Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 31 Researches
7.5
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 5 Reviews
8.2
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 2 Caplets
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Calories
5
Total Sugars
0 g
**
Includes 0 g Added Sugars
0%*
Sugar Alcohol
0 g
**
Vitamin D
25 mcg (1,000 IU)
125%
Calcium
650 mg
50%
Zinc
5.5 mg
50%
Copper
0.45 mg
50%
Manganese
1.15 mg
50%
Sodium
5 mg
<1%
Top Medical Research Studies
9
We examined a collection of randomized controlled trials to determine the impact of calcium plus vitamin D supplementation on fracture prevention.
The results revealed a promising 15% reduction in total fractures and a remarkable 30% drop in hip fractures among those taking these supplements.
This convincing evidence supports the recommendation of calcium and vitamin D for reducing fracture risk, especially in older adults, whether living at home or in care facilities.
The results revealed a promising 15% reduction in total fractures and a remarkable 30% drop in hip fractures among those taking these supplements.
This convincing evidence supports the recommendation of calcium and vitamin D for reducing fracture risk, especially in older adults, whether living at home or in care facilities.
Read More
8
We aimed to understand how vitamin D influences bone health and helps combat osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones. In our study, we used various mouse models, including those that mimic a deficiency in active vitamin D. Through a range of advanced methods, we assessed how changes in vitamin D levels affected bone structure and metabolism.
The research revealed that insufficient vitamin D led to a drop in Sirt1, a gene that plays a crucial role in maintaining bone density. This lack of Sirt1 resulted in increased bone loss. However, when we boosted Sirt1 levels in bone stem cells, we observed a reversal in bone loss. This improvement happened because higher Sirt1 levels reduced oxidative stress, slowed down aging processes in bone cells, and enhanced new bone formation while curbing bone resorption.
Additionally, our findings indicated that vitamin D directly stimulates Sirt1 expression in these stem cells, which is vital for bone health. We also explored the effects of resveratrol, a natural compound known for activating Sirt1, and found it helped alleviate osteoporosis symptoms linked to vitamin D deficiency by enhancing the relationship between Sirt1 and another protein called PGC1α, which supports bone formation and energy metabolism.
This research underscores the importance of the vitamin D-Sirt1/PGC1α axis in bone metabolism, providing insight into how vitamin D can serve as a target for osteoporosis prevention and treatment.
The research revealed that insufficient vitamin D led to a drop in Sirt1, a gene that plays a crucial role in maintaining bone density. This lack of Sirt1 resulted in increased bone loss. However, when we boosted Sirt1 levels in bone stem cells, we observed a reversal in bone loss. This improvement happened because higher Sirt1 levels reduced oxidative stress, slowed down aging processes in bone cells, and enhanced new bone formation while curbing bone resorption.
Additionally, our findings indicated that vitamin D directly stimulates Sirt1 expression in these stem cells, which is vital for bone health. We also explored the effects of resveratrol, a natural compound known for activating Sirt1, and found it helped alleviate osteoporosis symptoms linked to vitamin D deficiency by enhancing the relationship between Sirt1 and another protein called PGC1α, which supports bone formation and energy metabolism.
This research underscores the importance of the vitamin D-Sirt1/PGC1α axis in bone metabolism, providing insight into how vitamin D can serve as a target for osteoporosis prevention and treatment.
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7
We explored the effects of vitamin D supplementation on osteoporosis, especially among individuals at risk for this condition. The Osteoporosis Research and Information Group (GRIO) highlighted the critical difference between daily and intermittent vitamin D dosing.
Current literature indicates that taking high doses of vitamin D intermittently, such as 60,000 IU a month, can actually elevate the chances of falls, fractures, and even premature death in some groups. Conversely, daily supplementation of 800-1000 IU, particularly alongside calcium, has been shown to reduce falls and non-vertebral fractures in the elderly who have a vitamin D deficiency.
