Our body requires nutrients to keep functioning efficiently. The deficiency of either of these nutrients can pose a grave problem for the individual. One such nutrient that is vital for maintaining an individual’s overall health is calcium. Knowing how important calcium is for the human body, many people are turning to calcium supplements. However, not many know that there is a lot of difference between different supplements. Some supplements are absorbed by the body easily and quickly while others take time.

The next factor that differentiates a calcium supplement from another is the absorption rate. Regardless of the supplement type that you choose, make sure you read absorption related instructions such as when should you consume the supplement, before or after dinner? We have summarized different types of calcium supplements below so that you can make an informed decision while choosing the best calcium supplements.

• Calcium carbonate
  The most commonly used and the least expensive calcium supplement is calcium carbonate that is found in shells of marine animals, rocks, limestone, pearls, and eggshells. Containing the highest concentrations of elemental calcium, this is one of the best calcium supplements used widely for health benefits. It is absorbed best when the stomach produces extra acid; so you should have this calcium supplement preferably with meals.

• Calcium citrate
  Calcium citrate supplements are easy to absorb, and a majority of people can tolerate it. Besides helping bone density, citrate helps prevent kidney stones. As this calcium supplement works wonders for people who have low levels of stomach acids, it remains a good choice for older people. Whether you take this supplement with or without food, it works well.

• Calcium lactate
  Calcium lactate is a form of calcium found in foods like baking powder and aged cheese. The supplement has a medium bioavailability, as it can be absorbed in various pHs. As this calcium supplement has a small elemental calcium percentage, you are required to take a number of tablets to fulfill your daily calcium requirement.

• Oyster shell, bone meal & dolomite calcium
  If you are on a lookout for a calcium supplement that contains a natural form of calcium, you can count on these supplements. However, be cautious that the calcium supplements you grab are of good quality and do not contain metals and lead toxins.

• Calcium phosphate
  This form of calcium mainly comes from cow’s milk and is least likely to cause constipation. The only drawback is the small percentage of elemental calcium in these calcium supplements.

• Calcium gluconate
  Calcium gluconate also contains low levels of actual calcium. Therefore, these supplements might turn out to be expensive alternatives, as you would have to take many tablets for fulfilling your requirement.

• Calcium citrate malate
  If you are trying to seek the best calcium supplements that are affordable as well, calcium citrate malate supplement can be a good choice for you. It is a water-soluble form of calcium, and the supplement has higher levels of bioavailability.

• MCHC calcium
  MCHC (microcrystalline hydroxyapatite) calcium supplements are ideal for older people who take diets low in phosphorus and for those who do not consume enough meat or protein. This calcium contains substance derived from animal bones.

• Calcium Orotate

A primary mineral that facilitates the creation of teeth and bones and promotes cellular communications, Calcium orotate is found in every living being. Used by both plants and animals to create DNA and RNA, orotates can penetrate cell membranes that assist calcium delivery to the innermost layers of the cellular mitochondria.

• Calcium ascorbate
  Calcium ascorbate supplements do not absorb easily. However, when you take them with meals, they do get readily absorbed.