Last update
5/20/2025
Research Authors

Overview

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Moderately Effective
Based on 6 Researches
8
USERS' SCORE
Moderately Good
Based on 3 Reviews
7.9
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 4 Tablets
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Calories
10
Total Carbohydrate
1 g
<1%**
Dietary Fiber
1 g
4%**
Vitamin D (as cholecalciferol)
15 mcg (600 IU)
75%
Calcium (as calcium citrate)
1000 mg
77%
Sodium†
20 mg
<1%

Top Medical Research Studies

8
Calcium aids heartburn relief
We explored the effectiveness of calcium in alleviating heartburn, especially in pregnant women. Our findings highlighted that many expectant mothers experience heartburn due to hormonal changes and the physical pressure of a growing fetus on the stomach.

Calcium-based antacids emerged as an excellent choice for providing relief. Not only do they help manage heartburn symptoms, but they also offer a source of calcium, which is vital for bone health in both mothers and their developing babies.

By ensuring adequate calcium intake through these antacids, we can support maternal health while addressing the discomforts of pregnancy. This dual benefit makes calcium supplementation a practical option for maintaining well-being during this critical time.
Read More
9
Calcium aids heartburn relief
We explored how calcium-containing antacids can help relieve heartburn, especially for pregnant women dealing with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This common issue affects many expectant mothers, causing discomfort and aggravation throughout their pregnancy.

The recommendation suggests starting with lifestyle changes to manage symptoms. But when heartburn is severe, introducing calcium-based antacids shows significant promise in reducing those pesky acid reflux issues. This approach prioritizes the health and safety of both mother and baby while aiming for effective relief from symptoms.

If symptoms persist, other treatments like Sucralfate or histamine-2 receptor antagonists can be considered. However, adding calcium-based antacids early on is a preferred first step for many women. Overall, we can see a clear benefit in using calcium for heartburn management during pregnancy, providing a healthy option for easing discomfort.
Read More
9
GutsyGum™ alleviates heartburn symptoms
This study aimed to assess how effectively GutsyGum™, a chewing gum containing calcium carbonate along with licorice extract, papain, and apple cider vinegar, alleviates heartburn after consuming a refluxogenic meal. We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial with 24 participants who had a history of gastro-esophageal reflux (GER). They were asked to chew either GutsyGum™ or a placebo after the meal, and their GER symptoms were measured using visual analogue scales over a four-hour period.

The results revealed that GutsyGum™ significantly reduced heartburn and acid reflux symptoms compared to the placebo. Specifically, the adjusted heartburn score was lower in those chewing GutsyGum™. However, when it came to other symptoms like nausea and belching, we didn't find significant differences. Although there was a trend indicating less pain with GutsyGum™, it didn't reach statistical significance.

Importantly, while calcium carbonate is a component of GutsyGum™, the effectiveness we noted comes from the combination of ingredients, making it challenging to pinpoint calcium's isolated role in reducing heartburn.
Read More

Most Useful Reviews

9
Heartburn relief achieved
Excellent calcium. It quickly raises calcium levels in the blood, as citrate is its best form. It is well tolerated in cases of gastrointestinal issues, with no heartburn or cramps. I recommend it.
Read More
9
Stronger nails observed
Good, with no heartburn; my nails, among other things, are stronger.
Read More
2
Difficult to swallow
2 people found this helpful
Huge and very hard to swallow; it was irritating. I wanted good calcium but these tablets are oversized, tough to digest, and cause heartburn and stomach discomfort. Unfortunately, the product cannot be returned, which is understandable, but I received no compensation for this unsatisfactory and expensive purchase.
Read More

Medical Researches

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Moderately Effective
Based on 6 Researches
8
  • All Researches
9
Calcium and prickly pear aid heartburn
We explored the combined effects of calcium from carbonate antacids and extract from the prickly pear plant, Opuntia ficus-indica, on heartburn symptoms. This was investigated through tests designed to mimic conditions in the esophagus during acid reflux. Our main goal was to understand if these ingredients could effectively help in neutralizing stomach acid and safeguarding esophageal cells from damage caused by both acidic and non-acidic reflux.

In our experiments, we found that the carbonate antacids worked to neutralize the acidity, which in turn helped to protect esophageal cells from harm due to low pH levels. Additionally, the prickly pear extract showed promise in reducing irritation from bile acids, as it decreased inflammation markers typically associated with reflux. This dual action of both components suggests that combining them could be an effective way to manage heartburn.

Overall, this study indicates that while calcium plays a role through antacid effects, the inclusion of prickly pear extract enhances the overall protective benefits against heartburn, making it a potentially valuable treatment option for those experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort.
Read More
9
Calcium aids heartburn relief
We explored how calcium-containing antacids can help relieve heartburn, especially for pregnant women dealing with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This common issue affects many expectant mothers, causing discomfort and aggravation throughout their pregnancy.