Before anyone starts supplementing, it is crucial to measure their vitamin D levels to achieve a target concentration of 30 to 60 ng/mL. For those needing a quick boost in vitamin D levels—like patients showing symptoms of osteomalacia or those with critically low vitamin D—a starting loading dose followed by daily maintenance is the preferred approach. If daily options aren’t available, of course, a smaller intermittent dose can be a temporary solution until better options are accessible.
Current literature indicates that taking high doses of vitamin D intermittently, such as 60,000 IU a month, can actually elevate the chances of falls, fractures, and even premature death in some groups. Conversely, daily supplementation of 800-1000 IU, particularly alongside calcium, has been shown to reduce falls and non-vertebral fractures in the elderly who have a vitamin D deficiency.
Before anyone starts supplementing, it is crucial to measure their vitamin D levels to achieve a target concentration of 30 to 60 ng/mL. For those needing a quick boost in vitamin D levels—like patients showing symptoms of osteomalacia or those with critically low vitamin D—a starting loading dose followed by daily maintenance is the preferred approach. If daily options aren’t available, of course, a smaller intermittent dose can be a temporary solution until better options are accessible.
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Most Useful Reviews
9
Calcium levels normalised
3 people found this helpful
VA lab blood tests revealed I had low calcium levels. Despite having two types of arthritis and osteoporosis as a male, my calcium levels returned to normal range after starting these calcium citrate tablets. Although the tablets are large and may challenge some to swallow, they don’t bother me. My wife finds them difficult to take and uses Citrical Petites instead, which do not have the same trace elements. I highly recommend these.
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9
Positive bone density change
3 people found this helpful
I take Citracal Calcium Plus as I have severe osteoporosis, and my recent bone density scan indicates my bones are improving in strength. My calcium levels have significantly increased.
Read More
9
Super easy to take
These tablets are precisely what the doctor ordered for my osteoporosis. They are simple to take, fitting nicely into my routine.
Read More
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 31 Researches
7.5
- All Researches
9
We explored how the combination of calcium, vitamin D, and zinc impacts osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats. Using a well-structured study design, we divided 49 rats into various groups to compare results against a control.
Our findings suggest that this combined supplement helps enhance calcium absorption and reduces bone deterioration by lowering specific osteoporosis-related factors. This could point toward a potential alternative treatment for postmenopausal osteoporosis, though further research in humans is necessary.
Our findings suggest that this combined supplement helps enhance calcium absorption and reduces bone deterioration by lowering specific osteoporosis-related factors. This could point toward a potential alternative treatment for postmenopausal osteoporosis, though further research in humans is necessary.
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9
We examined the effects of teriparatide combined with calcium and vitamin D versus standard calcium and vitamin D treatment on bone health in premenopausal women with pregnancy- and lactation-associated osteoporosis.
In our study, 19 women received teriparatide, while 8 only received calcium and vitamin D over 24 months. Results showed that those treated with teriparatide experienced significantly greater increases in bone mineral density at the lumbar spine after 12 and 24 months, indicating better bone health outcomes.
Overall, we found that teriparatide treatment substantially benefits women facing this rare condition.
In our study, 19 women received teriparatide, while 8 only received calcium and vitamin D over 24 months. Results showed that those treated with teriparatide experienced significantly greater increases in bone mineral density at the lumbar spine after 12 and 24 months, indicating better bone health outcomes.
Overall, we found that teriparatide treatment substantially benefits women facing this rare condition.
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9
We focused on the potential of nanoscale calcium salt formulations combined with vitamin D and natural minerals to treat osteoporosis. In our study, these innovative formulations showed promising results by enhancing bone density and reducing bone resorption in osteoporotic rats.
The tablets increased osteoblast activity and decreased osteoclast activity without causing toxicity. This dual action positions these calcium salt nanocomposites as a novel approach in osteoporosis management, offering a safer alternative to traditional treatments.
