Solaray Calcium Citrate 250 mg (240 VegCaps): Gentle, High-Absorption Bone & Tooth Support
Looking for a reliable daily calcium supplement that doesn't cause gas, bloating, or stubborn constipation?
Solaray Calcium Citrate delivers a bioavailable, stomach-friendly form of this vital mineral. Unlike ordinary calcium pills that sit heavy in your gut, calcium citrate is chemically bound to natural citric acid. That means your body can break it down and absorb it easily—with or without meals, and even if your stomach acid is naturally low.
Why Shoppers Choose Solaray Calcium Citrate at VitaNet®:
✓ Up to 27% Higher Bioavailability: Clinical studies show citrate absorbs significantly better than standard calcium carbonate.
✓ Gentle on Sensitive Stomachs: Does not require strong stomach acid to dissolve—ideal for older adults and heartburn medicine users.
✓ Flexible 250 mg Dosing: 4 easy-to-swallow vegetarian capsules provide 1,000 mg total, allowing you to split doses for peak absorption.
✓ Botanical Synergy Base: Infused with whole parsley leaf, dandelion root, and watercress for added natural plant support.
Why Calcium Citrate? The "Limestone vs. Citrus" Difference
Almost all cheap supermarket calcium supplements use calcium carbonate. Think of calcium carbonate as ground-up limestone or chalk: it is dense, alkaline, and tough to dissolve. To break it down into calcium ions your intestines can absorb, your stomach must pump out a large wave of hydrochloric acid. If you don't take it right in the middle of a heavy meal, much of that calcium passes right through you—often causing gas, belching, and constipation along the way.
Calcium Citrate is completely different. Because it is already bound to natural citric acid, it is pre-acidified and water-soluble. It dissolves effortlessly in neutral or low-acid environments.
In a landmark meta-analysis published in the American Journal of Therapeutics (Sakhaee et al., 1999), researchers analyzed decades of clinical trials and found that calcium citrate is absorbed 22% to 27% better than calcium carbonate—whether taken on an empty stomach or with food.
The Best Calcium for Low Stomach Acid, Heartburn Sufferers, and Seniors
As we reach our 50s, 60s, and beyond, our bodies naturally produce less gastric acid (a condition known as hypochlorhydria). Furthermore, tens of millions of adults regularly take acid-suppressing heartburn medications like Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs such as omeprazole) or H2 blockers (such as famotidine).
In a famous clinical study published in The New England Journal of Medicine (Recker, 1985), patients with low stomach acid absorbed a mere 4% of calcium carbonate when fasting, whereas they absorbed 45% of calcium citrate under the exact same conditions.
If you take an antacid or acid-reducing prescription, or find that standard calcium pills upset your digestion, calcium citrate is the physician-recommended choice to ensure your bones actually receive the nourishment you are paying for.
At-a-Glance: Calcium Citrate vs. Calcium Carbonate
Feature
Solaray Calcium Citrate
Ordinary Calcium Carbonate
Absorption Efficiency
High (22–27% superior bioavailability)
Moderate to Low
Stomach Acid Requirement
✓ Zero acid needed (self-dissolving)
Requires heavy stomach acid
Can Take on Empty Stomach?
✓ Yes (any time of day or night)
No (must take with a large meal)
Constipation & Gas Risk
✓ Extremely low / Gentle on gut
Common cause of bloating and hard stools
Ideal for Seniors & PPI Users
✓ Gold standard clinical choice
Poorly absorbed in reduced acid states
How to Maximize Your Results: The "500 mg Absorption Rule"
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Dietary Supplements, your body can only absorb roughly 500 mg of elemental calcium at one time. When people swallow massive single 1,000 mg tablets, their intestinal transporters quickly become saturated, and the excess calcium is simply discarded into the colon.
This is where Solaray's intelligent dosing shines:
Each vegetable capsule contains exactly 250 mg of calcium.
To reach a full 1,000 mg daily intake, take 2 capsules in the morning and 2 capsules in the evening or at bedtime.