The recommendation suggests starting with lifestyle changes to manage symptoms. But when heartburn is severe, introducing calcium-based antacids shows significant promise in reducing those pesky acid reflux issues. This approach prioritizes the health and safety of both mother and baby while aiming for effective relief from symptoms.

If symptoms persist, other treatments like Sucralfate or histamine-2 receptor antagonists can be considered. However, adding calcium-based antacids early on is a preferred first step for many women. Overall, we can see a clear benefit in using calcium for heartburn management during pregnancy, providing a healthy option for easing discomfort.
Read More
9
GutsyGum™ alleviates heartburn symptoms
This study aimed to assess how effectively GutsyGum™, a chewing gum containing calcium carbonate along with licorice extract, papain, and apple cider vinegar, alleviates heartburn after consuming a refluxogenic meal. We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial with 24 participants who had a history of gastro-esophageal reflux (GER). They were asked to chew either GutsyGum™ or a placebo after the meal, and their GER symptoms were measured using visual analogue scales over a four-hour period.

The results revealed that GutsyGum™ significantly reduced heartburn and acid reflux symptoms compared to the placebo. Specifically, the adjusted heartburn score was lower in those chewing GutsyGum™. However, when it came to other symptoms like nausea and belching, we didn't find significant differences. Although there was a trend indicating less pain with GutsyGum™, it didn't reach statistical significance.

Importantly, while calcium carbonate is a component of GutsyGum™, the effectiveness we noted comes from the combination of ingredients, making it challenging to pinpoint calcium's isolated role in reducing heartburn.
Read More
We set out to explore how the aerial parts of Laportea aestuans, a plant historically consumed by pregnant women in Ghana for heartburn relief, can work with calcium carbonate (CaCO3) to help neutralize stomach acid.

Using a controlled laboratory method, we mimicked the conditions in the stomach by stirring a mixture of tap water and plant material at 37°C, followed by titrating it with artificial gastric acid. This allowed us to carefully measure how effective both L. aestuans and CaCO3 were in alleviating acidity compared to just plain water.

Our results revealed that both L. aestuans and CaCO3 displayed significant potential to neutralize stomach acid. The combination of L. aestuans at a lower dose of 666 mg with CaCO3 performed similarly to CaCO3 on its own. However, when we increased the plant material to 1332 mg, it took longer for the mixture to reach the desired pH, but it maintained a higher pH for a more extended period, suggesting a complementary antacid effect.

Overall, these findings suggest that L. aestuans combined with calcium carbonate may serve as a promising natural remedy for heartburn.
Read More
8
Calcium aids heartburn relief
We explored the effectiveness of calcium in alleviating heartburn, especially in pregnant women. Our findings highlighted that many expectant mothers experience heartburn due to hormonal changes and the physical pressure of a growing fetus on the stomach.

Calcium-based antacids emerged as an excellent choice for providing relief. Not only do they help manage heartburn symptoms, but they also offer a source of calcium, which is vital for bone health in both mothers and their developing babies.

By ensuring adequate calcium intake through these antacids, we can support maternal health while addressing the discomforts of pregnancy. This dual benefit makes calcium supplementation a practical option for maintaining well-being during this critical time.
Read More

User Reviews

USERS' SCORE
Moderately Good
Based on 3 Reviews
7.9
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
9
Heartburn relief achieved
Excellent calcium. It quickly raises calcium levels in the blood, as citrate is its best form. It is well tolerated in cases of gastrointestinal issues, with no heartburn or cramps. I recommend it.
Read More
9
Stronger nails observed
Good, with no heartburn; my nails, among other things, are stronger.
Read More
2
Difficult to swallow
2 people found this helpful
Huge and very hard to swallow; it was irritating. I wanted good calcium but these tablets are oversized, tough to digest, and cause heartburn and stomach discomfort. Unfortunately, the product cannot be returned, which is understandable, but I received no compensation for this unsatisfactory and expensive purchase.
Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

9
Heartburn relief achieved
Excellent calcium. It quickly raises calcium levels in the blood, as citrate is its best form. It is well tolerated in cases of gastrointestinal issues, with no heartburn or cramps. I recommend it.
9
Stronger nails observed
Good, with no heartburn; my nails, among other things, are stronger.
9
Calcium and prickly pear aid heartburn
We explored the combined effects of calcium from carbonate antacids and extract from the prickly pear plant, Opuntia ficus-indica, on heartburn symptoms. This was investigated through tests designed to mimic conditions in the esophagus during acid reflux. Our main goal was to understand if these ingredients could effectively help in neutralizing stomach acid and safeguarding esophageal cells from damage caused by both acidic and non-acidic reflux.

In our experiments, we found that the carbonate antacids worked to neutralize the acidity, which in turn helped to protect esophageal cells from harm due to low pH levels. Additionally, the prickly pear extract showed promise in reducing irritation from bile acids, as it decreased inflammation markers typically associated with reflux. This dual action of both components suggests that combining them could be an effective way to manage heartburn.