The tablets increased osteoblast activity and decreased osteoclast activity without causing toxicity. This dual action positions these calcium salt nanocomposites as a novel approach in osteoporosis management, offering a safer alternative to traditional treatments.
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9
We explored how adding vitamin D and calcium to denosumab therapy impacts bone health in patients with primary osteoporosis over four years.
The study involved two groups: one receiving just denosumab and another receiving denosumab with vitamin D and calcium.
Both groups saw improvements in bone health, but the combination group showed significant gains in hip bone density at 12 months and lumbar bone density from 24 to 48 months.
This suggests that ongoing vitamin D and calcium supplementation is beneficial alongside denosumab treatment.
The study involved two groups: one receiving just denosumab and another receiving denosumab with vitamin D and calcium.
Both groups saw improvements in bone health, but the combination group showed significant gains in hip bone density at 12 months and lumbar bone density from 24 to 48 months.
This suggests that ongoing vitamin D and calcium supplementation is beneficial alongside denosumab treatment.
Read More
9
We examined a collection of randomized controlled trials to determine the impact of calcium plus vitamin D supplementation on fracture prevention.
The results revealed a promising 15% reduction in total fractures and a remarkable 30% drop in hip fractures among those taking these supplements.
This convincing evidence supports the recommendation of calcium and vitamin D for reducing fracture risk, especially in older adults, whether living at home or in care facilities.
The results revealed a promising 15% reduction in total fractures and a remarkable 30% drop in hip fractures among those taking these supplements.
This convincing evidence supports the recommendation of calcium and vitamin D for reducing fracture risk, especially in older adults, whether living at home or in care facilities.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 5 Reviews
8.2
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
9
Calcium levels normalised
3 people found this helpful
VA lab blood tests revealed I had low calcium levels. Despite having two types of arthritis and osteoporosis as a male, my calcium levels returned to normal range after starting these calcium citrate tablets. Although the tablets are large and may challenge some to swallow, they don’t bother me. My wife finds them difficult to take and uses Citrical Petites instead, which do not have the same trace elements. I highly recommend these.
Read More
9
Positive bone density change
3 people found this helpful
I take Citracal Calcium Plus as I have severe osteoporosis, and my recent bone density scan indicates my bones are improving in strength. My calcium levels have significantly increased.
Read More
9
Super easy to take
These tablets are precisely what the doctor ordered for my osteoporosis. They are simple to take, fitting nicely into my routine.
Read More
7.5
Effective symptom control
162 people found this helpful
How can you tell if something like this works? Well, I can. After having tumors on my parathyroid glands removed, my calcium level dropped. I had to take 24,000 milligrams a day of this formulation to manage my symptoms effectively, more so than others I'd tried. As a result of my condition, I now have osteoporosis, and I will continue taking this.
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7.5
Concerns about additives
I’ve been taking this supplement for a year, and it has normalised my calcium levels despite my osteoporosis. However, I am concerned about the inclusion of titanium dioxide, which has been deemed dangerous in Europe since 2022. Given its potential links to cancer and genetic diseases, I’m uncertain if I will continue purchasing it, especially as the smaller package I received has different attributes compared to the previous larger one.
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Frequently Asked Questions
7.5
Concerns about additives
I’ve been taking this supplement for a year, and it has normalised my calcium levels despite my osteoporosis. However, I am concerned about the inclusion of titanium dioxide, which has been deemed dangerous in Europe since 2022. Given its potential links to cancer and genetic diseases, I’m uncertain if I will continue purchasing it, especially as the smaller package I received has different attributes compared to the previous larger one.
9
Super easy to take
These tablets are precisely what the doctor ordered for my osteoporosis. They are simple to take, fitting nicely into my routine.
9
We examined a collection of randomized controlled trials to determine the impact of calcium plus vitamin D supplementation on fracture prevention.
The results revealed a promising 15% reduction in total fractures and a remarkable 30% drop in hip fractures among those taking these supplements.
