How to Pick the Best Calcium & Vitamin D Supplement (Without Wasting Your Money)

Updated: April 14, 2025

playing with her kid

Most supplements promise strong bones, but few deliver. Here’s how to spot the difference.

If you’re taking a calcium supplement, you probably think you’re doing the right thing for your bones.

But what if I told you that most calcium supplements on the market do absolutely nothing to build bone? 

Or worse… could be putting your health at risk.

Because that’s exactly what’s happening.

Most calcium supplements are made from rocks. These forms of calcium are dirt cheap to produce but hard for your body to absorb. And even if your body does absorb some of it, without the right co-factors—like vitamin K2 and magnesium—that calcium can lead to constipation, kidney stones, and even an increased risk of heart issues.

And let’s talk about vitamin D. Everyone knows it helps your body absorb calcium. But what most people don’t realize is that vitamin D needs a specific set of co-factors to do its job properly. 

That’s why so many people still suffer fractures, still get osteoporosis, and still see their bone density drop—even after years of taking vitamin D and calcium supplements.

Supplement companies won’t tell you any of this. They slap a label on a bottle, add a meaningless “supports bone health” claim, and hope you don’t ask questions. But if you care about your bones—if you actually want to increase bone density, not just slow bone loss—you need to know how to choose the right vitamin D and calcium supplement.  

That’s exactly what you’re about to learn.

What to Look for in a Calcium Supplement

If you walk into any pharmacy or search online for a calcium supplement, you’ll see hundreds of options. They all claim to “support bone health.” They all contain calcium. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: most of them won’t actually make your bones stronger.

In 2015, researchers from the British Medical Journal conducted the largest-ever analysis on calcium and bone health, reviewing data from over 58,000 participants across 26 randomized controlled trials on calcium supplements. And the findings were crystal clear: calcium supplements don’t prevent fractures.

At best, calcium can slightly slow the rate of bone loss—but it does not increase bone density. Which means if you’re taking calcium supplements hoping to strengthen your bones, you might be in for a rude awakening.

In fact, the wrong supplement won’t just leave your bones vulnerable—it could actively harm your health, leading to kidney stones, digestive issues, and even an increased risk of heart problems.

The difference between a calcium supplement that builds bone and one that just fills a bottle comes down to four key factors. Here’s what to look for.

couple in the sun

Is your calcium plant-based?

Most people assume calcium is calcium. As long as you’re taking something, your bones should be covered, right?

Wrong.

The vast majority of calcium supplements come from rocks—chalk, limestone, marble dust. These are dirt-cheap sources, so supplement companies grind them up, stick them in pills, and slap “supports bone health” on the label. But here’s the problem: your body isn’t designed to digest rocks.

Think about it—when was the last time you ate a piece of chalk? Or gnawed on a limestone slab? Never. And yet, that’s exactly what millions of people unknowingly do every single day. 

And it gets worse…

A massive 10-year study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association followed 5,448 adults to see how calcium intake affected their heart health. The results? Terrifying.

People who got their calcium from food had a lower risk of hardened arteries. But those who took rock-based calcium supplements—the kind found in most pharmacies? Their risk of coronary artery calcification shot up by 22%.

Let that sink in.

Millions of people take calcium supplements to protect their bones—but according to this study, they might be setting themselves up for heart disease instead.

So what’s the alternative? Plant-based calcium.

Unlike rock-based calcium, plant-based calcium comes from marine algae—a natural, organic source of calcium that your body recognizes and absorbs just like the calcium in food.

And here’s where things get really interesting.

A study published in Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry compared a plant-based calcium to traditional calcium carbonate and calcium citrate. The results? Staggering.

Bone-building activity in human bone cells was four times higher with plant-based calcium. Calcium deposition—the process of actually strengthening bones—shot up. And oxidative stress, which accelerates bone breakdown, dropped.

In other words, plant-based calcium didn’t just sit in the gut. It got into the bones and helped build them.

If you’re serious about strengthening your bones, here’s the bottom line: ditch the rocks and choose a calcium supplement your body actually knows what to do with.

Is Your Calcium Clinically Supported to Increase Bone Density?

99.9% of calcium supplements don’t even claim to increase bone density.

They can’t.

At best, they slap on vague promises like “supports bone health”—a meaningless phrase that tells you nothing. And there’s a reason for that.

They have no proof.

If a calcium supplement hasn’t been tested in real people… if there aren’t human clinical studies showing measurable bone density increases… if those studies haven’t been published in peer-reviewed scientific journals—then how do you know it works?

