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  • 10 Best Calcium Supplements in the Philippines 2023 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Pharmacist 1
  • 10 Best Calcium Supplements in the Philippines 2023 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Pharmacist 2
  • 10 Best Calcium Supplements in the Philippines 2023 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Pharmacist 3
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10 Best Calcium Supplements in the Philippines 2023 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Pharmacist

If you’ve ever read the labels on a milk carton, then you should be well aware of what calcium is. It’s the small particles that make up all the bones in our body. It also makes the heart, muscles, and nerves function properly. Low calcium levels in the body can lead to weakened bones. Calcium supplements can help you achieve the necessary calcium levels and prevent bone deterioration.


Before you rush to order online, take time to get to know the different types of calcium supplements available on the market. Understand how much calcium your body really needs to get you going for the day. In this article, we’ve come up with a buying guide reviewed by pharmacist Robi Uy and curated a list to get you started on your journey to stronger bones and a healthier body. 

Last updated 03/03/2023
John Robinson Uy
Expert
Pharmacist
John Robinson Uy

Robi began his career in Watsons Philippines as the Senior Pharmacist in SM Mall of Asia Entertainment Mall branch. His experience as a Dispensing Pharmacist enabled him to become an expert in Community Pharmacy practice and the overall Retail Pharmacy operations. Currently, he is the Regulatory Affairs Senior Assistant Manager of Unilever Philippines. His knowledge about Pharmacy and related Regulations enables him to provide and share relevant information about regulated products such as food, drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices to consumers.

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Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.

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Experts featured in this article only reviewed the content of our buying guide. They had no part in the selection or ranking of products or services listed.
The products and services listed are ranked independently by the editorial team based on the points mentioned in our thoroughly researched buying guide (as of 01-16-2023).

Who Needs Calcium Supplements?

Who Needs Calcium Supplements?

Calcium, although highly essential, is not naturally produced by our body. The only way to get the daily recommended amount of calcium is to take calcium-rich food like dairy products, certain leafy greens, nuts, beans, and tofu. This diet, however, is not for everyone.


For example, vegans and those who are lactose intolerant would benefit from taking calcium supplements to support their body’s needs. Menopausal women who are at a higher risk of osteoporosis or weakened bones can get an extra boost of calcium by taking supplements.


The recommended daily calcium intake for adults aged 19 to 50 is around 1,000 milligrams. As we get older, our bodies will require more calcium to prevent the weakening of our bones. Women over 50 and men over 70 require 1,200 mg of calcium per day to maintain normal body functions. 

How to Choose a Calcium Supplement - Buying Guide

Here are some key points to consider:


  1. Look into the types of calcium supplements and other dietary ingredients.
  2. Check the supplement’s dosage.
  3. Get the right dosage form.
  4. Check if the supplement is approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
  5. Consult your physician for any possible interaction with your current medication.

For more information, read through our buying guide below.

① Get the Right Dosage Form

Calcium supplements are available on the market in a number of dosage forms. These variations can affect how quickly the body can absorb calcium. It also plays a role in how long the supplements can be stored. You can choose between capsules and tablets.

Capsules for Quick Absorption

Capsules for Quick Absorption

Capsules are a type of dosage form in which powdered medication is placed in a soluble shell. These can come in the form of two cylindrical gelatin capsule halves that form a tight seal when locked or a softgel, which is manufactured as a whole and is often used for liquid medication. 


This allows for quick absorption as the shell dissolves in your body. Since the medication is taken as a powder, it dissolves completely inside the body and allows you to absorb all the calcium present. This way, your body gets the full content of the capsule.

Tablets for a Longer Shelf Life

Tablets for a Longer Shelf Life

Tablets are prepared by compressing powdered substances to form a solid medication. These are often round in shape. Caplets are another form of tablets and are sometimes more oblong or are made smaller to make them easier to swallow. 


Its manufacturing process makes it more stable and less likely to be affected by moisture content, which can bring in bacteria and other factors that cause degradation. This gives the tablet a longer shelf life, at the same time, this makes it cheaper to produce.

② Look Into the Types of Calcium Supplements and Other Dietary Ingredients

A 600 mg tablet of calcium supplement doesn’t exactly contain 600 mg of calcium. Now, it may seem like you’re not getting the most out of your money, but that’s really not the case. 


When supplements are made, calcium is combined with other minerals to make it easier for your body to absorb it. This also allows you to get the most out of what you’re paying for. There are two main forms of calcium supplements- calcium carbonate and calcium citrate.

