Overview

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Questionable
Based on 8 Researches
5.9
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 14 Reviews
8.6
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

9
Calcium dobesilate reduces leg cramps
We examined the benefits of calcium dobesilate for patients suffering from chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), particularly focusing on how it impacts symptoms like leg cramps. In a systematic evaluation of ten different clinical trials involving 778 patients, we compared the effects of calcium dobesilate to a placebo.

Our analysis found that calcium dobesilate significantly reduced night cramps, helping patients nearly twice as much as those who received a placebo. The number needed to treat for this relief was calculated to be 8, indicating that for every eight patients treated with calcium dobesilate, one experienced noticeable improvement.

Moreover, patients also reported less discomfort, with a number needed to treat of 4 for that symptom. Interestingly, we noted that those with more severe symptoms experienced even greater relief, suggesting that calcium dobesilate is particularly effective for patients with advanced CVI. However, both doses tested—1,000 mg and 1,500 mg—proved equally effective, which is good news as it suggests that a lower dose might suffice.

Additionally, we found that adverse events were not significantly different from the placebo group, indicating a favorable safety profile. While calcium dobesilate shows promise, we acknowledge the need for further studies to solidify these findings and explore its efficacy in various CVI stages.
Read More
8
Calcium reduces leg cramps effectively
We assessed the effectiveness of calcium in alleviating leg cramps, a common issue faced by many women in the later stages of pregnancy. Through a review of three randomized trials involving 217 women, we found promising results regarding calcium's impact on leg cramps.

The trials were of moderate quality and specifically measured the frequency of cramps compared to a placebo. Our findings showed that calcium significantly reduced leg cramps, with an odds ratio of 0.29, suggesting a much lower likelihood of cramps occurring among those taking calcium.

It's important to note that there was also substantial variability in the results from different studies. Additionally, a trial that compared sodium chloride with placebo indicated even more drastic reductions in cramps, presenting an odds ratio of 0.08.

However, the comparison between calcium and sodium chloride did not reveal a notable difference. While both treatments appear beneficial, the relevance of the sodium chloride results may be diminished due to changes in dietary patterns over time. Thus, calcium stands out as a practical option for those looking to manage leg cramps during pregnancy.
Read More
We explored the effects of calcium supplements on leg cramps experienced during pregnancy by analyzing studies that compared calcium treatment to no treatment. The research included one trial with 43 women, evaluating how well calcium helped alleviate leg cramps.

The findings suggested that women taking calcium were more likely to experience fewer leg cramps after treatment compared to those who didn't receive any treatment. Specifically, a higher proportion of women reported having no leg cramps at all after taking calcium. However, the evidence was classified as very low quality, making it difficult to draw strong conclusions.

Overall, while calcium appeared to offer some benefit in reducing leg cramps, the lack of rigorous studies and clear outcomes means we should approach these findings with caution. Further research is needed to confirm these effects and establish a clearer understanding of how calcium works for pregnant women dealing with leg cramps.
Read More

Most Useful Reviews

7.5
Cramps reduced
9 people found this helpful
Initially, my legs had mild cramps at bedtime, which worsened and disrupted my sleep. I noted brittle nails and excessive hair loss, prompting me to analyse my calcium levels. Realising I needed calcium citrate for better absorption, I ordered this product and after half a month, noted a reduction in cramping, alongside stronger nails. Although the tablets are large, that isn’t an issue for me. I would recommend them and plan to order more.
Read More
9
Resolved night cramps
7 people found this helpful
An excellent product recommended by my doctor during pregnancy. I started taking it in the second trimester to help reduce leg cramps after long days. The capsules are notably large but SOLGAR is an excellent brand. For best absorption, I take Vitamin D in the evening with fat, ideally alongside K and omega-3s. I hope my experience helps others.
Read More
9
Better sleep achieved
2 people found this helpful
After a month on Solgar calcium, I can confidently say it’s effective. My calves hurt at night, but now thanks to this product, I sleep soundly. I wholeheartedly recommend it as the best calcium out there!
Read More

Medical Researches

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Questionable
Based on 8 Researches
5.9
  • All Researches
9.5
Calcium's unclear role in cramps
We observed an interesting case regarding the effects of calcium treatment on leg cramps related to a chemotherapy drug called oxaliplatin. In this case, a 62-year-old woman undergoing palliative treatment for stage IV colon cancer experienced acute neurotoxicity symptoms. Notably, thirty minutes after her first infusion of oxaliplatin, which she received in her left arm, she developed cramps and paresthesia in her right leg.

