As women enter their 40s, their bodies undergo a series of changes that can impact bone health. Decreasing estrogen levels, hormonal fluctuations, and natural aging processes can all contribute to bone loss and increased risk of osteoporosis.
Calcium supplements can play a crucial role in supporting bone health and reducing the risk of fractures. But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one.
In this article, we’ll explore the 13 best calcium supplements for women over 40, highlighting their key ingredients, benefits, and features to help you make an informed decision and support your bone health for years to come.
Calcium Citrate: The Gold Standard for Bone Health
When it comes to calcium supplements, calcium citrate is often considered the gold standard. This is because it is highly bioavailable, meaning that the body can easily absorb and utilize it. Calcium citrate is also highly soluble, making it easy to digest and reducing the risk of stomach upset or constipation.
Calcium citrate is also a more expensive form of calcium, but the benefits far outweigh the cost. It is often recommended by healthcare professionals and is a popular choice among women over 40 who are looking to support their bone health.
Garden of Life Calcium Supplement: A Whole Food Approach
Garden of Life is a well-known brand in the supplement industry, and their calcium supplement is a popular choice among health-conscious women. What sets this supplement apart is its whole food approach. Rather than using synthetic calcium, Garden of Life uses a blend of organic vegetables and fruits to provide a natural source of calcium.
This supplement is also vegan-friendly and gluten-free, making it a great option for women with dietary restrictions. The whole food approach also means that the supplement is rich in other nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, that support overall health and wellness.
Nature Made Calcium Softgels: Easy to Swallow and Digest
Nature Made is a trusted brand in the supplement industry, and their calcium softgels are a popular choice among women who have trouble swallowing pills. The softgels are easy to swallow and digest, making them a great option for women who have sensitive stomachs or have trouble with traditional calcium supplements.
Each softgel contains 500mg of calcium, making it a convenient and effective way to support bone health. Nature Made is also a USP-verified brand, ensuring that their supplements meet high standards for quality and purity.
Tums Calcium Antacid: A Familiar Brand for Heartburn Relief
Tums is a familiar brand that many women turn to for heartburn relief. But did you know that Tums also offers a calcium supplement? Their calcium antacid supplement not only provides 500mg of calcium per serving but also helps to neutralize stomach acid and relieve heartburn symptoms.
This supplement is a great option for women who experience frequent heartburn or acid reflux, as it provides dual benefits. The calcium also helps to support bone health, making it a great option for women over 40.
Ritual Essentials Calcium: A Vegan-Friendly and Sustainable Option
Ritual Essentials is a newer brand in the supplement industry, but they’re making waves with their vegan-friendly and sustainable calcium supplement. This supplement is made with a blend of algae-based calcium and vitamin D, making it a great option for women who follow a plant-based diet.
The supplement is also sustainably sourced and packaged in eco-friendly materials, making it a great option for women who care about the environment. Ritual Essentials is also a transparent brand, providing detailed information about their ingredients and manufacturing process.
One A Day Calcium Supplement: A Convenient and Affordable Choice
One A Day is a well-known brand that offers a range of supplements, including a calcium supplement. This supplement is a convenient and affordable option for women who want to support their bone health without breaking the bank.
Each serving provides 500mg of calcium, making it a great option for women who want to support their bone health without taking multiple pills per day. One A Day is also a trusted brand that has been around for decades, ensuring that their supplements meet high standards for quality and purity.
Jarrow Formulas Calcium Supplement: A High-Quality and Bioavailable Option
Jarrow Formulas is a well-respected brand in the supplement industry, and their calcium supplement is a popular choice among health-conscious women. This supplement is made with a highly bioavailable form of calcium, making it easy for the body to absorb and utilize.
The supplement is also free of common allergens and is manufactured in a facility that meets high standards for quality and purity. Jarrow Formulas is also a transparent brand, providing detailed information about their ingredients and manufacturing process.
Citracal Calcium Citrate: A Highly Absorbable and Effective Supplement
Citracal is a well-known brand that specializes in calcium supplements, and their calcium citrate supplement is a popular choice among women over 40. This supplement is made with a highly absorbable form of calcium citrate, making it easy for the body to utilize.