You don’t.And if there’s no proofit works, why would you waste your time, money—and health—on it?

Does Your Calcium Have The Right Co-Factors?

Taking calcium without its supporting nutrients is like trying to build a house without nails. You don’t just need raw materials—you need the right tools to put them in place.

And when it comes to bone-building, calcium alone isn’t enough.

taking supplements

To actually increase bone density, your body needs a full spectrum of essential co-factors:

  • Magnesium – Helps calcium get into bones instead of soft tissues, reducing the risk of calcification in arteries and organs.
  • Boron – Supports bone-building hormones like estrogen and testosterone, both crucial for maintaining strong bones.
  • Copper – Essential for the formation of collagen, which provides the foundation for strong, flexible bones.
  • Manganese – Plays a key role in cartilage and collagen formation, supporting overall bone structure.
  • Silicon – Strengthens bones and enhances flexibility, helping to prevent fractures.
  • Nickel – Helps regulate calcium metabolism and absorption.
  • Selenium – A powerful antioxidant that protects bone cells from oxidative stress, helping maintain their strength.
  • Strontium – A natural trace mineral that works alongside calcium to enhance bone formation and reduce bone breakdown.
  • Phosphorus – Works with calcium to build strong bones and teeth and plays a key role in bone mineralization.
  • Potassium – Neutralizes bone-depleting acids in the body, helping maintain bone strength.
  • Vanadium – Supports bone mineralization and helps regulate calcium metabolism.
  • Zinc – Vital for bone tissue renewal and helps activate bone-building enzymes.

But minerals aren’t enough. Your body also needs essential vitamins to ensure calcium is absorbed and used correctly:

  • Vitamin D3 – Boosts calcium absorption in the gut, ensuring it reaches your bloodstream.
  • Vitamin K2 (as MK-7) – Directs calcium into your bones and keeps it out of arteries, reducing the risk of calcification.
  • Vitamin C – Supports collagen production, which acts as the scaffolding that holds your bones together.

Without these key co-factors, calcium supplements don’t just fail—they can be ineffective or even harmful.If your calcium supplement doesn’t provide everything your bones need, then what exactly are you paying for?

If Your Calcium Isn’t AlgaeCal, It Can’t Increase Bone Density.

You can take all the calcium supplements you want. You can follow the daily recommended dose. You can spend years choking down those giant chalky pills.

But if your calcium isn’t AlgaeCal, it can’t increase your bone density.

Not won’t. Can’t.

Because AlgaeCal is the ONLY calcium supplement in the world that’s clinically supported to increase bone density.

Here’s What Makes AlgaeCal the Only Real Choice:

First—it’s plant-based.

AlgaeCal is sourced from an organic marine algae—mesophyllum superpositum. This organic algae contains all the minerals needed to increase bone density. And the important part? Because this algae is a whole food, your body is able to digest and absorb its nutrients just like a serving of broccoli or spinach. So you can be sure it’s gentle on your body. The only catch? Not all plant-based calcium is created equal. Only one has peer-reviewed clinical studies proving its effectiveness—and you won’t find it on just any health food store shelf.

Second—it’s clinically supported.

AlgaeCal has been studied by teams of researchers from Harvard Medical School, Georgetown University, and the University of Texas. The findings of this research were published in three peer-reviewed scientific journals––Journal Of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, International Journal of Medical Sciences, and the Journal of the American College of Nutrition––these studies all came the same conclusion, AlgaeCal is the ONLY calcium clinically supported to increase bone density

Third—it’s got all 16 nutrients your bones need.

Your bones aren’t just made of calcium. So why would you take a supplement that only gives you calcium? AlgaeCal provides a full clinical dose of all 16 minerals and vitamins clinically supported to increase bone density. 

Fourth – it’s gentle on your body.

AlgaeCal was the subject of a 7 year clinical trial. The results of this trial found that algaecal increased bone density year-on-year for 7 straight years with no adverse side effects reported among the study participants. 

Fifth – It comes with a results-based guarantee. 

Because AlgaeCal is the ONLY calcium supplement that’s clinically supported to increase bone density––it’s also the ONLY calcium supplement that guarantees you’ll increase bone density. 

When you take the Bone Builder Pack as directed you we guarantee you’ll see increased bone mineral density on every DEXA scan you take––starting in as little as 6 months. 

And if you don’t? You’ll get a full refund. So you either get stronger bones, or your money back.

Bottle of Algaecal plus

Takeaway

If your goal is to actually strengthen your bones—not just “support” bone health, but actually increase bone density—there’s only one option.

AlgaeCal.

