Reviewed By
Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Likely Ineffective
Based on 7 Researches
4.4
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 34 Reviews
8.6
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 2 Tablets
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Vitamin D3 (as Cholecalciferol)
13 mcg (500 IU)
63%
Calcium (as Calcium Citrate)
630 mg
48%
Top Medical Research Studies
7
We examined the effects of calcium, with or without calcitriol, on kidney stone risk in postmenopausal Thai women. The study involved 53 women who took either calcium alone or calcium plus calcitriol for three months.
We found that while calcium levels in urine increased, there was no significant rise in the risk of kidney stones. Overall, most subjects did not experience significant changes in factors that would predispose them to kidney stones.
Our results suggest that calcium and vitamin D supplementation does not contribute to an increased risk of kidney stones, making it a safer option for bone health in this population.
We found that while calcium levels in urine increased, there was no significant rise in the risk of kidney stones. Overall, most subjects did not experience significant changes in factors that would predispose them to kidney stones.
Our results suggest that calcium and vitamin D supplementation does not contribute to an increased risk of kidney stones, making it a safer option for bone health in this population.
Read More
4
Vitamin D3 does not prevent stones
We assessed how two different vitamin D3 repletion protocols affect patients with recurrent calcium kidney stones and vitamin D deficiency. This was a controlled clinical trial involving 62 participants who had low levels of vitamin D and were prone to kidney stones. We administered either 2000 IU of cholecalciferol daily for 12 weeks or 50,000 IU weekly for 8 weeks.
Both treatment approaches resulted in a significant increase in 24-hour urine calcium levels; however, there was no difference between the two methods. Importantly, neither regimen increased the supersaturation of calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate, which are substances that can contribute to the formation of kidney stones.
We also observed a notable increase in serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, particularly in the weekly high-dose group, and a decline in serum parathyroid hormone in both groups. Despite these changes, it's crucial to highlight that our findings indicate no significant advantages in preventing kidney stones from vitamin D3 treatment alone.
Both treatment approaches resulted in a significant increase in 24-hour urine calcium levels; however, there was no difference between the two methods. Importantly, neither regimen increased the supersaturation of calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate, which are substances that can contribute to the formation of kidney stones.
We also observed a notable increase in serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, particularly in the weekly high-dose group, and a decline in serum parathyroid hormone in both groups. Despite these changes, it's crucial to highlight that our findings indicate no significant advantages in preventing kidney stones from vitamin D3 treatment alone.
Read More
4
We explored the impact of cholecalciferol, also known as vitamin D3, on individuals with calcium nephrolithiasis and a deficiency in vitamin D. The purpose of our investigation was to determine whether this supplementation might lead to an increased risk of developing kidney stones.
In the study, thirty-three participants, averaging 56 years and deficient in vitamin D, were evaluated before and after receiving cholecalciferol supplements. Initially, we examined both their calcium excretion and urine supersaturation levels, which help indicate the risk of stone formation.
Following the supplementation, we observed several significant changes. Notably, the serum levels of vitamin D increased, and more participants became hypercalciuric, meaning they were excreting higher levels of calcium in their urine. This was concerning as increased urine supersaturation with calcium could elevate the risk of kidney stones.
Despite the rise in vitamin D levels, we didn’t see any major changes in overall calcium levels in the blood, suggesting that the body was managing these variations. However, for those undergoing this treatment, there remains a cautionary note about the potential for increased stone formation due to higher calcium excretion.
In the study, thirty-three participants, averaging 56 years and deficient in vitamin D, were evaluated before and after receiving cholecalciferol supplements. Initially, we examined both their calcium excretion and urine supersaturation levels, which help indicate the risk of stone formation.
Following the supplementation, we observed several significant changes. Notably, the serum levels of vitamin D increased, and more participants became hypercalciuric, meaning they were excreting higher levels of calcium in their urine. This was concerning as increased urine supersaturation with calcium could elevate the risk of kidney stones.
Despite the rise in vitamin D levels, we didn’t see any major changes in overall calcium levels in the blood, suggesting that the body was managing these variations. However, for those undergoing this treatment, there remains a cautionary note about the potential for increased stone formation due to higher calcium excretion.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
9
Safe for kidneys
729 people found this helpful
Calcium citrate is 2.5 times better than calcium carbonate for absorption. It can be taken on an empty stomach without causing kidney stones. For those over 50, it's absorbed better than calcium carbonate. Highly recommended for better health!
Read More
9
Affordable kidney health
199 people found this helpful
Price and quality are excellent! This product offers a good calcium form at a low cost. The citrate not only prevents kidney stones but also assists in urinary system health, along with Vitamin D3.
