portion pack: 120 mg per portion
Calculated from the EU NRV significant-amount reference. Claim-specific conditions take precedence.


EFSA / scientific assessment
EFSA opinion reference listed in the EU Register / Regulation (EU) No 432/2012

EU legal source
Commission Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 (consolidated 20 Aug 2025)
●  Calcium is needed for the maintenance of normal teeth.Teeth · General population
Claim type
Health functions (Article 13)

Condition of use
The claim may be used only for food which is at least a source of calcium.
What does “source of” usually mean?
General food: 120 mg / 100 g or 100 ml
Beverage: 60 mg / 100 ml
Single-portion pack: 120 mg per portion
Calculated from the EU NRV significant-amount reference. Claim-specific conditions take precedence.


EFSA / scientific assessment
EFSA opinion reference listed in the EU Register / Regulation (EU) No 432/2012

EU legal source
Commission Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 (consolidated 20 Aug 2025)
●  Calcium contributes to normal blood clotting.Blood clotting · General population
Claim type
Health functions (Article 13)

Condition of use
The claim may be used only for food which is at least a source of calcium.
What does “source of” usually mean?
General food: 120 mg / 100 g or 100 ml
Beverage: 60 mg / 100 ml
Single-portion pack: 120 mg per portion
Calculated from the EU NRV significant-amount reference. Claim-specific conditions take precedence.


EFSA / scientific assessment
EFSA opinion reference listed in the EU Register / Regulation (EU) No 432/2012

EU legal source
Commission Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 (consolidated 20 Aug 2025)
●  Calcium contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.Energy metabolism · General population
Claim type
Health functions (Article 13)

Condition of use
The claim may be used only for food which is at least a source of calcium.
What does “source of” usually mean?
General food: 120 mg / 100 g or 100 ml
Beverage: 60 mg / 100 ml
Single-portion pack: 120 mg per portion
Calculated from the EU NRV significant-amount reference. Claim-specific conditions take precedence.


EFSA / scientific assessment
EFSA opinion reference listed in the EU Register / Regulation (EU) No 432/2012

EU legal source
Commission Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 (consolidated 20 Aug 2025)
●  Calcium contributes to normal neurotransmission.Neurotransmission · General population
Claim type
Health functions (Article 13)

Condition of use
The claim may be used only for food which is at least a source of calcium.
What does “source of” usually mean?
General food: 120 mg / 100 g or 100 ml
Beverage: 60 mg / 100 ml
Single-portion pack: 120 mg per portion
Calculated from the EU NRV significant-amount reference. Claim-specific conditions take precedence.


EFSA / scientific assessment
EFSA opinion reference listed in the EU Register / Regulation (EU) No 432/2012

EU legal source
Commission Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 (consolidated 20 Aug 2025)
●  Calcium contributes to the normal function of digestive enzymes.Digestive enzymes · General population
Claim type
Health functions (Article 13)

Condition of use
The claim may be used only for food which is at least a source of calcium.
What does “source of” usually mean?
General food: 120 mg / 100 g or 100 ml
Beverage: 60 mg / 100 ml
Single-portion pack: 120 mg per portion
Calculated from the EU NRV significant-amount reference. Claim-specific conditions take precedence.


EFSA / scientific assessment
EFSA opinion reference listed in the EU Register / Regulation (EU) No 432/2012

EU legal source
Commission Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 (consolidated 20 Aug 2025)
●  Calcium has a role in the process of cell division and specialisation.Cell division · General population
Claim type
Health functions (Article 13)

Condition of use
The claim may be used only for food which is at least a source of calcium.
What does “source of” usually mean?
General food: 120 mg / 100 g or 100 ml
Beverage: 60 mg / 100 ml
Single-portion pack: 120 mg per portion
Calculated from the EU NRV significant-amount reference. Claim-specific conditions take precedence.


EFSA / scientific assessment
EFSA opinion reference listed in the EU Register / Regulation (EU) No 432/2012

EU legal source
Commission Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 (consolidated 20 Aug 2025)
●  Calcium is needed for the maintenance of normal bones.Bones · General population
Claim type
Health functions (Article 13)

Condition of use
The claim may be used only for food which is at least a source of calcium.
What does “source of” usually mean?
General food: 120 mg / 100 g or 100 ml
Beverage: 60 mg / 100 ml
Single-portion pack: 120 mg per portion
Calculated from the EU NRV significant-amount reference. Claim-specific conditions take precedence.


EFSA / scientific assessment
EFSA opinion reference listed in the EU Register / Regulation (EU) No 432/2012

EU legal source
Commission Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 (consolidated 20 Aug 2025)
●  Calcium is needed for normal growth and development of bone in children.Children's bone development · Children
Claim type
Children's growth & development (Article 14(1)(b))

Condition of use
The claim may be used only for food which is at least a source of calcium.
What does “source of” usually mean?
General food: 120 mg / 100 g or 100 ml
Beverage: 60 mg / 100 ml
Single-portion pack: 120 mg per portion
Calculated from the EU NRV significant-amount reference. Claim-specific conditions take precedence.