Everything else is just expensive chalk.

So now that you know what to look for in a calcium supplement, what about vitamin D? 

Let’s break it down.

Doctors Are Rethinking Vitamin D – And You Should Too!

Most people think more vitamin D = stronger bones. 

Sounds logical, right?

But a groundbreaking study published in The Journal of The American Medical Association reveals shocking new evidence: taking higher doses of vitamin D—might actually be doing the opposite.

Here’s what the research found:

In a 3-year clinical trial involving 311 healthy adults, participants who took 4,000 IU or 10,000 IU of vitamin D daily experienced a statistically significant decrease in bone density compared to those taking lower doses. 

Let that sink in: higher doses of vitamin D—often recommended for “strong bones”—actually weakened them.

This isn’t a fringe study. It’s one of the most credible randomized clinical trials ever conducted on vitamin D. And the implications for your bone health are massive.

So before you pop another pill, ask yourself this: What else don’t you know about vitamin D?

Too Much Vitamin D Could Be Setting You Up for a Fall—Literally.

New research from Johns Hopkins University suggests that older adults taking high doses of vitamin D aren’t just wasting their time—they may be putting themselves in danger. 

The study, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, found that those taking 2,000 or 4,000 IU daily experienced more frequent and severe falls, some even requiring hospitalization.

Dr. Lawrence Appel, the study’s lead researcher, put it bluntly: “A lot of people think if a little bit is helpful, a lot will be better. But for some vitamins, high-dose supplements pose more risks than benefits.”

Think about that. The higher your vitamin D dose, the greater your risk of falling. And those falls? They’re not just statistics—they can mean fractures, long recoveries, and life-changing injuries.

The message is clear: when it comes to vitamin D, more is definitely not better.

What To Look For In A Vitamin D Supplement

You Don’t Need More Vitamin D. You Need Balanced Vitamin D.

Here’s the truth: your body doesn’t need massive doses of vitamin D. What it does need is a safe and balanced blend of all four fat-soluble vitamins: A, D, E, and K. Why? Because when these vitamins work together, their combined benefits are far greater than what any single vitamin can achieve on its own.

Sadly, most supplements skip this critical balance. And it’s not just ineffective—it’s dangerous.

A report in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that high doses of vitamin D can damage your heart, kidneys, arteries, and even your brain. Another study revealed that lifeguards with high vitamin D levels were 20 times more likely to develop kidney stones than the general population.

That’s why we created D3 Complete. It’s the only supplement that gives you safe and balanced doses of vitamins A, D, E, and K—so you get all the benefits without the risks.

Because true health isn’t about megadoses of any one nutrient—it’s about the right balance of what actually works.

d3 complete bottle

The Only Clinically Supported Solution for Stronger Bones

Most calcium supplements don’t build bone. Most vitamin D supplements aren’t balanced. And if you’re taking the wrong ones, you could be wasting your time—or worse, risking your health.

That’s why AlgaeCal and D3 Complete are different.

  • AlgaeCal is the ONLY calcium clinically supported to increase bone density.
  • D3 Complete provides the perfect balance of A, D, E, and K to ensure safe, effective absorption.
  • Together, they give your bones exactly what they need—without the risks.

Article Sources

  1. Vannucci, L., Fossi, C., Quattrini, S., Guasti, L., Pampaloni, B., Gronchi, G., ... & Brandi, M. L. (2018). Calcium intake in bone health: a focus on calcium-rich mineral waters. Nutrients, 10(12), 1930.
  2. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-HealthProfessional/
  3. Nordin, B. C., Need, A. G., Morris, H. A., O'Loughlin, P. D., & Horowitz, M. (2004). Effect of age on calcium absorption in postmenopausal women. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 80(4), 998-1002.
  4. https://www.bonehealthandosteoporosis.org/preventing-fractures/general-facts/what-women-need-to-know/
  5. Samuel, S., & Sitrin, M. D. (2008). Vitamin D's role in cell proliferation and differentiation. Nutrition reviews, 66(suppl_2), S116-S124.
  6. Aranow, C. (2011). Vitamin D and the immune system. Journal of investigative medicine, 59(6), 881-886.
  7. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-Consumer/
  8. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15050-vitamin-d-vitamin-d-deficiency
  9. Amrein, K., Scherkl, M., Hoffmann, M., Neuwersch-Sommeregger, S., Köstenberger, M., Tmava Berisha, A., ... & Malle, O. (2020). Vitamin D deficiency 2.0: an update on the current status worldwide. European journal of clinical nutrition, 74(11), 1498-1513.
  10. Christakos, S., Dhawan, P., Porta, A., Mady, L. J., & Seth, T. (2011). Vitamin D and intestinal calcium absorption. Molecular and cellular endocrinology, 347(1-2), 25-29.
  11. Lips, P., & Van Schoor, N. M. (2011). The effect of vitamin D on bone and osteoporosis. Best practice & research Clinical endocrinology & metabolism, 25(4), 585-591.
  12. Gennari, C. (2001). Calcium and vitamin D nutrition and bone disease of the elderly. Public health nutrition, 4(2b), 547-559.
  13. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK24/
  14. Khan, M., Jose, A., & Sharma, S. (2018). Physiology, parathyroid hormone.
  15. Caan, B., Neuhouser, M., Aragaki, A., Lewis, C. B., Jackson, R., LeBoff, M. S., ... & LaCroix, A. (2007). Calcium plus vitamin D supplementation and the risk of postmenopausal weight gain. Archives of internal medicine, 167(9), 893-902.
  16. Kaats, G. R., Preuss, H. G., Croft, H. A., Keith, S. C., & Keith, P. L. (2011). A comparative effectiveness study of bone density changes in women over 40 following three bone health plans containing variations of the same novel plant-sourced calcium. International Journal of Medical Sciences, 8(3), 180.