Calcium Carbonate for Increased Dosage

Calcium Carbonate for Increased Dosage

Calcium carbonate is often cheaper to manufacture. It typically contains about 40% of elemental calcium, which is a lot for a single tablet. It is also much more common in the market. This form, however, is often taken with food and ideally for people with a less sensitive stomach as it can cause gas, bloating, or constipation. 

Calcium Citrate for Easy Absorption or If You Have a Sensitive Stomach

Calcium Citrate for Easy Absorption or If You Have a Sensitive Stomach

If you have a sensitive stomach or have low levels of stomach acid, it would be better to take calcium citrate. This may be slightly more expensive and comes with around 21% elemental calcium, but this combination is much more easily absorbed by the body. It can be taken with or without food and is ideal for older people. 

Additional Vitamins and Minerals Give an Extra Boost

Additional Vitamins and Minerals Give an Extra Boost

Some calcium supplements also come with added vitamins, such as Vitamin D and minerals, such as magnesium and zinc. These additives make it easier for your body to absorb calcium as well as increase your vitamin and mineral intake.

③ Look for a Supplement With the Right Dose

Look for a Supplement With the Right Dose

Adults aged 19 to 50 should take no more than 1,000 milligrams of calcium a day, including calcium from the diet. It would be ideal to get supplements only containing around 500 mg per tablet to allow you to space out your calcium intake throughout the day. 


This maximizes your calcium absorbance as taking too much calcium at one time would lead to the body just excreting the excess amount. Lower doses of calcium also prevent gas, bloating, and constipation

④ Check if the Supplement Is Approved by the Food and Drug Administration

Check if the Supplement Is Approved by the Food and Drug Administration

Since there is no simple way of checking the quality of a supplement, be sure to only purchase supplements from trusted brands or those sold by highly-rated and authorized sellers. Browse the review or comment section of the shop to check the feedback from previous buyers.


It will also be best to check if the brand you are getting is approved by the Food and Drug Administration or FDA. This is to prevent buying prohibited or counterfeit goods and ensure you are getting safe and quality supplements. 

⑤ Consult Your Physician for Any Possible Interaction With Your Current Medication

Consult Your Physician for Any Possible Interaction With Your Current Medication

Calcium is known to cause drug interactions with prescription medication such as those for blood pressure control, thyroid hormones, antibiotics, and calcium channel blockers. If you are currently taking any medication, it would be best to consult your doctor before taking calcium supplements to prevent any unwanted side effects.


This is also recommended if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to purchase calcium supplements for your kids. Meanwhile, pharmacists can also advise you on how to take the supplements, such as whether to take them with or without meals, so don’t be shy to ask them before you make your purchase. 

10 Best Calcium Supplements to Buy Online

The products we introduce below were carefully curated by the mybest team, from the best-sellers of E-commerce sites like Lazada, and using the points mentioned in our detailed and thoroughly researched buying guide.
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Points
1

Puritan's Pride

Chelated Calcium Magnesium Zinc Supplement

Puritan's Pride Chelated Calcium Magnesium Zinc Supplement 1枚目

Chelated Caplets for Quick Absorption

2

Unilab

Calciumade

Unilab Calciumade 1枚目

For Achieving Optimum Bone Function

3

Tums

Antacid Extra Strength

Tums Antacid Extra Strength  1枚目

A Chewable Tablet With a Fruity Flavor

4

Kirkland Signature

Calcium Supplement

Kirkland Signature Calcium Supplement 1枚目

A Bigger Bottle for Bigger Savings

5

Healthy Options

Calcium Citrate With Vitamin D3

Healthy Options Calcium Citrate With Vitamin D3 1枚目

Best for Your Digestive Tract

6

Ostelin

Kids Calcium & Vitamin D3 Tablets

Ostelin Kids Calcium & Vitamin D3 Tablets 1枚目

Berry-Flavored Tablets for Your Kids

7

Pfizer

Caltrate Plus

Pfizer Caltrate Plus 1枚目

A Good Choice for People Who Are Always On the Go

8

Nature Made

Calcium, Magnesium, and Zine with Vitamin D3 Tablets

Nature Made Calcium, Magnesium, and Zine with Vitamin D3 Tablets 1枚目

A Trusted Brand With Years of Expertise

9

United Home

Calactate

United Home Calactate 1枚目

Perfect for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women

10

ATC

Calcium With Vitamin D3 Softgels

ATC Calcium With Vitamin D3 Softgels 1枚目

Ideal for a Taste-Free Intake and Fast Absorption

Product details
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No.1

Puritan's PrideChelated Calcium Magnesium Zinc Supplement

From ₱474.05

Chelated Caplets for Quick Absorption

These chelated calcium, magnesium, and zinc tablets from Puritan's Pride are designed for better absorption. Chelated minerals are bound to a chelating agent, such as an amino acid, to improve absorption. The calcium present in a single caplet is said to be 1000 mg but in the forms of calcium carbonate and calcium gluconate.