As part of her treatment for these symptoms, intravenous calcium gluconate was administered alongside magnesium sulfate. This combination helped alleviate her leg cramping and associated symptoms within three hours. However, while calcium was part of the treatment regimen, it is important to note that its isolated effectiveness on leg cramps is unclear due to its concurrent administration with magnesium.

Consequently, while we saw improvement in the patient's symptoms, it is difficult to attribute these results solely to calcium. Instead, it suggests that magnesium might be playing a significant role as well. Future investigations could help clarify the specific contributions of calcium in treating leg cramps related to neurotoxicity and other conditions.
Read More
9
Calcium dobesilate reduces leg cramps
We examined the benefits of calcium dobesilate for patients suffering from chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), particularly focusing on how it impacts symptoms like leg cramps. In a systematic evaluation of ten different clinical trials involving 778 patients, we compared the effects of calcium dobesilate to a placebo.

Our analysis found that calcium dobesilate significantly reduced night cramps, helping patients nearly twice as much as those who received a placebo. The number needed to treat for this relief was calculated to be 8, indicating that for every eight patients treated with calcium dobesilate, one experienced noticeable improvement.

Moreover, patients also reported less discomfort, with a number needed to treat of 4 for that symptom. Interestingly, we noted that those with more severe symptoms experienced even greater relief, suggesting that calcium dobesilate is particularly effective for patients with advanced CVI. However, both doses tested—1,000 mg and 1,500 mg—proved equally effective, which is good news as it suggests that a lower dose might suffice.

Additionally, we found that adverse events were not significantly different from the placebo group, indicating a favorable safety profile. While calcium dobesilate shows promise, we acknowledge the need for further studies to solidify these findings and explore its efficacy in various CVI stages.
Read More
We explored the impact of calcium treatment on leg cramps in an adolescent diagnosed with pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1B. The patient experienced symptoms such as muscle cramps and leg pain during activities, with laboratory tests revealing hypocalcemia and an elevated parathyroid hormone level.

While calcium treatment was part of a combined therapy that included other medications, we observed that the muscle cramps and hypocalcemia resolved after administering calcium carbonate, ergocalciferol, and calcitriol. However, due to the combination of treatments, it is challenging to determine the isolated effect of calcium on the leg cramps specifically.

Ultimately, while calcium contributed to symptom relief, our study does not provide conclusive evidence on its effectiveness alone for alleviating leg cramps. This highlights the need for further investigation into how calcium might individually influence leg cramp symptoms in such patients.
Read More
8
Calcium reduces leg cramps effectively
We assessed the effectiveness of calcium in alleviating leg cramps, a common issue faced by many women in the later stages of pregnancy. Through a review of three randomized trials involving 217 women, we found promising results regarding calcium's impact on leg cramps.

The trials were of moderate quality and specifically measured the frequency of cramps compared to a placebo. Our findings showed that calcium significantly reduced leg cramps, with an odds ratio of 0.29, suggesting a much lower likelihood of cramps occurring among those taking calcium.

It's important to note that there was also substantial variability in the results from different studies. Additionally, a trial that compared sodium chloride with placebo indicated even more drastic reductions in cramps, presenting an odds ratio of 0.08.

However, the comparison between calcium and sodium chloride did not reveal a notable difference. While both treatments appear beneficial, the relevance of the sodium chloride results may be diminished due to changes in dietary patterns over time. Thus, calcium stands out as a practical option for those looking to manage leg cramps during pregnancy.
Read More
We explored the effects of calcium supplements on leg cramps experienced during pregnancy by analyzing studies that compared calcium treatment to no treatment. The research included one trial with 43 women, evaluating how well calcium helped alleviate leg cramps.

The findings suggested that women taking calcium were more likely to experience fewer leg cramps after treatment compared to those who didn't receive any treatment. Specifically, a higher proportion of women reported having no leg cramps at all after taking calcium. However, the evidence was classified as very low quality, making it difficult to draw strong conclusions.

Overall, while calcium appeared to offer some benefit in reducing leg cramps, the lack of rigorous studies and clear outcomes means we should approach these findings with caution. Further research is needed to confirm these effects and establish a clearer understanding of how calcium works for pregnant women dealing with leg cramps.
Read More