Article Comments

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  1. Carol Feller

    March 6, 2024 , 12:22 pm

    I can relate to much of this report. Thank you.

  2. Manja AlgaeCal

    March 6, 2024 , 1:08 pm

    You’re welcome, Carol! I’m glad you found the blog post relatable. If you have any specific questions or if there’s anything else you’d like to know more about, feel free to ask. We’re here to provide information and support on your bone health journey!
    – Manja

  3. Jenny Hook

    March 6, 2024 , 4:17 pm

    2nd paragraph under “The Ideal Supplement” section – did you really mean to say it includes Vitamin D2?

  4. Yoori AlgaeCal

    March 7, 2024 , 3:21 pm

    Hi Jenny!

    We did mean to say vitamin K2 (and not vitamin D2), so rest assured, there’s no typo made in the 2nd paragraph under the Ideal Supplement section :). To confirm, AlgaeCal Plus contains 13 bone essential minerals and 3 vitamins, including both vitamin D3 and vitamin K2. I hope this helps! Do let us know if you have any further questions!

    – Yoori

  5. Karen D Roberts

    March 7, 2024 , 10:59 am

    I’ve been taking Algae-Cal Plus for four years. According to the label, it contains 100% of the daily vitamin D requirement. Why do I need to take additional vit.D?

  6. Yoori AlgaeCal

    March 7, 2024 , 3:16 pm

    Great question, Karen! The % Daily Value is the amount just above what is needed to keep from developing a specific nutrient-deficiency disease. However, that may be not sufficient to support optimal health!

    While the 1600IU of vitamin D3 found in AlgaeCal Plus will support increasing bone density, some people may need to take additional to reach the optimal level depending on their current vitamin D blood level and health goals. Have you had a vitamin D 25(OH)D blood test done recently? If not, we strongly recommend that you do so to determine what your levels are. You can then discuss with your doctor the amount of vitamin D supplementation that would be best for YOU. I hope this helps! Please feel free to give us a call at 1-800-820-0184 (US & Canada Toll-free) or email [email protected] for any follow-up questions! 🙂

    – Yoori

  7. Elizabeth Kinsey

    March 11, 2024 , 5:23 pm

    Thank you for your informative article.
    I have 3 questions:
    1.what form of magnesium (chemical) do you include with your calcium supplement?
    2. I read an advice that vit D3 is poorly absorbed and therefore not advisable and other forms of vid D are better. Is this true?
    3. I am on a low dose of aspirin daily due to a mild cardio-vascular disease. The Vit K included with AlgaeCal counteractive to the effect of aspirin? – Thanks in advance for clarifying these!

  8. Shelby AlgaeCal

    March 12, 2024 , 10:19 am

    We are so happy to hear that you enjoyed our article, Elizabeth! These are great questions, and I’d love to answer them for you. 🙂

    1. Our AlgaeCal Plus contains both naturally occurring magnesium from algae, as well as added magnesium oxide. The total amount of magnesium in a full daily dosage of 4 capsules is 350 mg! We also have a great article on magnesium oxide you can read HERE.
    2. It is well established that vitamin D3 is the best-absorbed form and the one used in bone and cancer research. And it’s the type required for calcium absorption which will aid in overall bone, joint, and dental health. You can read all about this HERE!
    3. We’re sorry to hear that you’re living with mild cardiovascular disease, and we understand your concern! While we aren’t medical professionals, we understand that there are no contraindications between AlgaeCal (including Vitamin K) and aspirin! Of course, please do confirm with a doctor or pharmacist, just to be sure. 🙂

    I hope this helps, Elizabeth, and please do let us know if you have any further questions – we’re always here to help!
    – Shelby

  9. carol alexander

    March 30, 2024 , 12:55 pm

    do i go ahead and take my regular calcium pills and vit d 3 with algae cal plus?