By splitting your dose into two 500 mg servings, you optimize your body's active calcium channels (TRPV6 transporters), maximizing bone retention while completely eliminating digestive heaviness.
Use only as directed. Take 2 to 4 VegCaps daily with a meal or a glass of water. Store in a cool, dry place. Keep out of reach of children.
Our Quality Guarantee: Solaray tests every single batch in their state-of-the-art laboratory for identity, purity, heavy metals, and potency. Encapsulated in 100% plant-based vegetarian capsules with zero synthetic fillers, artificial colors, or artificial preservatives.
Verified Peer-Reviewed Clinical References
At VitaNet®, we believe every health claim should be transparent and verifiable. Below are the peer-reviewed medical publications supporting this formula:
Sakhaee K, Bhuket T, Adams-Huet B, Rao DS. Meta-analysis of calcium bioavailability: a comparison of calcium citrate with calcium carbonate. American Journal of Therapeutics. 1999;6(6):313-321. PMID: 11329115. (Confirms 22% to 27% higher absorption of calcium citrate vs. carbonate).
Recker RR. Calcium absorption and achlorhydria. The New England Journal of Medicine. 1985;313(2):70-73. PMID: 4000241. (Demonstrated calcium citrate absorption remains normal even in individuals lacking stomach acid).
National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Dietary Supplements. Calcium Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. Updated 2024/2026. (Details the 500 mg per-dose absorption threshold and highlights citrate's advantage for individuals with low gastric acidity).
Straub DA. Calcium supplementation in clinical practice: a review of forms, doses, and indications. Nutrition in Clinical Practice. 2007;22(3):286-296. PMID: 17507729. (Clinical guidelines on tolerance, reduced kidney stone risk factors, and compliance).
Harvey JA, Zobitz MM, Pak CY. Dose dependency of calcium absorption: A comparison of calcium carbonate and calcium citrate. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research. 1988;3(3):253-258. PMID: 3213621.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solaray Calcium Citrate
Does Solaray Calcium Citrate cause constipation like other calcium pills?
No. Constipation from calcium usually happens when unabsorbed calcium carbonate binds with fatty acids in your digestive tract to create insoluble, chalky "soaps." Because calcium citrate is significantly more soluble and easily absorbed higher up in the digestive tract, it rarely causes constipation, gas, or stomach cramps.
Can I take this if I take omeprazole or another acid reflux medication?
Yes, calcium citrate is widely regarded by gastroenterologists as the ideal calcium form for anyone taking Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 blockers. These medications suppress stomach acid, rendering standard calcium carbonate almost impossible to dissolve. Calcium citrate does not need gastric acid to be assimilated by your body.
What is the best time of day to take Calcium Citrate?
Because calcium citrate does not rely on stomach acid, you can take it at any time that fits your schedule—with meals or on an empty stomach. For the highest absorption, take 2 capsules in the morning (500 mg) and 2 capsules in the evening or before bed (500 mg).
Does this specific formula contain Vitamin D?
This specific SKU (Item #45852) is Solaray's pure Calcium Citrate blend, formulated without added Vitamin D. This makes it perfect for individuals who already take a separate high-potency Vitamin D3 or multivitamin supplement and wish to avoid doubling up. If you are seeking a combined formula with Vitamin D3 included, Solaray also manufactures a sister formula ("Calcium Citrate with Vitamin D"), which is available right here on VitaNet®.
Should I take Calcium Citrate away from other medications or minerals?
Yes. Calcium can compete for absorption with other minerals and prescription drugs. As a best practice, space your calcium intake at least 2 hours apart from iron supplements, thyroid medications (such as levothyroxine), and certain antibiotics (tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones). Always consult your prescribing physician or pharmacist about specific timing.
As a dietary supplement, take 2 to 4 capsules daily with meals or a glass of water.
Helpful Customer Reviews
Review of Calcium Citrate - Solaray Product 45852 Reviewed by
Friday, December 4, 2009 Rating: 5/5