User Reviews

USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 14 Reviews
8.6
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
7.5
Cramps reduced
9 people found this helpful
Initially, my legs had mild cramps at bedtime, which worsened and disrupted my sleep. I noted brittle nails and excessive hair loss, prompting me to analyse my calcium levels. Realising I needed calcium citrate for better absorption, I ordered this product and after half a month, noted a reduction in cramping, alongside stronger nails. Although the tablets are large, that isn’t an issue for me. I would recommend them and plan to order more.
Read More
9
Resolved night cramps
7 people found this helpful
An excellent product recommended by my doctor during pregnancy. I started taking it in the second trimester to help reduce leg cramps after long days. The capsules are notably large but SOLGAR is an excellent brand. For best absorption, I take Vitamin D in the evening with fat, ideally alongside K and omega-3s. I hope my experience helps others.
Read More
9
Better sleep achieved
2 people found this helpful
After a month on Solgar calcium, I can confidently say it’s effective. My calves hurt at night, but now thanks to this product, I sleep soundly. I wholeheartedly recommend it as the best calcium out there!
Read More
9
Pregnancy relief
1 people found this helpful
My wife was pregnant and experienced no cramps after taking this calcium citrate! The improvement was evident. Our doctor advised against seaweed calcium due to potential size issues for the baby’s head. This bottle of calcium + D3 is truly excellent.
Read More
9
Effective relief noted
1 people found this helpful
Leg cramps be gone! This calcium dissolves quickly and appears to eliminate my leg cramps. I appreciate that, thank you, Solgar and iHerb – you make a fantastic team!
Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

7.5
Noticeable improvement
1 people found this helpful
I ordered it for my parents, and they really liked it. The effect was immediately noticeable; literally a week after taking it, their leg joints started to trouble them less, particularly the cramping at night. Their sleep improved, and they have asked me to order more. Now, I take it for both them and myself.
7.5
Effective pain relief
4 people found this helpful
The fire!!! Good absorption and quick results! The only downside is that the tablets are large, making them difficult to swallow. After my first day, I noticed that I had no leg cramps during the night. Initially, I doubted the pills, but a week later, I became certain they were beneficial. Tooth sensitivity improved after a week, and I did not experience nausea. I do not believe a pregnant woman can get all necessary vitamins solely from food, so I recommend these.
9
Better sleep achieved
2 people found this helpful
After a month on Solgar calcium, I can confidently say it’s effective. My calves hurt at night, but now thanks to this product, I sleep soundly. I wholeheartedly recommend it as the best calcium out there!
10
Joint relief
Excellent! After a month of taking it, my leg joints stopped hurting, and the cramps disappeared as well. It has truly helped me.
7.5
Cramps reduced
9 people found this helpful
Initially, my legs had mild cramps at bedtime, which worsened and disrupted my sleep. I noted brittle nails and excessive hair loss, prompting me to analyse my calcium levels. Realising I needed calcium citrate for better absorption, I ordered this product and after half a month, noted a reduction in cramping, alongside stronger nails. Although the tablets are large, that isn’t an issue for me. I would recommend them and plan to order more.
9
Healthy pregnancy
I've taken this throughout my pregnancy as prescribed by my doctor, and I've had no leg cramps. My nails are strong, and my hair has thickened. It's well-absorbed without gastrointestinal irritation; though the price is high, it's worth it.
9
No more cramps
1 people found this helpful
A working formula! I occasionally buy this calcium. It absorbs better than others due to the added Vitamin D3. After using it, my legs stopped cramping at night, proving this formula’s effectiveness. I highly recommend it!
9
Resolved night cramps
7 people found this helpful
An excellent product recommended by my doctor during pregnancy. I started taking it in the second trimester to help reduce leg cramps after long days. The capsules are notably large but SOLGAR is an excellent brand. For best absorption, I take Vitamin D in the evening with fat, ideally alongside K and omega-3s. I hope my experience helps others.
7.5
Cramps alleviated
This is one of the best calcium supplements I ordered for my husband, who was suffering from cramps and muscle pain. He takes it together with calcium, magnesium, and vitamins and feels like he is getting better.
We conducted a double-blind, randomized controlled trial to explore whether Vitamin D and calcium-Vitamin D supplements could help reduce leg cramps in pregnant women. Our study involved 126 participants aged 18 to 35, all experiencing a minimum of two leg cramps per week. Over the course of 42 days, participants took either a Vitamin D pill, calcium with Vitamin D, or a placebo.

We closely monitored the frequency, duration, and intensity of leg cramps before the intervention and during the third and sixth weeks of treatment. Despite our efforts and careful analysis, the results were clear: neither the Vitamin D nor the calcium-Vitamin D supplements made a meaningful difference in leg cramps.

This finding indicates that these popular supplements may not be effective for alleviating leg cramps during pregnancy, at least within the timeframe of our study. It's important for expecting mothers to consider this information when seeking relief from leg cramps.
We assessed the impact of vitamin D on leg cramps experienced during pregnancy, referring to data from various studies. One of the key findings was that vitamin D treatment showed little to no difference when it came to reducing the frequency of leg cramps.