This convincing evidence supports the recommendation of calcium and vitamin D for reducing fracture risk, especially in older adults, whether living at home or in care facilities.
The results revealed a promising 15% reduction in total fractures and a remarkable 30% drop in hip fractures among those taking these supplements.
This convincing evidence supports the recommendation of calcium and vitamin D for reducing fracture risk, especially in older adults, whether living at home or in care facilities.
9
We explored how adding vitamin D and calcium to denosumab therapy impacts bone health in patients with primary osteoporosis over four years.
The study involved two groups: one receiving just denosumab and another receiving denosumab with vitamin D and calcium.
Both groups saw improvements in bone health, but the combination group showed significant gains in hip bone density at 12 months and lumbar bone density from 24 to 48 months.
This suggests that ongoing vitamin D and calcium supplementation is beneficial alongside denosumab treatment.
The study involved two groups: one receiving just denosumab and another receiving denosumab with vitamin D and calcium.
Both groups saw improvements in bone health, but the combination group showed significant gains in hip bone density at 12 months and lumbar bone density from 24 to 48 months.
This suggests that ongoing vitamin D and calcium supplementation is beneficial alongside denosumab treatment.
8
Vitamin D3 aids osteoporosis recovery
We explored how active vitamin D3 treatment could affect immune factors like interleukins and tumor necrosis factor in patients with osteoporotic fractures.
Our study involved two groups—one received conventional treatment with calcium, while the other received calcium plus active vitamin D3.
After seven days, we observed that vitamin D3 treatment appeared to boost fracture healing by influencing immune factor levels. This suggests a potential role for vitamin D3 in supporting recovery from osteoporotic fractures.
Our study involved two groups—one received conventional treatment with calcium, while the other received calcium plus active vitamin D3.
After seven days, we observed that vitamin D3 treatment appeared to boost fracture healing by influencing immune factor levels. This suggests a potential role for vitamin D3 in supporting recovery from osteoporotic fractures.
4
Vitamin D and osteoporosis treatment risks
We aimed to understand how vitamin D, when taken alongside calcium, affects individuals dealing with osteoporosis. This study involved 204 participants aged between 50 and 89 years, all receiving a specific daily dose of calcium carbonate and alfacalcidol for at least a year.
Our findings reveal an important aspect of this treatment: while calcium and vitamin D can be beneficial for bone health, there's a concerning association with kidney stone formation among users. Particularly, those with a history of recurrent kidney stones seemed to face an increased risk, which may be linked to higher urinary calcium excretion as a result of the supplements.
This highlights a dual-edged sword in osteoporosis treatment—while we seek to strengthen bones, we also have to consider potential harm. Thus, anyone considering or currently using these supplements should consult with their healthcare provider to carefully weigh the benefits against the risks, especially if they have a past of kidney stones.
Our findings reveal an important aspect of this treatment: while calcium and vitamin D can be beneficial for bone health, there's a concerning association with kidney stone formation among users. Particularly, those with a history of recurrent kidney stones seemed to face an increased risk, which may be linked to higher urinary calcium excretion as a result of the supplements.
This highlights a dual-edged sword in osteoporosis treatment—while we seek to strengthen bones, we also have to consider potential harm. Thus, anyone considering or currently using these supplements should consult with their healthcare provider to carefully weigh the benefits against the risks, especially if they have a past of kidney stones.
