'
Garden of Life Raw Calcium Supplement
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Questionable
Based on 16 Researches
6.5
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 7 Reviews
8.1
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 4 Capsules
Serving Per Container:  30
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Vitamin C (from culture of S. cerevisiae)
50 mg
56%
Vitamin D (as D3 from culture of S. cerevisiae)
40 mcg (1,600 IU)
200%
Vitamin K (from culture of S. cerevisiae)
120 mcg
100%
Calcium (naturally occurring from Algae)
1,100 mg
85%
Magnesium (from Algae and Dead Sea minerals)
357 mg
85%
Vitamin K (as K2 MK-7)
50 mcg
+
Strontium (naturally occurring from Algae)
3.8 mg
+
Boron (from Brown Rice Chelate)
3 mg
+
Silica (naturally occurring from Algae)
2.2 mg
+
Vanadium (naturally occurring from Algae)
25 mcg
+
Raw Probiotic & Enzyme BlendLipase, Protease, Aspergillopepsin, beta-Glucanase, Cellulase, Bromelain, Phytase, Lactase, Papain, Peptidase, Pectinase, Hemicellulase, Xylanase, [Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus plantarum] (500 Million CFU).
64 mg
+

Top Medical Research Studies

9
Magnesium reduces kidney stone risk
Effect of magnesium oxide or citrate supplements on metabolic risk factors in kidney stone formers with idiopathic hyperoxaluria: a randomized clinical trial.
Highly relevant for kidney stone treatment
We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to explore how magnesium treatments influence kidney stones, specifically for those with high levels of oxalate in their urine. Our study involved 90 participants with a history of calcium kidney stones, all of whom were experiencing idiopathic hyperoxaluria. They were divided into three groups receiving either magnesium oxide (MgO), magnesium citrate (MgCit), or a placebo for eight weeks, while their diets were monitored to keep nutritional intake consistent.

After the treatment period, we observed promising results. Both MgO and MgCit effectively reduced the excretion of oxalate in urine, which is a key factor in kidney stone formation. The Group taking magnesium citrate showed even more significant reductions in both oxalate levels and the calcium oxalate supersaturation index, which measures the concentration of stone-forming minerals in urine. This was notably true for participants with normal magnesium levels.

Overall, we found that magnesium supplements might play a beneficial role in decreasing critical risk factors for kidney stones, especially for those using magnesium citrate. It's encouraging to see that this may offer a practical option for those struggling with recurrent stones due to high oxalate excretion.
Read More
8
Dietary magnesium may reduce stones
Dietary Magnesium Intake and Kidney Stone: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2018.
Focus on magnesium's role
We wanted to understand the relationship between dietary magnesium intake and the prevalence of kidney stones. By examining data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey spanning 2011 to 2018, we were able to analyze the self-reported history of kidney stones among participants.

Our findings indicated that those who consumed higher amounts of magnesium appeared to have a lower likelihood of experiencing kidney stones. Specifically, the average daily magnesium intake was lower in individuals with kidney stones, suggesting that magnesium might play a role in kidney stone formation.

In our analysis, we discovered that when grouped into different levels of magnesium intake, those in the highest intake category had significantly reduced odds of developing kidney stones compared to those in the lowest intake category. This trend suggests a protective effect of dietary magnesium against kidney stone disease.

While our results are promising, we recognize that further research is needed to determine if there is a direct causal relationship between magnesium intake and kidney stones. The evidence points towards a beneficial link, but more prospective studies will help clarify this important topic for better health outcomes.
Read More
4
Vitamin D's limited effect on kidney stones
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.
Directly addresses kidney stone prevention
We conducted a clinical trial to explore how different vitamin D treatment protocols affect kidney stones in patients who frequently experience them and have low vitamin D levels. We involved 62 participants, all with serum vitamin D levels between 10 to 20 ng/ml, and split them into two groups: one received 2000 IU of oral vitamin D daily for 12 weeks, while the other took 50,000 IU weekly for 8 weeks.

Our results showed that both treatment approaches led to a significant increase in 24-hour urine calcium. However, we observed no notable difference between the two therapies regarding this measure. Importantly, while there was an increase in 24-hour urine calcium, neither treatment affected the supersaturation levels of calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate, which are critical in the formation of kidney stones.