Read More
9
Kidney health
116 people found this helpful
Calcium citrate is well-absorbed and reduces the risk of kidney stones, making it safer for long-term use. This form effectively penetrates tissues and is essential for calcium retention in the body.
Read More
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Likely Ineffective
Based on 7 Researches
4.4
- All Researches
7
We examined the effects of calcium, with or without calcitriol, on kidney stone risk in postmenopausal Thai women. The study involved 53 women who took either calcium alone or calcium plus calcitriol for three months.
We found that while calcium levels in urine increased, there was no significant rise in the risk of kidney stones. Overall, most subjects did not experience significant changes in factors that would predispose them to kidney stones.
Our results suggest that calcium and vitamin D supplementation does not contribute to an increased risk of kidney stones, making it a safer option for bone health in this population.
We found that while calcium levels in urine increased, there was no significant rise in the risk of kidney stones. Overall, most subjects did not experience significant changes in factors that would predispose them to kidney stones.
Our results suggest that calcium and vitamin D supplementation does not contribute to an increased risk of kidney stones, making it a safer option for bone health in this population.
Read More
5
We explored the connection between vitamin D3 supplementation and kidney stones in individuals with no identifiable causes for their stones. Our study examined a group of 456 idiopathic stone formers to find out how prevalent vitamin D deficiency is among them. We discovered that a significant portion—31%—were deficient in vitamin D, while 57% were insufficient, and only 12% were at healthy levels.
To see if supplementing vitamin D3 would provide benefits, we gave 37 of these vitamin D-deficient patients a weekly dose of 20,000 IU for four months. While we noted that this supplementation raised serum vitamin D levels and reduced parathyroid hormone concentrations, the increase in urinary calcium excretion after treatment did not reach statistical significance.
Interestingly, 22 patients had higher calcium levels in their urine, but others experienced a decrease or no change. What’s crucial here is that six patients who were initially normal concerning calcium levels ended up developing hypercalciuria after treatment. This means we should carefully monitor patients who receive vitamin D3 to ensure that they do not experience unexpected increases in calcium excretion that could raise the risk of kidney stones.
To see if supplementing vitamin D3 would provide benefits, we gave 37 of these vitamin D-deficient patients a weekly dose of 20,000 IU for four months. While we noted that this supplementation raised serum vitamin D levels and reduced parathyroid hormone concentrations, the increase in urinary calcium excretion after treatment did not reach statistical significance.
Interestingly, 22 patients had higher calcium levels in their urine, but others experienced a decrease or no change. What’s crucial here is that six patients who were initially normal concerning calcium levels ended up developing hypercalciuria after treatment. This means we should carefully monitor patients who receive vitamin D3 to ensure that they do not experience unexpected increases in calcium excretion that could raise the risk of kidney stones.
Read More
5
We explored the connections between calcium levels and kidney stones using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning 2013 to 2018, along with more advanced genetic analyses. Our aim was to understand how the levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, calcium, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) might influence the risk of developing kidney stones.
While observational analyses suggested a relationship between ALP levels and kidney stones, we found that calcium levels did not display a significant association with kidney stones when looking at the data directly. However, utilizing Mendelian randomization analysis, we observed a potential causal link, indicating that elevated calcium levels could indeed raise the risk of developing kidney stones.
The key takeaway from our research is that while observational studies show no strong link between calcium and kidney stones, our genetic analysis implies that higher calcium may contribute to stone formation. Our work provides valuable insights and directions for future studies focused on preventing and treating this painful condition.
While observational analyses suggested a relationship between ALP levels and kidney stones, we found that calcium levels did not display a significant association with kidney stones when looking at the data directly. However, utilizing Mendelian randomization analysis, we observed a potential causal link, indicating that elevated calcium levels could indeed raise the risk of developing kidney stones.
The key takeaway from our research is that while observational studies show no strong link between calcium and kidney stones, our genetic analysis implies that higher calcium may contribute to stone formation. Our work provides valuable insights and directions for future studies focused on preventing and treating this painful condition.
Read More
4
Vitamin D3 does not prevent stones
We assessed how two different vitamin D3 repletion protocols affect patients with recurrent calcium kidney stones and vitamin D deficiency. This was a controlled clinical trial involving 62 participants who had low levels of vitamin D and were prone to kidney stones. We administered either 2000 IU of cholecalciferol daily for 12 weeks or 50,000 IU weekly for 8 weeks.
Both treatment approaches resulted in a significant increase in 24-hour urine calcium levels; however, there was no difference between the two methods. Importantly, neither regimen increased the supersaturation of calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate, which are substances that can contribute to the formation of kidney stones.
