5/5/2025
Last update
5/5/2025
Reviewed By
Reviewed By
Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 31 Researches
7.5
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 20 Reviews
8.1
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 2 caplets
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Total Sugars
0 g
**
Includes 0g Added Sugars
0%*
Sugar Alcohol
0 g
**
Vitamin D
25 mcg (1000 IU)
125%
Calcium
1200 mg
92%
Magnesium
80 mg
19%
Sodium
5 mg
<1%
*Percent Daily Values are based on the a 2,000 calorie diet.**Daily Value not established
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
9
Lifesaver for bones
16 people found this helpful
This product has been a lifesaver for my bones. At age 63 with osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and degenerative disc disease, I faced multiple breaks. Since my doctor recommended this over two years ago, I’ve only had one break from a fall, and it strengthens my bones.
Read More
8.5
Improved bone density
6 people found this helpful
Better with slow release—since I began this instead of regular Citracal, I believe it's better for me. It's absorbed more effectively as it releases throughout the day. I have osteoporosis, and after the removal of a parathyroid gland, I require a calcium supplement that works. My surgeon suggested Citracal post-operation, and I followed that advice, but switched to this one. As a registered nurse, I understand the importance of slow absorption. So far, my bone densities have improved with this and Reclast IV. Now, I am off Reclast and managing well without any broken bones.
Read More
9
Improved health metrics
4 people found this helpful
Since starting these tablets after my osteoporosis diagnosis, they have been effective. My lab results and density tests indicate positive improvements.
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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 20 Reviews
8.1
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
9
Lifesaver for bones
16 people found this helpful
This product has been a lifesaver for my bones. At age 63 with osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and degenerative disc disease, I faced multiple breaks. Since my doctor recommended this over two years ago, I’ve only had one break from a fall, and it strengthens my bones.
Read More
8.5
Improved bone density
6 people found this helpful
Better with slow release—since I began this instead of regular Citracal, I believe it's better for me. It's absorbed more effectively as it releases throughout the day. I have osteoporosis, and after the removal of a parathyroid gland, I require a calcium supplement that works. My surgeon suggested Citracal post-operation, and I followed that advice, but switched to this one. As a registered nurse, I understand the importance of slow absorption. So far, my bone densities have improved with this and Reclast IV. Now, I am off Reclast and managing well without any broken bones.
Read More
9
Improved health metrics
4 people found this helpful
Since starting these tablets after my osteoporosis diagnosis, they have been effective. My lab results and density tests indicate positive improvements.
Read More
9
Pain relief post-chemo
2 people found this helpful
Mom helped after chemotherapy. I've bought this calcium for her before, as her osteoporosis worsened due to chemotherapy, leading to pain. The doctor advised calcium intake, and after starting it, her pain subsided. She said, “Calcium helped me immensely: my fingers ached post-chemo, but the calcium alleviated the pain.” My sister also benefited, as she could not raise her arms due to shoulder pain; after taking calcium, she can now lift them above her shoulders.
Read More
9
Works effectively
Brilliant! This product works well. My mother uses these pills for her osteoporosis.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
7.5
Visible results
3 people found this helpful
Great calcium! At just 30, I've been diagnosed with the initial form of osteoporosis. I take calcium consistently, and this brand has been my choice for a considerable time. After taking one capsule, I noticed visible improvements almost immediately!
7.5
Bone density improvement
I purchased this for my mother, and after taking it for two years, I have noticed an improvement in my own bone density. It is effective against osteoporosis.
9
Pain relief post-chemo
2 people found this helpful
Mom helped after chemotherapy. I've bought this calcium for her before, as her osteoporosis worsened due to chemotherapy, leading to pain. The doctor advised calcium intake, and after starting it, her pain subsided. She said, “Calcium helped me immensely: my fingers ached post-chemo, but the calcium alleviated the pain.” My sister also benefited, as she could not raise her arms due to shoulder pain; after taking calcium, she can now lift them above her shoulders.
8.5
Improved bone density
6 people found this helpful
Better with slow release—since I began this instead of regular Citracal, I believe it's better for me. It's absorbed more effectively as it releases throughout the day. I have osteoporosis, and after the removal of a parathyroid gland, I require a calcium supplement that works. My surgeon suggested Citracal post-operation, and I followed that advice, but switched to this one. As a registered nurse, I understand the importance of slow absorption. So far, my bone densities have improved with this and Reclast IV. Now, I am off Reclast and managing well without any broken bones.
7.5
Improves bone health
Nutritional supplements are beneficial for individuals of all ages. Bayer's Maxim Calcium is of guaranteed quality and comes in liquid form, which enhances absorption, especially when taken with vitamin D. I have noticed improvements in osteoporosis and my overall bone health.
8
Reduced body aches
I’ve been diagnosed with osteoporosis, and my doctor advised Citracal 1200 rapid release with vitamin D to enhance my calcium levels, which significantly helped alleviate my body aches. The packaging is user-friendly, and the price is quite competitive.
6
Reduces osteoporosis risk
Citracal's Slo-Cal Technology offers a slow and continuous release of calcium for effective absorption. By taking 1,200 mg of calcium and 1,000 IU of vitamin D3 daily, you can meet your calcium needs with one dose. Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake throughout life may help reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
7.5
Positive trend
Excellent calcium! Prescribed by my doctor, I take it for osteoporosis and observe a positive trend in my analyses.
7.5
Doctor recommendation
The best calcium! I've been taking this for years since my doctor recommended it over a decade ago due to genetic osteoporosis. This formulation improves absorption with a slow release and is gentler on my stomach. The tablets are large, but still manageable.
7
Calcium plus vitamin D analysis
We examined the effectiveness of oral vitamin D supplementation, alongside calcium, in preventing osteoporotic fractures through a comprehensive analysis of 33 studies involving over 83,000 participants.
While standalone vitamin D showed no significant effect on fracture risk, its combination with calcium revealed promising results for reducing total, hip, and non-vertebral fractures, particularly in women.
However, further analysis did not reaffirm these findings, indicating the need for careful consideration of body weight when determining vitamin D dosages for effective prevention.
While standalone vitamin D showed no significant effect on fracture risk, its combination with calcium revealed promising results for reducing total, hip, and non-vertebral fractures, particularly in women.
However, further analysis did not reaffirm these findings, indicating the need for careful consideration of body weight when determining vitamin D dosages for effective prevention.
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.
2
We aimed to find out if calcium and vitamin D supplementation can improve bone mineral density (BMD) in healthy premenopausal women. After reviewing seven randomized controlled trials with nearly 1,000 participants, we found no significant improvements in total hip or lumbar spine BMD compared to placebo.
Our evidence indicates that neither calcium nor vitamin D—alone or combined—showed benefits for increasing bone strength or preventing fractures in this group. This suggests that there is little support for recommending these supplements to enhance bone health in healthy premenopausal women.
Our evidence indicates that neither calcium nor vitamin D—alone or combined—showed benefits for increasing bone strength or preventing fractures in this group. This suggests that there is little support for recommending these supplements to enhance bone health in healthy premenopausal women.
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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102446