References
- Liu S, Li J, Zhang M. Determination of immune factor levels in serum and local hematoma samples of osteoporotic fracture patients and clinical study of the effect of active vitamin D3 treatment on immune factor levels. J Orthop Surg Res. 2023;18:291. doi:10.1186/s13018-023-03777-7
- Wang S, Luo Z, Luo H, Li Z, Yuan Z, et al. Effects of a calcium/vitamin D/Zinc combination on anti-osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2023;77:127138. doi:10.1016/j.jtemb.2023.127138
- Méndez-Sánchez L, Clark P, Winzenberg TM, Tugwell P, Correa-Burrows P, et al. Calcium and vitamin D for increasing bone mineral density in premenopausal women. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2023;1:CD012664. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012664.pub2
- Santos LAA, Lima TB, de Carvalho Nunes HR, Qi X, Romeiro FG. Two-year risedronate treatment for osteoporosis in patients with esophageal varices: a non-randomized clinical trial. Hepatol Int. 2022;16:1458. doi:10.1007/s12072-022-10366-z
- Lampropoulou-Adamidou K, Trovas G, Triantafyllopoulos IK, Yavropoulou MP, Anastasilakis AD, et al. Teriparatide Treatment in Patients with Pregnancy- and Lactation-Associated Osteoporosis. Calcif Tissue Int. 2021;109:554. doi:10.1007/s00223-021-00871-y
- Dashnyam K, Bayaraa O, Mandakhbayar N, Park JH, Lee JH, et al. Nanoscale Calcium Salt-Based Formulations As Potential Therapeutics for Osteoporosis. ACS Biomater Sci Eng. 2020;6:4604. doi:10.1021/acsbiomaterials.0c00219
- Li S, Xi C, Li L, Long Z, Zhang N, et al. Comparisons of different vitamin D supplementation for prevention of osteoporotic fractures: a Bayesian network meta-analysis and meta-regression of randomised controlled trials. Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2021;72:518. doi:10.1080/09637486.2020.1830264
- Suzuki T, Nakamura Y, Kato H. Vitamin D and Calcium Addition during Denosumab Therapy over a Period of Four Years Significantly Improves Lumbar Bone Mineral Density in Japanese Osteoporosis Patients. Nutrients. 2018;10. doi:10.3390/nu10030272
- García-Gomáriz C, Blasco JM, Macián-Romero C, Guillem-Hernández E, Igual-Camacho C. Effect of 2 years of endurance and high-impact training on preventing osteoporosis in postmenopausal women: randomized clinical trial. Menopause. 2018;25:301. doi:10.1097/GME.0000000000001005
- Nakamura Y, Suzuki T, Yoshida T, Yamazaki H, Kato H. Vitamin D and Calcium Are Required during Denosumab Treatment in Osteoporosis with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Nutrients. 2017;9. doi:10.3390/nu9050428
- Brech GC, Ciolac EG, Peterson MD, Greve JM. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels are associated with functional capacity but not with postural balance in osteoporotic postmenopausal women. Clinics (Sao Paulo). 2017;72:11. doi:10.6061/clinics/2017(01)03
- Florenzano P, Mezzano V, Le-Bert M, González G. [Bone involvement in systemic mastocytosis: Report of two cases]. Rev Med Chil. 2016;144:401. doi:10.4067/S0034-98872016000300018
- Safer U, Safer VB, Demir SO, Yanikoglu I. Effects of Bisphosphonates and Calcium plus Vitamin-D Supplements on Cognitive Function in Postmenopausal Osteoporosis§. Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets. 2016;16:56.