We also observed a notable increase in serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, particularly in the weekly high-dose group, and a decline in serum parathyroid hormone in both groups. Despite these changes, it's crucial to highlight that our findings indicate no significant advantages in preventing kidney stones from vitamin D3 treatment alone.
Both treatment approaches resulted in a significant increase in 24-hour urine calcium levels; however, there was no difference between the two methods. Importantly, neither regimen increased the supersaturation of calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate, which are substances that can contribute to the formation of kidney stones.
We also observed a notable increase in serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, particularly in the weekly high-dose group, and a decline in serum parathyroid hormone in both groups. Despite these changes, it's crucial to highlight that our findings indicate no significant advantages in preventing kidney stones from vitamin D3 treatment alone.
Read More
4
We explored the impact of cholecalciferol, also known as vitamin D3, on individuals with calcium nephrolithiasis and a deficiency in vitamin D. The purpose of our investigation was to determine whether this supplementation might lead to an increased risk of developing kidney stones.
In the study, thirty-three participants, averaging 56 years and deficient in vitamin D, were evaluated before and after receiving cholecalciferol supplements. Initially, we examined both their calcium excretion and urine supersaturation levels, which help indicate the risk of stone formation.
Following the supplementation, we observed several significant changes. Notably, the serum levels of vitamin D increased, and more participants became hypercalciuric, meaning they were excreting higher levels of calcium in their urine. This was concerning as increased urine supersaturation with calcium could elevate the risk of kidney stones.
Despite the rise in vitamin D levels, we didn’t see any major changes in overall calcium levels in the blood, suggesting that the body was managing these variations. However, for those undergoing this treatment, there remains a cautionary note about the potential for increased stone formation due to higher calcium excretion.
In the study, thirty-three participants, averaging 56 years and deficient in vitamin D, were evaluated before and after receiving cholecalciferol supplements. Initially, we examined both their calcium excretion and urine supersaturation levels, which help indicate the risk of stone formation.
Following the supplementation, we observed several significant changes. Notably, the serum levels of vitamin D increased, and more participants became hypercalciuric, meaning they were excreting higher levels of calcium in their urine. This was concerning as increased urine supersaturation with calcium could elevate the risk of kidney stones.
Despite the rise in vitamin D levels, we didn’t see any major changes in overall calcium levels in the blood, suggesting that the body was managing these variations. However, for those undergoing this treatment, there remains a cautionary note about the potential for increased stone formation due to higher calcium excretion.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 34 Reviews
8.6
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
9
Safe for kidneys
729 people found this helpful
Calcium citrate is 2.5 times better than calcium carbonate for absorption. It can be taken on an empty stomach without causing kidney stones. For those over 50, it's absorbed better than calcium carbonate. Highly recommended for better health!
Read More
9
Affordable kidney health
199 people found this helpful
Price and quality are excellent! This product offers a good calcium form at a low cost. The citrate not only prevents kidney stones but also assists in urinary system health, along with Vitamin D3.
Read More
9
Kidney health
116 people found this helpful
Calcium citrate is well-absorbed and reduces the risk of kidney stones, making it safer for long-term use. This form effectively penetrates tissues and is essential for calcium retention in the body.
Read More
9
Maximal absorption
20 people found this helpful
This calcium supplement features citrate, which maximally allows the body to absorb calcium for bones, teeth, and nails while preventing kidney stones. I appreciate that it can be taken regardless of meals, although I prefer magnesium separately. The vitamin D content is beneficial; I find it best absorbed in the evening.
Read More
9
Prevention of kidney stones
14 people found this helpful
This calcium supplement is effective at preventing kidney stones due to the citrate form, which also aids in absorbing vitamin C. Taking it in the evening is recommended, and it helps in energy production. I appreciate its purity and safety profile, making it a great choice.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
9
Decreased pain
2 people found this helpful
My mother was suffering from leg pain due to osteoporosis. After starting these citrate tablets, her pain subsided dramatically within a week. They are effective for calcium absorption without risk of kidney stones and moderately dosed.
9
Preventing kidney stones
1 people found this helpful
Calcium citrate is excellent for preventing chondrosis and maximising absorption, especially with Vitamin D3. It's absorbable at any time, and I've noticed significant improvements after three weeks—my family's joint pain reduced and nails strengthened. Be mindful of larger tablets and contraindications.
9
Reduces stone risk
My husband switched to Calcium Citrate after developing kidney stones from Calcium Carbonate. We appreciate this product for its reduced risk and its combination with Vitamin D3, which enhances calcium absorption.