EFSA / scientific assessment
EFSA opinion reference listed in the EU Register (Commission Regulation (EC) No 983/2009)

EU legal source
Commission Regulation (EC) No 983/2009
●  Calcium and vitamin D help to reduce the loss of bone mineral in post-menopausal women. Low bone mineral density is a risk factor for osteoporotic bone fractures.Bone mineral loss · Post-menopausal women / women 50 years and older
Claim type
Disease risk reduction (Article 14(1)(a))

Condition of use
Food supplement must provide at least 400 mg calcium and 15 µg vitamin D per daily portion.

EFSA / scientific assessment
Q-2008-721; Q-2009-00940

EU legal source
SRC-1228-2014

Additional statement / restriction
Information must state the claim is specifically intended for women 50+ and that the beneficial effect is obtained with daily intake of at least 1,200 mg calcium and 20 µg vitamin D from all sources.
●  Calcium helps to reduce the loss of bone mineral in post-menopausal women. Low bone mineral density is a risk factor for osteoporotic bone fractures.Bone mineral loss · Post-menopausal women
Claim type
Disease risk reduction (Article 14(1)(a))

Condition of use
The claim may be used only for food that provides at least 400 mg of calcium per quantified portion.

EFSA / scientific assessment
EFSA opinion reference listed in the EU Register

EU legal source
Commission Regulation (EU) No 1228/2014

Additional statement / restriction
Information shall be given to the consumer that the claim is specifically intended for women 50 years and older and that the beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of at least 1,200 mg of calcium from all sources.
×

Other assessed health claims (7)

Not authorised for use in the EU
View claims ↓
A non-authorised claim is not automatically the same as a scientifically disproven claim. Open a claim to see the recorded reason or source details where available.
●  Calcium contributes to normal functioning of cells.Cell function ·
Claim type
Health functions (Article 13)

Condition of use
—

EFSA / scientific assessment
EFSA Journal 2010;8(10):1725

EU legal source
—

Additional statement / restriction
Non-compliance with the Regulation because the claimed effect was not sufficiently defined to be assessed and therefore could not be substantiated.
●  Calcium helps manage your weight. Calcium contributes to weight control. Calcium modulates energy metabolism.Weight control ·
Claim type
Health functions (Article 13)

Condition of use
—

EFSA / scientific assessment
EFSA Journal 2010;8(10):1725

EU legal source
—

Additional statement / restriction
Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food has not been substantiated.
●  Calcium helps to keep a healthy blood pressure.Blood pressure ·
Claim type
Health functions (Article 13)

Condition of use
—

EFSA / scientific assessment
EFSA Journal 2009;7(9):1210

EU legal source
—

Additional statement / restriction
Non-compliance with the Regulation because the scientific evidence assessed was insufficient to substantiate the claimed effect.
●  Diet which includes several daily servings of low-fat milk products (about 1200 mg of calcium/day) helps to control blood pressure.Blood pressure ·
Claim type
Health functions (Article 13)

Condition of use
—

EFSA / scientific assessment
EFSA Journal 2009;7(9):1210

EU legal source
—

Additional statement / restriction
Non-compliance with the Regulation because the scientific evidence assessed was insufficient to substantiate the claimed effect.
●  Calcium supports the regulation of the acid-base balance.Acid-base balance ·
Claim type
Health functions (Article 13)

Condition of use
—

EFSA / scientific assessment
EFSA Journal 2011;9(6):2201

EU legal source
—

Additional statement / restriction
Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food has not been substantiated.
●  May help to maintain joint health / may help to maintain joint flexibility.Joints ·
Claim type
Health functions (Article 13)

Condition of use
—

EFSA / scientific assessment
EFSA Journal 2011;9(6):2249

EU legal source
—

Additional statement / restriction
Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food has not been substantiated.
●  Calcium from dairy products may help in the regulation of body weight and body composition.Body weight ·
Claim type
Health functions (Article 13)

Condition of use
—

EFSA / scientific assessment
EFSA Journal 2010;8(10):1725

EU legal source
—

Additional statement / restriction
Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food has not been substantiated.

Regulatory details

Check how the claims on this page are classified and where their regulatory information comes from.

View page-level details
Ingredient
Calcium
Category
Mineral
NRV
800 mg
Authorised claims
12
Other assessed claims
7
Claim framework
EU nutrition and health claims framework. Individual claim cards show the specific claim type, conditions of use, EFSA reference and legal source available in the version data.

Tip: expand any claim above for its claim-specific source details. The European Commission's EU Register is an information service; legal acts are the authoritative source for legal requirements, and some pending claims are not shown in the Register.

Claim use requirements

How much of this nutrient must a food contain for an EU health claim to be used?

For claims requiring the food to be a source of Calcium, the usual NRV-based significant amount is:
120 mg / 100 g or 100 ml for foods other than beverages
60 mg / 100 ml for beverages
120 mg per portion if the package contains only one portion
These are the general EU significant-amount reference levels. A claim-specific condition may be stricter and takes precedence.

Sources

Sources & further reading