We also noted a significant rise in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, with the weekly regimen showing a greater increase. Alongside these changes, parathyroid hormone levels decreased in both groups. Ultimately, while vitamin D supplementation did elevate urine calcium levels, it did not enhance supersaturation factors that contribute to kidney stone formation, indicating that the benefits of vitamin D in this context may be limited.
Read More

Most Useful Reviews

9.5
Osteoporosis prevention
Garden of Life, Vitamin Code, RAW Calcium reduces the risk of osteoporosis while strengthening bones and teeth. This formula uses natural plant calcium (1,100mg) alongside 50mcg vitamin D3 to enhance calcium absorption in bones. It also includes vitamin K2 and magnesium to support long-term bone health.
Read More
8.8
Nutrient absorption support
The best complex for addressing calcium deficiency. Alongside magnesium and vitamin D, it contains K2 and trace elements that aid proper calcium absorption in bones, rather than in kidneys and blood vessels. It’s advisable to first remove deficiencies in vitamin D and magnesium before taking calcium.
Read More
0.5
Recommendation against use
Gave me kidney stones and isn't assimilatable. They claim it's whole food grown on algae, but it felt like egg shells. After using it, I experienced pain in my urinary tract and had to use herbs to alleviate it. Stopping its use ceased my discomfort. I do not recommend this product and am disappointed with this brand.
Read More

Medical Researches

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Questionable
Based on 16 Researches
6.5
  • All Researches
9
Magnesium reduces kidney stone risk
Effect of magnesium oxide or citrate supplements on metabolic risk factors in kidney stone formers with idiopathic hyperoxaluria: a randomized clinical trial.
Highly relevant for kidney stone treatment
We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to explore how magnesium treatments influence kidney stones, specifically for those with high levels of oxalate in their urine. Our study involved 90 participants with a history of calcium kidney stones, all of whom were experiencing idiopathic hyperoxaluria. They were divided into three groups receiving either magnesium oxide (MgO), magnesium citrate (MgCit), or a placebo for eight weeks, while their diets were monitored to keep nutritional intake consistent.

After the treatment period, we observed promising results. Both MgO and MgCit effectively reduced the excretion of oxalate in urine, which is a key factor in kidney stone formation. The Group taking magnesium citrate showed even more significant reductions in both oxalate levels and the calcium oxalate supersaturation index, which measures the concentration of stone-forming minerals in urine. This was notably true for participants with normal magnesium levels.

Overall, we found that magnesium supplements might play a beneficial role in decreasing critical risk factors for kidney stones, especially for those using magnesium citrate. It's encouraging to see that this may offer a practical option for those struggling with recurrent stones due to high oxalate excretion.
Read More
8
Vitamin D may lower kidney stones
Multivitamins co-intake can reduce the prevalence of kidney stones: a large-scale cross-sectional study.
Study highlights multifactorial vitamin effects
We explored the connection between vitamin D and kidney stones by analyzing data from a large national health survey. Our goal was to understand whether increasing vitamin D intake could help reduce the prevalence of kidney stones, a painful condition affecting many people.

From our investigation, we observed that higher levels of vitamin D intake were linked to a lower likelihood of experiencing kidney stones. Specifically, those with high vitamin D intake showed a significant protective effect compared to those with lower intake levels. This suggests that vitamin D may play a beneficial role in kidney health.

However, our study also revealed some nuances. While vitamin D seemed to provide protection, the relationship with vitamin C intake was more complicated. As vitamin C intake rose, its effects shifted—initially protective but later potentially harmful if consumed in excess.

Additionally, our findings indicated that when vitamin D is taken alongside other vitamins, the protective effects against kidney stones could be enhanced. Overall, co-exposure to multiple vitamins was seen as beneficial, making vitamin combinations an interesting area for further research.
Read More
8
Magnesium's complex role in kidney stones
Machine Learning Models Decoding the Association Between Urinary Stone Diseases and Metabolic Urinary Profiles.
Strong connection to magnesium findings
We analyzed how magnesium levels in urine might influence the occurrence of kidney stones. The study involved a mix of 468 patients who had been diagnosed with various types of urinary stones and underwent a detailed 24-hour urine analysis.