9
Improved nail health
8 people found this helpful
After learning about the benefits of citrate calcium for kidney stones, I chose this supplement and was pleased with its quality and price. I've ordered multiple times, and my sister has noticed an improvement in her nails. It has helped with my night cramps too.
9
Prevention of kidney stones
14 people found this helpful
This calcium supplement is effective at preventing kidney stones due to the citrate form, which also aids in absorbing vitamin C. Taking it in the evening is recommended, and it helps in energy production. I appreciate its purity and safety profile, making it a great choice.
9
Calcium absorption insights
Calcium citrate is the most absorbable form, helping to direct calcium to bones rather than causing kidney stones. It's essential to take it with magnesium and D3 for better absorption. After taking one tablet with lots of water, I realised the importance of monitoring vitamin intake to avoid issues like kidney stones.
9
Maximal absorption
20 people found this helpful
This calcium supplement features citrate, which maximally allows the body to absorb calcium for bones, teeth, and nails while preventing kidney stones. I appreciate that it can be taken regardless of meals, although I prefer magnesium separately. The vitamin D content is beneficial; I find it best absorbed in the evening.
9
Safe for kidneys
729 people found this helpful
Calcium citrate is 2.5 times better than calcium carbonate for absorption. It can be taken on an empty stomach without causing kidney stones. For those over 50, it's absorbed better than calcium carbonate. Highly recommended for better health!
9
Affordable kidney health
199 people found this helpful
Price and quality are excellent! This product offers a good calcium form at a low cost. The citrate not only prevents kidney stones but also assists in urinary system health, along with Vitamin D3.
9
Long-term safety
2 people found this helpful
I find this calcium effective; the citrate form does not lead to kidney stones, even with long-term use, which was essential for me.
4
We explored the effects of cholecalciferol, or vitamin D3, on kidney stone formers dealing with vitamin D deficiency. Our study involved 33 participants, where we evaluated their calcium excretion and urine supersaturation with calcium oxalate and brushite both before and after vitamin D3 supplementation. Participants received a high initial dose followed by regular maintenance doses, all while adhering to a structured diet with a controlled amount of calcium intake.
After the supplementation, we observed some notable changes. While serum calcium and phosphate levels remained stable, the level of vitamin D3 in the blood saw a significant increase. This led to more kidney stone formers experiencing higher urinary calcium levels. Notably, the percentage of participants with hypercalciuria grew from 18.2% to 39.4%. We also noted an increase in urine supersaturation for brushite, hinting at a potential risk for stone formation.
Overall, our findings suggest that while vitamin D3 supplementation can elevate vitamin D levels, it may also increase urinary calcium and the risk of recurrences for kidney stones. Consequently, careful monitoring of urinary metabolic profiles for patients receiving vitamin D may be necessary to tailor preventive strategies effectively.
After the supplementation, we observed some notable changes. While serum calcium and phosphate levels remained stable, the level of vitamin D3 in the blood saw a significant increase. This led to more kidney stone formers experiencing higher urinary calcium levels. Notably, the percentage of participants with hypercalciuria grew from 18.2% to 39.4%. We also noted an increase in urine supersaturation for brushite, hinting at a potential risk for stone formation.
Overall, our findings suggest that while vitamin D3 supplementation can elevate vitamin D levels, it may also increase urinary calcium and the risk of recurrences for kidney stones. Consequently, careful monitoring of urinary metabolic profiles for patients receiving vitamin D may be necessary to tailor preventive strategies effectively.
5
We explored the connection between vitamin D3 supplementation and kidney stones in individuals with no identifiable causes for their stones. Our study examined a group of 456 idiopathic stone formers to find out how prevalent vitamin D deficiency is among them. We discovered that a significant portion—31%—were deficient in vitamin D, while 57% were insufficient, and only 12% were at healthy levels.
To see if supplementing vitamin D3 would provide benefits, we gave 37 of these vitamin D-deficient patients a weekly dose of 20,000 IU for four months. While we noted that this supplementation raised serum vitamin D levels and reduced parathyroid hormone concentrations, the increase in urinary calcium excretion after treatment did not reach statistical significance.
Interestingly, 22 patients had higher calcium levels in their urine, but others experienced a decrease or no change. What’s crucial here is that six patients who were initially normal concerning calcium levels ended up developing hypercalciuria after treatment. This means we should carefully monitor patients who receive vitamin D3 to ensure that they do not experience unexpected increases in calcium excretion that could raise the risk of kidney stones.