In a trial involving 84 women, participants who received vitamin D did not see significant changes in the frequency of leg cramps after three weeks or six weeks post-treatment. This suggests that, while vitamin D is often discussed in the context of health benefits, its effectiveness for leg cramps specifically might be quite limited.

Overall, the evidence we reviewed highlights the need for caution. The findings suggest that vitamin D may not be a viable treatment option for managing leg cramps during pregnancy, indicating a need for more robust research in this area.
We explored the effects of calcium supplements on leg cramps experienced during pregnancy by analyzing studies that compared calcium treatment to no treatment. The research included one trial with 43 women, evaluating how well calcium helped alleviate leg cramps.

The findings suggested that women taking calcium were more likely to experience fewer leg cramps after treatment compared to those who didn't receive any treatment. Specifically, a higher proportion of women reported having no leg cramps at all after taking calcium. However, the evidence was classified as very low quality, making it difficult to draw strong conclusions.

Overall, while calcium appeared to offer some benefit in reducing leg cramps, the lack of rigorous studies and clear outcomes means we should approach these findings with caution. Further research is needed to confirm these effects and establish a clearer understanding of how calcium works for pregnant women dealing with leg cramps.
9
Calcium dobesilate reduces leg cramps
We examined the benefits of calcium dobesilate for patients suffering from chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), particularly focusing on how it impacts symptoms like leg cramps. In a systematic evaluation of ten different clinical trials involving 778 patients, we compared the effects of calcium dobesilate to a placebo.

Our analysis found that calcium dobesilate significantly reduced night cramps, helping patients nearly twice as much as those who received a placebo. The number needed to treat for this relief was calculated to be 8, indicating that for every eight patients treated with calcium dobesilate, one experienced noticeable improvement.

Moreover, patients also reported less discomfort, with a number needed to treat of 4 for that symptom. Interestingly, we noted that those with more severe symptoms experienced even greater relief, suggesting that calcium dobesilate is particularly effective for patients with advanced CVI. However, both doses tested—1,000 mg and 1,500 mg—proved equally effective, which is good news as it suggests that a lower dose might suffice.

Additionally, we found that adverse events were not significantly different from the placebo group, indicating a favorable safety profile. While calcium dobesilate shows promise, we acknowledge the need for further studies to solidify these findings and explore its efficacy in various CVI stages.
2
Calcium ineffective for leg cramps
We evaluated the effectiveness of calcium treatment for leg cramps experienced during pregnancy. In our exploration, we focused on five clinical trials involving 352 women, which were considered to be of moderate quality.

The results showed that calcium did not provide any significant benefit in reducing leg cramps. In fact, the only placebo-controlled trial specifically testing calcium revealed no evidence that it alleviated this common discomfort. This suggests that any perceived benefits might primarily stem from placebo effects rather than the calcium itself.

Additionally, when comparing calcium to sodium chloride, or even looking at multivitamins and magnesium treatment, the evidence remained inconclusive. While some trials hinted at potential benefits from other supplements, particularly magnesium, our results emphasize that calcium alone is unlikely to be a solution for managing leg cramps in pregnant women.

If cramping is bothersome, options like magnesium lactate or citrate are better supported by the evidence.

References

  1. Luo L, Zhou K, Zhang J, Xu L, Yin W. Interventions for leg cramps in pregnancy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020;12:CD010655. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010655.pub3
  2. Mansouri A, Mirghafourvand M, Charandabi SMA, Najafi M. The effect of Vitamin D and calcium plus Vitamin D on leg cramps in pregnant women: A randomized controlled trial. J Res Med Sci. 2017;22:24. doi:10.4103/1735-1995.200271
  3. Sasidharan Pillai S, Reyes M, Jüppner H, Topor LS. Growth Hormone Deficiency in an Adolescent With Pseudohypoparathyroidism Type 1B. JCEM Case Rep. 2024;2:luae152. doi:10.1210/jcemcr/luae152
  4. Zhou K, West HM, Zhang J, Xu L, Li W. Interventions for leg cramps in pregnancy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010655.pub2
  5. Uña E. Atypical presentation of acute neurotoxicity secondary to oxaliplatin. J Oncol Pharm Pract. 2010;16:280. doi:10.1177/1078155209355849
  6. Ciapponi A, Laffaire E, Roqué M. Calcium dobesilate for chronic venous insufficiency: a systematic review. Angiology. 2004;55:147.
  7. Young GL, Jewell D. Interventions for leg cramps in pregnancy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2002.
  8. Young GL, Jewell D. Interventions for leg cramps in pregnancy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2000;2002:CD000121.
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