From the Guidelines
Yes, you can take calcium and vitamin D supplements together, and it's often beneficial to do so. These supplements complement each other because vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium more effectively. Many combination supplements contain both nutrients in a single pill for convenience. For adults, typical daily recommendations are 1,000-1,200 mg of calcium and 600-800 IU of vitamin D, though individual needs may vary based on age, gender, and health conditions.
Key Considerations
- It's best to split calcium into smaller doses (500 mg or less) throughout the day for optimal absorption.
- Taking calcium with food can reduce side effects like gas or constipation, while vitamin D supplements are better absorbed with a meal containing some fat.
- These nutrients work together to maintain bone health, with calcium providing structural support and vitamin D ensuring that calcium gets properly incorporated into your bones.
- If you have kidney disease, certain medications, or other health conditions, consult your healthcare provider before starting these supplements, as noted in studies such as 1.
Evidence Summary
The most recent and highest quality study, 1, published in 2020, provides guidelines on perioperative and postoperative biochemical monitoring and micronutrient replacement for patients undergoing bariatric surgery, emphasizing the importance of calcium and vitamin D supplementation for bone health. This study supports the recommendation to take calcium and vitamin D together, especially for individuals with higher requirements due to certain medical procedures. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplements, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking medications.
From the FDA Drug Label
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ... Hypoparathyroidism: 50,000 to 200,000 USP Units daily concomitantly with calcium lactate 4 g, six times per day. The answer is yes, you can take calcium and vitamin D supplements together, as the label states that vitamin D can be taken concomitantly with calcium lactate 2.
From the Research
Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation
- Calcium and vitamin D supplements can be taken together, as they are often recommended for bone health 3.
- The combination of calcium and vitamin D has been shown to be effective in reducing the incidence of non-vertebral and hip fractures 3.
- Calcium citrate is a preferred form of calcium supplement, as it can be taken without food and has a higher absorption rate than other forms of calcium 3, 4.
Dosage and Administration
- The maximum dose of elemental calcium that should be taken at a time is 500 mg 4.
- Vitamin D supplements should be taken in doses of at least 800 IU per day to be effective in combination with calcium 3, 5.
- Calcium and vitamin D supplements can be taken together, but it is essential to follow the recommended dosages to avoid adverse effects 4, 6.
Effects on Calcium Absorption
- Vitamin D has been shown to increase calcium absorption, but the effect is relatively small and may not be significant except in cases of severe vitamin D deficiency 5.
- Calcium absorption is more significantly related to serum vitamin D levels than to the dose of vitamin D supplements 5.
- The addition of calcium to vitamin D supplements may not be necessary for everyone, and vitamin D alone may be sufficient for restoring serum vitamin D levels 7.