The supplement is also easy to digest and reduces the risk of stomach upset or constipation. Citracal is also a trusted brand that has been around for decades, ensuring that their supplements meet high standards for quality and purity.
Caltrate Calcium Supplement: A Well-Known Brand for Bone Health
Caltrate is a well-known brand that specializes in calcium supplements, and their calcium supplement is a popular choice among women over 40. This supplement is made with a blend of calcium and vitamin D, making it a great option for women who want to support their bone health.
The supplement is also easy to digest and reduces the risk of stomach upset or constipation. Caltrate is also a trusted brand that has been around for decades, ensuring that their supplements meet high standards for quality and purity.
NOW Calcium Carbonate: A Budget-Friendly and Effective Option
NOW is a well-respected brand in the supplement industry, and their calcium carbonate supplement is a popular choice among women who want to support their bone health without breaking the bank. This supplement is a budget-friendly option that provides 500mg of calcium per serving.
The supplement is also easy to digest and reduces the risk of stomach upset or constipation. NOW is also a trusted brand that has been around for decades, ensuring that their supplements meet high standards for quality and purity.
Thorne Research Calcium Supplement: A High-Quality and Research-Backed Choice
Thorne Research is a well-respected brand in the supplement industry, and their calcium supplement is a popular choice among health-conscious women. This supplement is made with a highly bioavailable form of calcium, making it easy for the body to absorb and utilize.
The supplement is also backed by research, ensuring that it is effective in supporting bone health. Thorne Research is also a transparent brand, providing detailed information about their ingredients and manufacturing process.
Osteo Bi-Flex Calcium Supplement: A Comprehensive Bone Health Formula
Osteo Bi-Flex is a well-known brand that specializes in joint and bone health supplements, and their calcium supplement is a popular choice among women over 40. This supplement is a comprehensive formula that provides a blend of calcium, vitamin D, and other nutrients that support bone health.
The supplement is also easy to digest and reduces the risk of stomach upset or constipation. Osteo Bi-Flex is also a trusted brand that has been around for decades, ensuring that their supplements meet high standards for quality and purity.
Doctor’s Best Calcium Supplement: A High-Absorption and Bioavailable Option
Doctor’s Best is a well-respected brand in the supplement industry, and their calcium supplement is a popular choice among health-conscious women. This supplement is made with a highly bioavailable form of calcium, making it easy for the body to absorb and utilize.
The supplement is also easy to digest and reduces the risk of stomach upset or constipation. Doctor’s Best is also a transparent brand, providing detailed information about their ingredients and manufacturing process.
FAQs
Q: Why do I need to take a calcium supplement?
A: Calcium is an essential nutrient for bone health, and women over 40 may experience a decline in bone density due to hormonal changes and other factors. Taking a calcium supplement can help support bone health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Q: How much calcium do I need per day?
A: The recommended daily intake of calcium varies by age, but most women over 40 need around 500-700mg per day. It’s best to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the right amount for your individual needs.
Q: What’s the difference between calcium citrate and calcium carbonate?
A: Calcium citrate is a more bioavailable form of calcium, meaning it’s easier for the body to absorb and utilize. Calcium carbonate is a more common and less expensive form of calcium, but it may not be as easily absorbed by the body.
Q: Can I get enough calcium from food alone?
A: While it’s possible to get some calcium from food sources like dairy, leafy greens, and fortified foods, it can be challenging to get enough calcium from diet alone. Supplements can help fill any gaps and ensure you’re getting enough calcium for optimal bone health.
Q: Are calcium supplements safe?
A: Generally, calcium supplements are safe when taken as directed. However, it’s possible to experience side effects like stomach upset, constipation, or kidney stones if you take too much calcium or have underlying health conditions. Consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.
Q: Can I take calcium supplements with other medications?
A: Calcium supplements can interact with certain medications, such as antacids, blood thinners, and certain antibiotics. Consult with a healthcare professional before taking calcium supplements if you’re taking any medications.
Q: How long does it take to see the benefits of calcium supplements?
A: The benefits of calcium supplements can vary depending on individual factors, such as diet, exercise, and overall health. Generally, it may take several months to a year or more to see noticeable improvements in bone density and overall health.
Q: Can I take calcium supplements during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
A: Calcium supplements are generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the right dosage and ensure safety for both mother and baby.