- Weaver CM, Alexander DD, Boushey CJ, Dawson-Hughes B, Lappe JM, et al. Calcium plus vitamin D supplementation and risk of fractures: an updated meta-analysis from the National Osteoporosis Foundation. Osteoporos Int. 2016;27:367. doi:10.1007/s00198-015-3386-5
- Chen Y, Wan JX, Jiang DW, Fu BB, Cui J, et al. Efficacy of calcitriol in treating glucocorticoidinduced osteoporosis in patients with nephrotic syndrome: an open-label, randomized controlled study. Clin Nephrol. 2015;84:262. doi:10.5414/CN108473
- Overton ET, Chan ES, Brown TT, Tebas P, McComsey GA, et al. Vitamin D and Calcium Attenuate Bone Loss With Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation: A Randomized Trial. Ann Intern Med. 2015;162:815. doi:10.7326/M14-1409
- Afonso ML, Capelas ML, Pimenta NM, Santos T, Mäkitie A, et al. A Systematic Review of Vitamin D Supplementation in Oncology: Chance of Science or Effectiveness?. Nutrients. 2025;17. doi:10.3390/nu17040634
- Wang H, Tian G, Pei Z, Yu X, Wang Y, et al. increases serum vitamin D metabolite levels and modulates intestinal flora to alleviate osteoporosis in mice. mSphere. 2025. doi:10.1128/msphere.01039-24
- Skubica P, Hoffmanova I, Dankova P. Chronically increased osteoclastogenesis in adult celiac disease patients does not hinder improvement in bone health induced by gluten-free diet: Role of vitamin D, OPG and IL-6. J Nutr Biochem. 2025. doi:10.1016/j.jnutbio.2025.109871
- Pickering ME, Souberbielle JC, Boutten A, Breuil V, Briot K, et al. Daily or intermittent vitamin D supplementation in patients with or at risk of osteoporosis: Position statement from the GRIO. Joint Bone Spine. 2025;92:105858. doi:10.1016/j.jbspin.2025.105858
- Shi L, Bao Y, Deng X, Xu X, Hu J. Association between calcium and vitamin D supplementation and increased risk of kidney stone formation in patients with osteoporosis in Southwest China: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open. 2025;15:e092901. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2024-092901
- Zhang SB, Yang J, Xu HW, Yi YY, Ren CX, et al. Association Between 25-hydroxyvitamin D Status and New Vertebral Fractures Post Percutaneous Vertebral Augmentation in Patients During Postmenopause: A Retrospective Case-control Study. Pain Physician. 2025;28:E31.
- Yang C, Chen L, Guo X, Sun H, Miao D. The Vitamin D-Sirt1/PGC1α Axis Regulates Bone Metabolism and Counteracts Osteoporosis. J Orthop Translat. 2025;50:211. doi:10.1016/j.jot.2024.10.011
- Kuwabara N, Kanda J, Sato S, Nakagawa S. Impact of Daily High Ergosterol Intake for 14 Weeks in Ovariectomized Rats on Cholesterol and Vitamin D Biosynthesis Pathways. Biol Pharm Bull. 2025;48:39. doi:10.1248/bpb.b24-00536
- McCarrison S, Abdelrahman S, Quinlivan R, Keen R, Wong SC. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A systematic review. Bone. 2025;193:117410. doi:10.1016/j.bone.2025.117410
- Ma M, Zhang Y, Liu J, Tian C, Duan Z, et al. Associations of the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D with mortality among patients in osteopenia or osteoporosis. Bone. 2025. doi:10.1016/j.bone.2025.117408
- Wang JC, Chung SM, Wu PT, Tu YK, Lai PC, et al. Optimizing bone health in people living with HIV: insights from a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. EClinicalMedicine. 2025;81:103103. doi:10.1016/j.eclinm.2025.103103
- Chen L, Lin S, He X, Ye J, Huang Y, et al. A calcium-loaded complex based on Antarctic krill protein and supplemented with pectin promotes calcium absorption and bone health. Int J Biol Macromol. 2025. doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.141634
- Ma R, Romano E, Ashworth M, Vancampfort D, Solmi M, et al. Is there a disparity in osteoporosis referral and treatment among people with affective disorders? A ten-year data linkage study. Gen Hosp Psychiatry. 2025;94:56. doi:10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2025.02.009
- Chen J, Wang J, Jia W, Zhang Y, Li H, et al. Effect of salmon calcitonin combined with calcium antagonist on blood calcium and phosphorus ion concentration in osteoporosis rats. Eur J Med Res. 2025;30:115. doi:10.1186/s40001-025-02384-y
- Joris V, Balmayor ER, van Griensven M. miR-125b differentially impacts mineralization in dexamethasone and calcium-treated human mesenchymal stem cells. Mol Ther Nucleic Acids. 2025;36:102446. doi:10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102446