Its combination of minerals is known to increase bone density, improve bone and joint health, and enhance the body's overall immune function. Each bottle comes with 100 caplets, ideal for a month-long supply. It has no artificial flavor, sweetener, and preservatives. 


This product is of great quality as it is FDA-approved and 100% authentic. Users of this product have reported to not only have better bone health but have gained overall immune wellness. Some reviewers also claim to have better muscle recovery, especially after a workout. 

No.2

For Achieving Optimum Bone Function

Calciumade contains 600 mg of calcium carbonate, 400 IU of vitamin D3, and other minerals. It is ideal for young adults who want an early start at healthier bones. When we go into our 30s, the bone function begins to decrease, and bone density slowly diminishes. 


This can be taken by pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. They are more prone to calcium deficiency as their infant draws calcium from them. It is ideal to take calcium supplements to support their daily calcium requirement. 


If you have medical conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, kidney stones, or thyroid problems, best to consult your doctor before use of calcium supplements. 

No.3

TumsAntacid Extra Strength Assorted Fruit

From ₱699

A Chewable Tablet With a Fruity Flavor

Tums' Antacid tablets come with 750 mg of calcium carbonate. If aftertaste is a concern, you can choose between Tums' two fun flavors- Assorted Fruit and Berries, so taking the supplement will be something that you'd look forward to. 


Its chewable dosage form makes absorption of calcium much faster. Each bottle comes with 100 tablets. It promises to give fast heartburn relief. It can also be taken to soothe sour stomach and acid indigestion caused by excess stomach acidity. 


Take 2-4 tablets as needed, or consult with a healthcare professional. This is perfect for younger households, as it can be given to children as young as 12 years old.

No.4

Kirkland SignatureCalcium Supplement

From ₱900

A Bigger Bottle for Bigger Savings

Kirkland Signature's Calcium Supplement comes in a large bottle of 500 tablets, which is great for a long-term supply. This also allows for bigger savings. Its 600 mg dose, which you can take twice a day, is enough to provide the required daily intake of calcium. Just remember to take it with a meal to avoid gas or bloating.


This supplement is enhanced with vitamin D3, which is what the body needs to be able to process calcium faster. Be sure to check the bottle's expiration date before ordering online. A higher tablet count would take more months to finish, so make sure the tablets have a long shelf life. 

No.5

Healthy OptionsCalcium Citrate With Vitamin D3

From ₱495

Best for Your Digestive Tract

Healthy Options' Calcium Citrate tablets come with vitamin D3 to enhance absorption. The tablets are also 100% vegetarian- making it ideal for people with a stricter diet. Its lower calcium content will make it easy for you to space out your calcium intake throughout the day. 


Calcium citrate is best for people with a sensitive stomach or those prone to gas or bloating. It has no artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. Its dosage helps meet the recommended dietary intake of calcium.


It also comes in two sizesーyou may choose between bottles of 60 or 120 tablets to fit your personal or family's consumption. Users of this item have claimed that they've stopped feeling the symptoms of low calcium levels after a few months of use.  

No.6

OstelinKids Calcium & Vitamin D3 Tablets

From ₱580

Berry-Flavored Tablets for Your Kids

Ostelin's Kids Calcium & Vitamin D3 tablets are for young children, aged 2 to 13 years, who have an insufficient dietary intake of calcium. These are perfect for kids who are sensitive or have allergies to calcium-rich food like dairy products. It is also designed for kids who have trouble getting natural sunlight for calcium absorption. 


It aids in building strong bones as well as supports and maintains children's growing teeth. Ostelin comes in a tasty berry flavor that kids will surely love. Many parents have claimed their children enjoy the taste of this supplement. This should make giving supplements to kids with a picky appetite easier. 


This product does not contain yeast, gluten, lactose, artificial colors, and dairy products. Consult a healthcare professional before purchasing to make sure it is safe for your child to take calcium supplements. 

