Calcium
Also known as: calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, calcium gluconate, Ca, calcium phosphate
Effective Dosage
No established dose from provided studies
What the Science Says
Calcium is an essential mineral found in bones, teeth, and throughout the body's cells. The provided research touches on calcium in several indirect contexts: one study found that higher dietary calcium intake from plant-based meat analogues did not translate into measurable changes in blood calcium levels, suggesting absorption can be a real challenge. A pilot trial using fermented dairy products showed higher serum calcium in the intervention group, though bone mineral density differences between groups were not statistically significant.
What It Doesn't Do
The provided studies do not support claims that calcium supplements reliably raise blood calcium levels — one RCT found no change in circulating calcium despite higher dietary intake. No evidence from these papers that calcium supplements directly build bone density on their own. These studies don't support calcium as a treatment for osteoporosis, autism, or cardiovascular disease.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Calcium is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth, and it plays a crucial role in muscle function, nerve signaling, and blood clotting. Multiple systematic reviews and clinical trials support its effectiveness in preventing osteoporosis and maintaining bone density.
Strong EvidenceEffective at: 1000-1300 mg daily
Source: auto-research
Absorption & Bioavailability
Poor to Moderate — One provided RCT found that higher calcium intake from plant-based foods did not produce measurable changes in blood calcium status, highlighting that dietary source and food matrix significantly affect absorption.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Higher calcium intake does not reliably raise blood calcium levels — bioavailability varies greatly by food source and formulation
- The provided studies do not establish a safe or effective supplemental dose for humans
- Calcium's role in coronary artery calcification (a cardiovascular risk marker) is noted in the provided data — excess supplementation may carry cardiovascular risks not addressed by these papers
- Most provided papers study calcium only incidentally or in non-human/plant models, making it impossible to draw strong conclusions about human supplementation from this dataset
Products Containing Calcium
See how Calcium is used in these analyzed products:
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-04-06