  10. Yoori AlgaeCal

    March 31, 2024 , 2:48 pm

    Thank you for reaching out, Carol! We do not recommend taking additional calcium supplement when taking AlgaeCal Plus. AlgaeCal Plus is very intentionally designed with 720mg of calcium in your daily dose and that’s because we take into consideration that the average dietary intake of calcium is 400-500mg of calcium daily, so that plus AlgaeCal Plus is approximately 1200mg per day – and it’s all coming from whole food, body friendly sources! 

    On the other hand, you may or may not need additional vitamin D3, as the amount of vitamin D3 that you need depends on your blood level and health status. We suggest checking your vitamin D blood level regularly, and discussing with your doctor on the optimal amount of D3 supplementation that would be best for YOU! 🙂 You can then adjust your intake of vitamin D3 accordingly. Please keep in mind that AlgaeCal Plus provides 1600IU of vitamin D3 per daily 4 capsules. I hope this helps!

    – Yoori

  11. carol alexander

    March 30, 2024 , 1:00 pm

    do i keep taking my regular calcium and vit d 3 with the algae cal?

  12. Yoori AlgaeCal

    March 31, 2024 , 2:49 pm

    Thank you for reaching out, Carol! We do not recommend taking additional calcium supplement when taking AlgaeCal Plus. AlgaeCal Plus is very intentionally designed with 720mg of calcium in your daily dose and that’s because we take into consideration that the average dietary intake of calcium is 400-500mg of calcium daily, so that plus AlgaeCal Plus is approximately 1200mg per day – and it’s all coming from whole food, body friendly sources!

    On the other hand, you may or may not need additional vitamin D3, as the amount of vitamin D3 that you need depends on your blood level and health status. We suggest checking your vitamin D blood level regularly, and discussing with your doctor on the optimal amount of D3 supplementation that would be best for YOU! 🙂 You can then adjust your intake of vitamin D3 accordingly. Please keep in mind that AlgaeCal Plus provides 1600IU of vitamin D3 per daily 4 capsules. I hope this helps!

    – Yoori

  13. Deanna

    April 19, 2024 , 3:48 pm

    Thank you for this information. I currently take a Centrum Silver Multi-Vitamin which has 300 mg of Calcium daily and 1000 IU of Vitamin D3. Can I still take my multi-vitamin along with Algae Cal Bone Builder Pack? If not, do you know of a multi-vitamin that does not contain Calcium? I do not consume a lot of dairy. Mostly Almond Milk and Almond Yogurt. And I also eat a generally healthy diet. My doctor seems to think it would be okay because I would expel excess through urine.

  14. Yoori AlgaeCal

    April 22, 2024 , 3:17 pm

    Thank you for reaching out to us, Deanna! A friendly note that for women, calcium requirements are 1000mg per day if you’re 19-50, 1200mg if you’re 51+. ​​​​​​​AlgaeCal Plus contains a clinical dosage of 720 mg calcium, and the average Western diet provides around 500mg! This means you are reaching the recommended 1200mg per day, with all of it coming from body-friendly, whole-food sources.

    If your multivitamin contains 300 mg of daily calcium, it may be easy to go over this limit, and taking more than 1500mg per day (supplements + diet) on a regular basis overloads the body’s ability to utilize calcium effectively. You can always look for a multivitamin that is lower in calcium if you’d like! 🙂 While we do not have a specific recommendation, we suggest doing on online search, or asking health food store representative / pharmacist for their best recommendations.

    I hope this helps, Deanna! Please feel free to give us a call at 1-800-820-0184 (US & Canada Toll-free) or email [email protected] if you have any follow-up questions!

    – Yoori

  15. Laurel Galasso

    April 27, 2024 , 6:26 pm

    I’m allergic to fish. Does your product contain fish oils?

