Solaray: Calcium Citrate with Vitamin D 180ct 250mg

Calcium Citrate with Vitamin D - 180ct 250mg



by   Solaray
*MSRP:
$23.19
Our Price:
$18.55
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$14.16ea.
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UPC: 076280458350
# 45835
Clinical-Grade Bone & Dental Support

Solaray Calcium Citrate with Vitamin D - 180 Capsules (250 mg Elemental Calcium per Capsule)

A gentle, stomach-friendly formula combining highly bioavailable calcium citrate with bio-active Vitamin D3 and a specialized botanical base for superior mineral uptake.

✓ Form: Calcium Citrate (85%) & Carbonate
✓ Elemental Calcium: 1,000 mg per 4 capsules (250 mg/cap)
✓ Vitamin D3 Added: 10 mcg (400 IU / 50% DV)
✓ Digestion Profile: Absorbs with or without food

Why Calcium Citrate? Solving the Stomach Acid Dilemma

Not all calcium is created equal. The most common store-bought calcium is calcium carbonate (the same mineral compound found in chalk and limestone). While calcium carbonate contains a high amount of raw calcium, it has a serious downside: it requires concentrated stomach acid to dissolve.

As we mature past age 50, our bodies naturally produce less gastric acid (a condition known as hypochlorhydria). Furthermore, tens of millions of adults routinely take acid-reducing heartburn medications, such as omeprazole, pantoprazole, or famotidine. In low-acid environments, standard calcium carbonate pills pass through the digestive tract largely intact, leading to wasted nutrients, gas, uncomfortable bloating, and constipation.

Solaray Calcium Citrate solves this problem. Because the calcium is pre-bonded to organic citric acid, it does not rely on intense stomach acid to break apart. It dissolves smoothly in neutral or low-acid digestive tracts, meaning you can take it with or without food and experience reliable mineral absorption without digestive distress.

The Vitamin D3 Connection: Why Calcium Needs an Escort

Swallowing calcium is only step one. For that calcium to actually fortify your skeletal framework instead of exiting as waste, it must cross your intestinal wall and enter your bloodstream. Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) is the biological "key" that unlocks this doorway.

Without sufficient Vitamin D, your body can absorb as little as 10% to 15% of dietary calcium. When active Vitamin D3 is present, it signals your intestinal cells to build microscopic transport pathways (carrier proteins called calbindin) that pull calcium directly into circulation.

Key Synergy Benefits:

Nutritive Botanical Base: Watercress, Dandelion & Parsley

Unlike synthetic mineral pills that offer isolated chemical compounds, Solaray embeds this calcium complex within a whole-food botanical base containing three mineral-rich plants:

How to Take for Maximum Absorption (The "500 mg Rule")

To get the full value out of your 180-capsule bottle, it is vital to understand the body's natural absorption ceiling. Clinical research reveals that the human intestine can only efficiently absorb roughly 500 mg of elemental calcium in a single sitting. Swallowing 1,000 mg all at once triggers an internal saturation point, causing the excess calcium to pass unabsorbed.

Recommended Split-Dosing Routine:

Morning or Midday: Take 2 capsules (500 mg elemental calcium) with a large glass of water or breakfast. Evening or Bedtime: Take 2 capsules (500 mg elemental calcium) with dinner or before bed. Calcium also helps support natural muscle relaxation at night.

Note: One full 180-count bottle supplies 45 complete 1,000 mg daily servings (or 90 days if your physician recommends a 500 mg supplemental dose alongside your diet).

Important Drug Interactions & Medical Considerations

Because calcium is a potent, active mineral, it can physically bind to certain prescription medicines in your stomach and stop them from entering your bloodstream. To protect your health, follow these separation windows:

Supplement Facts & Complete Ingredients

Serving Size: 4 Capsules | Servings Per Container: 45

Amount Per Serving (4 Capsules) Amount % Daily Value
Vitamin D (as Cholecalciferol) (D-3) 10 mcg (400 IU) 50%
Calcium (from Calcium Citrate [85%], Calcium Carbonate) 1,000 mg 77%

Other Ingredients: Gelatin Capsule, Magnesium Stearate (vegetable flow agent), Watercress Leaf (Nasturtium officinale), Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale), and Parsley Leaf (Petroselinum crispum).

Free of: Artificial colors, artificial flavors, and synthetic preservatives. Tested for purity and potency in Solaray's state-of-the-art laboratory.

Authoritative Evidence & Scientific Citations

  1. National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Dietary Supplements: "Calcium Fact Sheet for Health Professionals." Confirms that calcium citrate is absorbed equally well with or without food and does not require gastric acid, making it the preferred form for adults with achlorhydria or those taking PPI medications. (NIH ODS Reference)
  2. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health: "The Nutrition Source: Calcium." Documents that calcium fractional absorption diminishes at single doses greater than 500 mg and details how Vitamin D3 is biologically indispensable for active calcium absorption. (Harvard Health Reference)
  3. Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF): "Clinician’s Guide to Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis." Clinical guidelines highlighting the necessity of combined daily calcium and vitamin D therapy for preserving bone mineral density (BMD) and preventing osteoporotic fractures in aging men and postmenopausal women.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between calcium citrate and calcium carbonate?

Calcium carbonate contains more elemental calcium by weight (40% vs. 21%), but it requires concentrated stomach acid to break down and must be taken with a heavy meal. Calcium citrate is chemically bonded with natural citric acid, allowing it to dissolve easily even in people with low stomach acid or those taking acid reducers (PPIs). Citrate also triggers significantly fewer complaints of gas, bloating, and constipation.

Do I have to take all 4 capsules at the same time?

No, and in fact, taking them all at once is not recommended. Your intestines can only absorb roughly 500 mg of calcium at a time. Taking 2 capsules in the morning and 2 capsules in the evening maximizes absorption and provides balanced bone support around the clock.

Can I take Solaray Calcium Citrate on an empty stomach?

Yes. Unlike calcium carbonate, which can cause severe stomach upset and fail to dissolve without digestive acid, calcium citrate does not rely on stomach acid and can be taken safely with or without food.

Does this supplement cause constipation?

Constipation is a common side effect of calcium carbonate, but it is much less frequent with calcium citrate. To ensure complete comfort, drink a full 8 oz glass of water with each dose and ensure your diet includes adequate magnesium and dietary fiber.

Can I take this if I am taking levothyroxine for my thyroid?

Yes, but you must separate the doses by at least 4 hours. Calcium binds to levothyroxine in the digestive tract and prevents your body from absorbing your thyroid medication. Take your thyroid medication upon waking, and take your calcium citrate at lunch and dinner.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your personal physician before starting any mineral or dietary regimen.
Helpful Customer Reviews
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Review of Calcium Citrate with Vitamin D - Solaray Product 45835
Reviewed by Louie
Monday, May 9, 2011

Rating: 5/5

Wow. These vitamins are great. I've been using them for a little over a week now, and I've never felt better. At first, I was a little skeptical, but that changed quickly. I feel very energetic and my fatigue is finally gone. Great price, too, and a fast arrival of the product. Recommended to everyone.

Louie ,
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Review of Calcium Citrate with Vitamin D - Solaray Product 45835
Reviewed by gord
Monday, May 9, 2011

Rating: 5/5

While many people realize the importance of calcium for bone health, most don't realize the other important benefits that calcium offers- such as heart protection and healthy metabolism function. Solary has formulated this highly effective and convenient calcium supplement combined with 100% daily value of Vitamin D for better absorption; specially formulated to reduce acid to be gentle on the stomach. I HIGHLY recommend this product and use it daily.

gord Palm Coast, Florida U.S.



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