10 Best Calcium Supplements for Pregnancy in the Philippines 2022 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Pharmacist

To give you a rundown, here are our top 5 picks for the best calcium supplements for pregnancy you can buy online:

1. Best simple calcium supplement: United Home Calactate
2. Best supplement with added nutrients: GSK Caltrate Plus
3. Best tasting calcium-filled drink: Enfamama A+ Chocolate Powdered Milk Drink
4. Best rapid formula: Puritan's Pride Absorbable Calcium
5. Best gummy calcium supplement: Vitafusion Calcium + D3

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.

Disclaimer: These products are recommendations made by our team at mybest Philippines. Our expert, Robi Uy, is not affiliated with, nor is he endorsing any of the brands we mention below.

**Prices may vary depending on the website and their campaign period**

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

If you are eating a diet rich in calcium like milk, cheese, yogurt, and dark green leafy vegetables, taking supplements may be unnecessary. If not, you can get that calcium boost through supplements. Otherwise, your body will take calcium from your bones or teeth to sustain your baby’s needs. This can impair your health during pregnancy and after.

Expecting mothers should get at least 1000 mg of calcium every day. Take note that the body best absorbs calcium in doses not more than 500 mg. For optimal results, you may need to take it in small doses several times a day. Consult your OB-GYN to find what works best for you and your baby’s needs.

It is safe to take folic acid and calcium supplements together. There is no interaction between the two. And taking them together will help you greatly support your body during pregnancy and prevent birth defects and miscarriage. 

Here are some key points to consider:

1. Know your calcium compounds.
2. Look through the instructions.
3. Go for supplements with added nutrients.
4. Pick your preferred intake form.
5. Buy from reputable brands and sellers.
6. Consult with your doctor for better advice.

For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.

Choosing your calcium supplement can be less overwhelming when you know what to look for. For instance, calcium in supplements is usually combined with another substance. The most common are lactate and carbonate.

Calcium carbonate is a cheaper option. It is readily available since it is the most abundant natural form of calcium. It contains the highest amount of elemental calcium. However, this calcium supplement dissolves better in acid and is better taken with food.

Calcium citrate is easily absorbed by the body, either on an empty or full stomach. This is best for those with low stomach acid levels or those taking acid blockers. It is also recommended for those with absorption problems. However, this compound contains less calcium and may require you to take more tablets.

Calcium lactate is a salt form of calcium. It contains a lesser amount of elemental calcium ion than calcium carbonate. This makes it unaffected by the stomach pH and is less likely to cause constipation.

As with other ingested products, brands put up instructions on how to best take their items. So make sure to look at the packaging or the packet inside. When buying online, look at the description or ask the seller for details.

The instructions should orient you about the dosage and when to best take the supplement for best results. You may also want to check the contraindications to know if you should avoid other products while taking calcium supplements. If in doubt, check with your OB-GYN.

Supplements come in varied forms. While there is no form superior to the others, it helps to consider your preferences to ensure consistent intake. Below is a quick rundown of each to help you decide.

When talking about supplements, the first thing that might come into one’s mind is tablets. This is because the majority of vitamins come in this form. It’s no wonder why considering they have the most stable shelf life. You also get more value for your money since they tend to have a higher concentration of active ingredients. 

If tablets and capsules are not for you, you may want to consider softgels. These are softer, so they may be easier to swallow. Supplements that come in this form are usually liquid or oil-based. However, they melt easily so careful handling and storage are a must.

Another form to consider is powder. This is easy to add to your drinks. Some can be added to your meals depending on the serving suggestion. You won’t even notice you’re taking supplements! Unfortunately, they require preparation which may not be optimal for moms on the go.

Taking in vitamins need not be bothersome especially when you’re dealing with different body changes. This is where gummies come to the rescue. This formula is easy to chew and comes in different flavors. But there’s a caveat, gummies usually contain a lesser amount of active ingredients and may contain added sugar for flavoring.

Get the most value for your money by choosing supplements with added nutrients. If you want to get the most nutrients in one take, multivitamins are your best choice. Just one or two capsules of these can meet your recommended intake for a day.

Not sure where to start? Look for those that contain folic acid, iron, vitamin C, vitamin D, DHA, and iodine. These help in promoting your baby’s growth and development while supporting your body during pregnancy.

Now that you are taking care of not just yourself but your baby, too, you have to be more careful in what you consume. This time, it will directly affect the tiny human you are growing. Avoid sketchy products by buying from reputable pharmacies or their verified online stores.

Whenever in doubt, opt for trusted and recognized brands. Buying from them ensures the supplements’ authenticity, safety, and quality. If choosing imported products, look for the US Pharmacopeia’s (USP) stamp of approval. You may also want to check out the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s website for more details.

Nowadays, it’s easy to just look over the internet for the most popular supplements available. But take note that just because it is recommended doesn’t mean it’s good for you, especially for your baby.

Avoid complications and allergic reactions by talking to your doctor before taking any supplements. After all, your doctor knows your medical history and therefore is an expert on what would work best for you during pregnancy.

Pregnancy can be overwhelming for moms-to-be, especially new ones. But fret not; it can be more manageable with a strong support system and of course, the right tools. We got your backs with the latter through our recommended products below.

Author: J Ausa

Editor: J. Cuizon

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.