    Thank you
    Laurel

  16. Yoori AlgaeCal

    April 29, 2024 , 2:27 pm

    Thank you for reaching out, Laurel! AlgaeCal do not contain any fish properties. Although it is naturally sourced from the ocean, through the purification process, the final ingredients within the supplement include trace minerals from algae, Calcium, Magnesium, Boron, and Vitamin D3, K2 and C. Many of our customers have fish allergies and take our products without a problem! You are welcome to view the ingredients of AlgaeCal Plus on our website HERE.

    That being said, for any severe allergies, we do always advise consulting with your doctor/allergist for their best recommendation. To help with this, HERE is our Doctor’s Information Sheet. Once you are ready to give our supplements a try, please proceed with caution in the beginning. Start with a small dosage, starting with 1 capsule a day, and see how it goes, please.

    For your peace of mind, as part of our Risk Free Returns Policy, we provide full refunds on any partially used or unused bottles within a year of your purchase date if the products don’t agree with you for any reason. I hope this helps! 🙂

    – Yoori

  17. Francine Blackwell

    April 30, 2024 , 6:15 am

    I’ve been taking Algae Cal for years. But only two capsules. My loss is a -2.4. I have just been told my bone mineralization density has increased too much. With the 23% of a bone fracture. How do I reduce my bone mineral density? I have rheumatoid arthritis and am on Humira.
    Will Stronium Boost help?

  18. Yoori AlgaeCal

    April 30, 2024 , 4:14 pm

    Thank you for reaching out, Francine! There are so many factors that can impact our bone health, and as everyone is different, we’d love to connect with you over the phone to discuss your current bone health and provide personalized support. Please give us a call at 1-800-820-0184 (US & Canada Toll-free), and any one of our friendly Bone Health Consultants would be more than happy to help :). We look forward to hearing from you soon! Our operating hours are from 5am-5pm PST Monday to Friday and 6am-4pm PST Saturday-Sunday.

    – Yoori

  19. Suzanne

    May 15, 2024 , 3:31 am

    Looking forward to results all around….FAITHFULLY

  20. Yoori AlgaeCal

    May 15, 2024 , 2:30 pm

    We wish you all the best, Suzanne! If there’s anything we can do to support your bone health journey, please don’t hesitate to reach out – we’re always here to help. 🙂

    – Yoori

  21. Mahin

    May 16, 2024 , 4:14 pm

    Thank you so much for all the in formation on bone
    Health in this article and so many other articles

  22. Janet Wheeland

    May 30, 2024 , 8:33 pm

    looking for the best way to give me stronger bones.I have advanced ostio porosis.

  23. Samantha AlgaeCal

    May 31, 2024 , 9:45 am

    Janet, if you’re interested in a safe and natural approach to increasing your bone density, AlgaeCal is the only calcium supplement that is clinically supported to do so! Please feel free to call our Bone Health Consultants at 1-800-820-0184 (USA & Canada toll-free) who would be happy to answer any questions you may have. 🙂
    – Sam

  24. rolberta Fitzsimmons

    August 31, 2024 , 7:33 am

    If my vitamin d levels are 56 and my bloodwork shows normal calcium do I still need this supplement to battle osteoporosis?

  25. Yoori AlgaeCal

    September 1, 2024 , 4:13 pm

    Thank you for reaching out, Rolberta, and great question! Vitamin D and calcium are two important nutrients for healthy bones, but did you know there are actually 13 minerals and 3 vitamins that are essential to bone health? So it’s important to replenish our bones with all of these! You can learn more about our multi-nutrient, clinically supported approach to stronger bones HERE.

    Please feel free to give us a call at 1-800-820-0184 (US & Canada Toll-free) or email [email protected] for any additional questions and personalized support. Our Bone Health Consultants are happy to help! 🙂

    – Yoori

  26. Roberta Fitzsimmons

    August 31, 2024 , 7:34 am

    If my vitamin d levels are 56 and my bloodwork shows normal calcium do I still need this supplement to battle osteoporosis?

  27. Yoori AlgaeCal

    September 1, 2024 , 4:14 pm

    Thank you for reaching out, Roberta, and great question! Vitamin D and calcium are two important nutrients for healthy bones, but did you know there are actually 13 minerals and 3 vitamins that are essential to bone health? So it’s important to replenish our bones with all of these! You can learn more about our multi-nutrient, clinically supported approach to stronger bones HERE.

    Please feel free to give us a call at 1-800-820-0184 (US & Canada Toll-free) or email [email protected] for any additional questions and personalized support. Our Bone Health Consultants are happy to help! 🙂

    – Yoori

  28. Elaine Nicastro

    August 31, 2024 , 9:16 am

    I have been a client of Algae Cal for 9 years. I consume your entire calcium/stronsium regiment every day.
    yo
    I am aware that Algae Cal calcium is absorbed more readily with a meal with some healthy fat…which I adhere to….I take two Algae Cal calcium in the am (with your Vitamin D3) and two algae cal calcium in the pm. However, I do take two strontium capsules two hours after my last dose of calcium…..