Our investigation found that 24-hour urinary magnesium was positively associated with both kidney stones and stones in multiple locations. Specifically, higher levels of magnesium corresponded with increased risk for these conditions. This relationship was particularly interesting because magnesium was highly correlated with another mineral, urinary phosphorus.

On the flip side, we also identified that 24-hour urinary creatinine acted as a protective factor against kidney and ureter stones, suggesting that maintaining adequate creatinine levels could potentially help prevent these types of stones. Additionally, eGFR (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) was noted as a risk factor especially for ureter stones and those that appear in multiple locations.

Ultimately, our study underscores that while magnesium is linked to stone formation, there are other contributing factors at play as well. This knowledge could guide improvements in dietary or medicinal strategies aimed at preventing kidney stones, especially emphasizing the need for a balanced intake of minerals in our diets.
Read More
8
Magnesium's role in kidney stones
Oral supplementation with probiotics, potassium citrate, and magnesium in reducing crystalluria in stone formers: A phase II study.
Limited insights on magnesium alone
We analyzed a study focused on the effects of a combination of probiotics, potassium, and magnesium on kidney stone formation, specifically looking at crystalluria, which is the presence of crystals in urine that can signal the recurrence of kidney stones. The study involved 23 patients with calcium oxalate kidney stones who had crystalluria but normal metabolic profiles.

Over the course of 20 days, the patients received daily supplementation with beneficial bacteria, including Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Bifidobacterium breve, along with potassium citrate and magnesium. After treatment, we observed a decrease in the presence of crystalluria at multiple follow-up points—1, 3, 6, and 12 months later.

Interestingly, while we noted that the probiotics and other agents helped reduce crystalluria, the study did not isolate the specific effects of magnesium alone. Therefore, we must be cautious in drawing firm conclusions about magnesium’s standalone effectiveness in this context.

Overall, the findings suggest that combining these supplements can be beneficial for patients with kidney stones, but the role of magnesium specifically requires further investigation.
Read More
8
Magnesium improves urine levels
Magnesium Supplementation Increases Urine Magnesium and Citrate in Stone Formers With Hypomagnesuria.
Study relevant to kidney stones
We aimed to find out how magnesium affects urinary levels of magnesium and citrate in people who form kidney stones and have low magnesium in their urine. By examining medical records, we compared two approaches: one group increased their magnesium through foods, while the other group received magnesium supplements.

We focused on adult patients whose urine magnesium levels were less than 70 mg a day. Following our recommendations, we observed significant changes after both dietary increases and supplementation. Those who took magnesium supplements showed a more pronounced improvement—about 88% were able to raise their urine magnesium to at least 70 mg a day, compared to just 58% in the dietary group.

Interestingly, only the supplement group showed a noticeable increase in urine citrate levels, which is also crucial in the prevention of kidney stones. Overall, both dietary and supplemental magnesium effectively improved magnesium levels, but supplementation had greater success in achieving desirable levels.
Read More

User Reviews

USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 7 Reviews
8.1
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
9.5
Osteoporosis prevention
Garden of Life, Vitamin Code, RAW Calcium reduces the risk of osteoporosis while strengthening bones and teeth. This formula uses natural plant calcium (1,100mg) alongside 50mcg vitamin D3 to enhance calcium absorption in bones. It also includes vitamin K2 and magnesium to support long-term bone health.
Read More
8.8
Nutrient absorption support
The best complex for addressing calcium deficiency. Alongside magnesium and vitamin D, it contains K2 and trace elements that aid proper calcium absorption in bones, rather than in kidneys and blood vessels. It’s advisable to first remove deficiencies in vitamin D and magnesium before taking calcium.
Read More
0.5
Recommendation against use
Gave me kidney stones and isn't assimilatable. They claim it's whole food grown on algae, but it felt like egg shells. After using it, I experienced pain in my urinary tract and had to use herbs to alleviate it. Stopping its use ceased my discomfort. I do not recommend this product and am disappointed with this brand.
Read More
9.5
Natural calcium source
Taking 2 capsules twice daily is an excellent way to replenish deficiencies in calcium, magnesium, and other trace elements. It contains raw, unprocessed ingredients, with calcium sourced from AlgaeCal brown seaweed for high bioavailability, ensuring easy absorption and no negative reactions.
Read More
9.5
Plant-based calcium
This is the only calcium I trust, being plant-based and not causing calcification that could clog arteries or lead to kidney stones.
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