No.7

A Good Choice for People Who Are Always On the Go

Caltrate Plus tablets are stored in individual packets, which makes them easier to bring with you to work or for travel. These are available in 30, 60, and 100-pc boxes, so you can choose according to your budget or if you're sharing it with other members of the family.


This supplement is packed with 6 nutrients for bone and muscle strengthening. It helps improve posture and prevent any further bone damage due to low bone density. It also helps prevent weakened bones or osteoporosis. 


Note that the 600 mg calcium advertised is equivalent to 1,499 mg of calcium carbonate. This means taking 2 tablets a day will supply you with 1,200 mg of calciumーenough for the daily required intake. It is ideal to take this with food and with a full glass of water.

No.8

Nature MadeCalcium, Magnesium, and Zine with Vitamin D3 Tablets

From ₱1,100

A Trusted Brand With Years of Expertise

Nature Made has a long history of vitamin and supplement manufacturing, which established its name in countless households. Their products are guaranteed to meet high-quality standards. It is worth noting, however, that it is on the higher end of the spectrum in terms of price.


This supplement has a calcium content of 333 mg per tablet. This is ideal for a spaced-out intake within a day and for improving calcium absorption. It also comes with magnesium, zinc, and vitamin D, which enhances calcium absorption.


This supplement is ideal for teens and young adults as it provides enough calcium to support the recommended daily allowance. This product does not contain any synthetic dyes or artificial colors.

No.9

Perfect for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women

Pregnant and breastfeeding women are highly prone to calcium depletion as they pass their bodies' calcium on to their infants. United Home's Calactate contains calcium lactate that is ideal for these women to support their increased daily calcium needs.


Calactate helps in the management of hypocalcemia and calcium deficiency. It also prevents osteoporosis by nourishing strong bones and healthy teeth. Nerve impulses are also boosted by calcium, facilitating its transmission and improving its function.


It is important to note that the dosage is based on the age and condition of the person. Please read the bottle's label before use. Consult with a healthcare professional to ensure this supplement is safe for mothers and infants. Each bottle contains 100 tablets and is available in 325 mg and 650 mg variants.

No.10

ATCCalcium With Vitamin D3 Softgels

From ₱111

Ideal for a Taste-Free Intake and Fast Absorption

Softgel capsules are a type of dosage form that quickly dissolves in the body. If you do not like the taste of chewable tablets, but prefer supplements that absorb quickly, try out softgels, like this calcium supplement from ATC. This product helps prevent osteoporosis by filling the body's daily calcium requirement. 


It also prevents calcium loss and improves neuromuscular function. Do note that users of this product have reported finding their capsules stuck together after a while. This could be caused by moisture that enters the bottle whenever it is opened.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.

Which Calcium Supplement Is Best for Elderly?

Among the types of calcium supplements, calcium citrate is the one most recommended for the elderly. That's because it is more easily absorbed and is best for those who have sensitive stomachs and follow a strict diet. However, keep in mind that it's always the best course to consult your doctor for a safe recommendation that will address your specific needs.

Will Calcium Supplements Cause Kidney Stone?

Calcium supplements have been linked to kidney stone formation, but this is due to factors outside of calcium itself. Calcium needs to bind with oxalate so that any excess can leave the body instead of forming stones, which is why doctors advise taking supplements along with food or meals. When taken alone, the calcium in supplements cannot bind with oxalate and therefore stays in the body, leading to the formation of kidney stones. 

Will Calcium Supplements Help Heal Broken Bones?

Yes, but only as long as you take the recommended dose. Taking larger doses will not help bones heal faster and in fact may do more harm than good. Your doctor will inform you if you would need a calcium supplement and the dose you should be taking.

More Dietary Supplements to Stay Healthy

Staying healthy during this pandemic is a top priority. Staying indoors might have led to unhealthier diets and less time for exercising. Check out these articles to see the benefits of other dietary supplements that you can take. 

Author: Roxanne Beatriz Angeles

Reviewed by: Jonh Robinson Uy, RPh, MBA

How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations

Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.

Top 5 Calcium Supplements

No. 1Puritan's PrideChelated Calcium Magnesium Zinc Supplement

No. 2UnilabCalciumade

No. 3TumsAntacid Extra Strength Assorted Fruit

No. 4Kirkland SignatureCalcium Supplement

No. 5Healthy OptionsCalcium Citrate With Vitamin D3

View Full Ranking

When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.

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