    My question is emanating from your statement that calcium can not be well absorbed if it is produce from rock….I am aware your calcium capsules are plant based but your strontium is rock based….what makes this absorbable?

  29. Yoori AlgaeCal

    September 1, 2024 , 4:22 pm

    Thank you for reaching out, Elaine! Please note that Strontium Boost is composed of all-natural strontium citrate, where the strontium is combined with a natural form of citric acid, forming a more bioavailable compound. This means that the strontium is readily absorbable by our bodies, and we know this because our current formulation is working wonders without adverse side effects! 🙂 Without bioavailability, Strontium Boost would not be able to nearly triple the rate of bone density increase compared to taking AlgaeCal alone, as demonstrated in our clinical studies HERE.

    I hope this helps! Please feel free to give us a call at 1-800-820-0184 (US & Canada Toll-free) or email [email protected] for any additional questions. We are happy to further support you.

    – Yoori

  30. Harold and Violet crouse

    September 2, 2024 , 5:08 am

    is webber d3 .1000 is and webber calcium good

  31. Yoori AlgaeCal

    September 2, 2024 , 2:38 pm

    Thank you for your question! Please note that other brand supplements simply fall outside our scope of research. 🙂 For specific guidance on whether these supplements are right for you, it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider, as they can consider your individual health needs and recommend the most appropriate options. I hope this helps!

    – Yoori

  32. Jennifer

    October 12, 2024 , 4:39 pm

    Are your products Gluten Free? Particularly the Algae Cal Plus and Algae Cal Strontium Boost.

  33. Samantha AlgaeCal

    October 15, 2024 , 11:13 am

    Jennifer, AlgaeCal and Strontium Boost are both dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, and non-GMO! 🙂
    – Sam

  34. Dee Giles

    February 16, 2025 , 3:44 pm

    I have back pain from osteoarthritis and leg gramping issues. Is algaeCal right for me or do I need a magnesium supplement?

  35. Yoori AlgaeCal

    February 18, 2025 , 2:37 pm

    We’re sorry to hear you’re experiencing pain. While AlgaeCal has been clinically studied for improving bone mineral density, it has not been researched for osteoarthritis or leg cramping.

    You may find our Triple Power Fish Oil beneficial, as it helps ease oxidative stress with a powerful combination of EPA + DHA omega-3s, turmeric, and astaxanthin. You can learn more HERE. We also have an article on natural remedies for arthritis that you may find helpful HERE.

    Please note that AlgaeCal Plus already contains an optimal 2:1 ratio of calcium (720mg) to magnesium (350mg). Because of this, most people do not need additional magnesium supplements. If you choose to take extra magnesium for leg cramping, be mindful of how your body responds and adjust as needed—too much can sometimes cause loose stools or GI discomfort, as it acts as a natural laxative.

    We hope this helps, and please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions!
    – Yoori

  36. Afaf fahmy

    February 23, 2025 , 5:49 pm

    hi, if I only too 2 instead of 4 a day of algecal plus, would that be enough d and calcium for my daily intake and for my bones? after my number gets better.

  37. Yoori AlgaeCal

    February 24, 2025 , 4:33 pm

    Thank you for your question, Afaf! We suggest taking four capsules of AlgaeCal Plus daily, even if you have healthy bones, as we naturally lose about 1% of bone density per year after the age of 40 without a proper amount of nutrients. I hope this helps! Please feel free to give us a call at 1-800-820-0184 (US & Canada Toll-free) or email [email protected] for any additional questions!
    – Yoori

  38. J. Petrus

    February 24, 2025 , 5:46 am

    Can I take Algae (calcium – & D) while on blood thinner? Also have osteoporosis.

  39. Yoori AlgaeCal

    February 24, 2025 , 4:28 pm

    Thank you for reaching out, J.! We are not aware of any interactions between AlgaeCal (basic version), and blood thinners, but I always recommend confirming this with a doctor or a pharmacist. HERE is our Doctor Information Sheet for your convenience. 🙂
    – Yoori

  40. Lora Pinter

    February 24, 2025 , 12:19 pm

    let me know when you have your next discount AlgaeCal Plus. I would like to know how much 6 bottles would cost? So I can budget it in. I have to make sure I have food that month that I order.

