Several months ago, I went back to my almost-vegan ways and am now trying to figure out the best calcium supplement to take.

What type of calcium is best absorbed (calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, etc.)?

I'm also confused as to what other elements need to be present (and in what amounts) for the calcium to be absorbed. A lot of supplements combine calcium with Vitamin D, but Viactiv chews also contain Vitamin K. Posture-D uses calcium phosphate, saying that without phosphorus, ordinary supplements may do more harm than good.

Do you know where I could find a definitive answer to this question?

Thanks!

First, take something with 500mg or less per dose. Your body can't absorb more than that at a time. Also, don't take more than 2500mg per day (these both include anythign you get through your food, too). Make sure the amount is the amount of calcium, not the amount of the total compound.

The best are calcium carbonate and calcium citrate; others should be avoided.

If you take calcium carbonate, you should take it with meals, because it is more easily dissolved in acid (which increases when you eat). It is generally the least expensive.

Calcium citrate can be taken on an empty stomach and is the most easily absorbed.

Look for 'USP' on the label.

source,

You might also look to increase
the amounts of food you eat in
which calcium occurs naturally.

Among the best non-animal sources :
Soybeans
Peanuts
Walnuts
Sunflower seeds
Kale
Broccoli
Collard Greens

Methos & Dogspit:

I'm sorry I did not thank you promptly for your replies. They were both very helpful. From the info Methos provided, I think calcium citrate supplements are my best choice. And I do eat a lot of Dog's listed foods (beans , nuts , calcium-fortified orange juice , etc.).

I'm not overly concerned with calcium; I just think a moderate level of supplementation wouldn't hurt, just to be on the safe side. I found an interesting report from the Harvard School of Public Health about calcium which suggests that the high levels of calcium commonly recommended may not be necessary. Alternatives to dairy products and other factors involved in causing/preventing osteoporosis (exercise, proper levels of vitamins, etc.) are also discussed.