Overall, this study indicates that while calcium plays a role through antacid effects, the inclusion of prickly pear extract enhances the overall protective benefits against heartburn, making it a potentially valuable treatment option for those experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort.
9
Calcium aids heartburn relief
We explored how calcium-containing antacids can help relieve heartburn, especially for pregnant women dealing with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This common issue affects many expectant mothers, causing discomfort and aggravation throughout their pregnancy.

The recommendation suggests starting with lifestyle changes to manage symptoms. But when heartburn is severe, introducing calcium-based antacids shows significant promise in reducing those pesky acid reflux issues. This approach prioritizes the health and safety of both mother and baby while aiming for effective relief from symptoms.

If symptoms persist, other treatments like Sucralfate or histamine-2 receptor antagonists can be considered. However, adding calcium-based antacids early on is a preferred first step for many women. Overall, we can see a clear benefit in using calcium for heartburn management during pregnancy, providing a healthy option for easing discomfort.
8
Calcium aids heartburn relief
We explored the effectiveness of calcium in alleviating heartburn, especially in pregnant women. Our findings highlighted that many expectant mothers experience heartburn due to hormonal changes and the physical pressure of a growing fetus on the stomach.

Calcium-based antacids emerged as an excellent choice for providing relief. Not only do they help manage heartburn symptoms, but they also offer a source of calcium, which is vital for bone health in both mothers and their developing babies.

By ensuring adequate calcium intake through these antacids, we can support maternal health while addressing the discomforts of pregnancy. This dual benefit makes calcium supplementation a practical option for maintaining well-being during this critical time.
5
Comparative study of antacid effectiveness
We conducted a study to compare two popular antacids—Rennie and Riopan Gel—on their effectiveness in reducing heartburn by measuring intragastric acidity. Our approach involved a well-structured, open-label, randomized, placebo-controlled cross-over trial with 24 healthy adult volunteers. Each participant received either Riopan Gel, Rennie, or nothing at all on different days, allowing us to assess the immediate impact of these antacids.

What we found is quite interesting. Although both antacids provided short-term relief from acidity compared to a placebo, neither showed a significant advantage over the other. In the initial minutes after taking the medications, Riopan Gel worked slightly faster than Rennie, but that difference quickly disappeared. Overall, we concluded that whether the antacid is in liquid or tablet form has very little influence on reducing intragastric acidity.

A notable aspect of our research was the inclusion of calcium in the Rennie preparation. However, since we didn’t evaluate calcium's isolated effects, we can’t determine its specific role in treating heartburn. This leaves a bit of ambiguity regarding how effectively calcium can work on its own against heartburn symptoms.
9
GutsyGum™ alleviates heartburn symptoms
This study aimed to assess how effectively GutsyGum™, a chewing gum containing calcium carbonate along with licorice extract, papain, and apple cider vinegar, alleviates heartburn after consuming a refluxogenic meal. We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial with 24 participants who had a history of gastro-esophageal reflux (GER). They were asked to chew either GutsyGum™ or a placebo after the meal, and their GER symptoms were measured using visual analogue scales over a four-hour period.

The results revealed that GutsyGum™ significantly reduced heartburn and acid reflux symptoms compared to the placebo. Specifically, the adjusted heartburn score was lower in those chewing GutsyGum™. However, when it came to other symptoms like nausea and belching, we didn't find significant differences. Although there was a trend indicating less pain with GutsyGum™, it didn't reach statistical significance.

Importantly, while calcium carbonate is a component of GutsyGum™, the effectiveness we noted comes from the combination of ingredients, making it challenging to pinpoint calcium's isolated role in reducing heartburn.

References

  1. Lehner MD, Scheyhing U, Elsässer J. A combination of carbonates and Opuntia ficus-indica extract protects esophageal cells against simulated acidic and non-acidic reflux in vitro. Sci Rep. 2024;14:22355. 10.1038/s41598-024-74047-7
  2. Altuwaijri M. Evidence-based treatment recommendations for gastroesophageal reflux disease during pregnancy: A review. Medicine (Baltimore). 2022;101:e30487. 10.1097/MD.0000000000030487
  3. Christensen CB, Soelberg J, Jäger AK. Antacid activity of Laportea aestuans (L.) Chew. J Ethnopharmacol. 2015;171:1. 10.1016/j.jep.2015.05.026
  4. Brown R, Sam CH, Green T, Wood S. Effect of GutsyGum(tm), A Novel Gum, on Subjective Ratings of Gastro Esophageal Reflux Following A Refluxogenic Meal. J Diet Suppl. 2015;12:138. 10.3109/19390211.2014.950783
  5. Sulz MC, Manz M, Grob P, Meier R, Drewe J, et al. Comparison of two antacid preparations on intragastric acidity--a two-centre open randomised cross-over placebo-controlled trial. Digestion. 2007;75:69.
  6. Thomas M, Weisman SM. Calcium supplementation during pregnancy and lactation: effects on the mother and the fetus. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2006;194:937.
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