Supplementation may be necessary to achieve OCI Guidelines. Calcium supplements should be taken with meals since increased gastric acid production with meals improves absorption.
Absorption is more reliable if calcium tablets are chewed.
No more than 500 mg of elemental calcium should be taken at a time. Calcium should not be taken at the same time as iron supplements since the absorption of both calcium and iron may be affected. There is no compelling evidence of the need to take magnesium, phosphate or any other form of calcium other than carbonate or citrate. 400 IU to 800 IU per day could be considered as a preventive measure in those interested in bone health. Use of calcitriol for the treatment of either of these types of osteoporosis is not FDA approved and, thus, should be reserved for use by specialists.