To see if supplementing vitamin D3 would provide benefits, we gave 37 of these vitamin D-deficient patients a weekly dose of 20,000 IU for four months. While we noted that this supplementation raised serum vitamin D levels and reduced parathyroid hormone concentrations, the increase in urinary calcium excretion after treatment did not reach statistical significance.
Interestingly, 22 patients had higher calcium levels in their urine, but others experienced a decrease or no change. What’s crucial here is that six patients who were initially normal concerning calcium levels ended up developing hypercalciuria after treatment. This means we should carefully monitor patients who receive vitamin D3 to ensure that they do not experience unexpected increases in calcium excretion that could raise the risk of kidney stones.
7
We examined the effects of calcium, with or without calcitriol, on kidney stone risk in postmenopausal Thai women. The study involved 53 women who took either calcium alone or calcium plus calcitriol for three months.
We found that while calcium levels in urine increased, there was no significant rise in the risk of kidney stones. Overall, most subjects did not experience significant changes in factors that would predispose them to kidney stones.
Our results suggest that calcium and vitamin D supplementation does not contribute to an increased risk of kidney stones, making it a safer option for bone health in this population.
We found that while calcium levels in urine increased, there was no significant rise in the risk of kidney stones. Overall, most subjects did not experience significant changes in factors that would predispose them to kidney stones.
Our results suggest that calcium and vitamin D supplementation does not contribute to an increased risk of kidney stones, making it a safer option for bone health in this population.
4
Vitamin D3 does not prevent stones
We assessed how two different vitamin D3 repletion protocols affect patients with recurrent calcium kidney stones and vitamin D deficiency. This was a controlled clinical trial involving 62 participants who had low levels of vitamin D and were prone to kidney stones. We administered either 2000 IU of cholecalciferol daily for 12 weeks or 50,000 IU weekly for 8 weeks.
Both treatment approaches resulted in a significant increase in 24-hour urine calcium levels; however, there was no difference between the two methods. Importantly, neither regimen increased the supersaturation of calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate, which are substances that can contribute to the formation of kidney stones.
We also observed a notable increase in serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, particularly in the weekly high-dose group, and a decline in serum parathyroid hormone in both groups. Despite these changes, it's crucial to highlight that our findings indicate no significant advantages in preventing kidney stones from vitamin D3 treatment alone.
Both treatment approaches resulted in a significant increase in 24-hour urine calcium levels; however, there was no difference between the two methods. Importantly, neither regimen increased the supersaturation of calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate, which are substances that can contribute to the formation of kidney stones.
We also observed a notable increase in serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, particularly in the weekly high-dose group, and a decline in serum parathyroid hormone in both groups. Despite these changes, it's crucial to highlight that our findings indicate no significant advantages in preventing kidney stones from vitamin D3 treatment alone.
References
- Jackson RD, LaCroix AZ, Gass M, Wallace RB, Robbins J, et al. Calcium plus vitamin D supplementation and the risk of fractures. N Engl J Med. 2006;354:669.
- Domrongkitchaiporn S, Ongphiphadhanakul B, Stitchantrakul W, Piaseu N, Chansirikam S, et al. Risk of calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis after calcium or combined calcium and calcitriol supplementation in postmenopausal women. Osteoporos Int. 2000;11:486.
- Sardari Masihi L, Borumandnia N, Taheri M, Basiri A, Imani H, et al. Effect of two vitamin D repletion protocols on 24-h urine calcium in patients with recurrent calcium kidney stones and vitamin D deficiency: a randomized clinical trial. Eur J Med Res. 2023;28:246. 10.1186/s40001-023-01226-z
- Vitale C, Marangella M, Bermond F, Fabbrini L, Tricerri A. Metabolic effects of cholecalciferol supplementation in patients with calcium nephrolithiasis and vitamin D deficiency. World J Urol. 2021;39:597. 10.1007/s00345-020-03222-y
- Vitale C, Tricerri A, Bermond F, Fabbrini L, Guiotto C, et al. [Metabolic effects of Cholecalciferol supplementation in kidney stone formers with vitamin D deficiency]. G Ital Nefrol. 2018;35.
- Johri N, Jaeger P, Ferraro PM, Shavit L, Nair D, et al. Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent among idiopathic stone formers, but does correction pose any risk?. Urolithiasis. 2017;45:535. 10.1007/s00240-016-0954-x
- Ran Y, Liu Z, Ma H, Li C, Zhou J, et al. Associations between 25-hydroxyvitamin D/calcium/alkaline phosphatase levels and the risk of developing kidney stones: Results from NHANES (2013-2018)-based and Mendelian randomization studies. Medicine (Baltimore). 2025;104:e41323. 10.1097/MD.0000000000041323