  41. Lora Pinter

    February 24, 2025 , 12:22 pm

    I have been taking it for 2yrs now. March I get my bone density test. I am all excited about that and to show the doctors.

  42. JOANN

    April 12, 2025 , 3:32 pm

    What if you are taking somewhat over 125 mg of D3 (5000 IU) each day. My blood test shows a good level of 81. I have read that too much D can put Calcium in your tissues. I get Ca from another bone supplement, Osteoprime Ultra, plus I drink almond milk and eat a good diet. So perhaps I am getting too much calcium…. I get 400 from the supplement, possibly 450 to 900 from 1 to 2 cups of almond milk, plus other calcium food items. So probably getting 1500 mg or more each day??? I have had osteopenia since early 2000’s. Osteoporosis since Dec 2024. I am 75. I work out, including lifting weights, cardio, yoga etc. 4 to 5 times a week. Yet something is not working. Please comment. P.s. My doc says to get only 800 mg of Calcium a day with only 400 from supplements. He is also a supporter of D3. Thanks.

  43. Yoori AlgaeCal

    April 14, 2025 , 5:26 pm

    Thank you so much for sharing, Joann, and I really admire the care you’re putting into your health! I’m happy to assist you right away. 🙂

    Joann, while it’s very rare, too much vitamin D can lead to a condition called hypercalciuria—where excess calcium is lost through the urine. This is one reason why it’s so important to monitor your vitamin D blood levels, and it’s great that you’re already doing that! The amount of vitamin D you need really depends on your individual blood level. You can learn more on this topic HERE.

    My understanding is that taking more than 1500mg per day (supplements + diet) on a regular basis overloads the body’s ability to utilize calcium effectively, so you may want to adjust your diet a bit!

    Joann, I know it can be a shock for someone to be diagnosed with bone loss, especially if you’ve taken such good care of yourself! The good news is, you can turn this around, and it’s never too late! Did you know there are actually 13 minerals and 3 vitamins that are essential to bone health? So it’s important to replenish our bones with all of these! You can learn more about our multi-nutrient, clinically supported approach to stronger bones HERE.

    Please feel free to give us a call at 1-800-820-0184 (USA & Canada, toll-free) or email [email protected] for more information and personalized support. We are happy to help!
    – Yoori

  44. Peggy Karr

    April 14, 2025 , 8:02 am

    I tried AlgaeCal Plus and had a bad time with constipation once started. I have mostly a plant-based diet, take calcium with magnesium and drink plenty of water. I am also active everyday. I had to stopped AlgaeCal Plus 2 months ago. I tried to start it again with 1/day. The same symptoms started to happen. Do you have any recommendations? I really wish I could take this supplement. I do use AlgaeCal Collagen.

  45. Yoori AlgaeCal

    April 14, 2025 , 4:54 pm

    Thank you for reaching out, Peggy. I’m sorry to hear that you’ve experienced constipation while taking AlgaeCal! Constipation is usually not caused by AlgaeCal itself, but this could be due to an imbalance in calcium to magnesium ratio, or due to the body’s inability to naturally create the bio-active form of vitamin B6, called P5P, which is essential for magnesium absorption.

    Not to worry, experiencing constipation is often something that is easily rectified through dietary changes and the right nutrition. We will be emailing you to provide personalized support, so please keep an eye out on your inbox! 🙂
    – Yoori

  46. Kathleen Rice

    April 14, 2025 , 3:07 pm

    Hello! I am new to the AlgaeCal family, and started out with basic AlgaeCal rather than ACPlus. I need to use what I have, but which is best? I was diagnosed with low level Osteoporosis a little over a year ago, and the calcium supplement was causing abdominal distress. I have little problem since changing to your product. As a senior who is on a budget, I need to make my supplements count. Thank You!

  47. Yoori AlgaeCal

    April 14, 2025 , 4:59 pm

    Thank you for reaching out, Kathleen, and welcome to the AlgaeCal Community! I’m sorry to hear of your diagnosis, but it’s great you found us. 🙂

    Kathleen, for those who have bone loss, our Bone Builder Pack is the best option for increasing bone density. While AlgaeCal alone showed average bone density increases of 1.3% per year in our clinical studies, adding Strontium Boost tripled this rate!

    If you need any assistance in returning your regular AlgaeCal and place an order for the Bone Builder Pack, please feel free to give us a call at 1-800-820-0184 (US & Canada Toll-free). We can also help in finding the best pricing option for you! 🙂
    – Yoori

  48. Elizabeth Duarte

    April 14, 2025 , 5:21 pm

    Is this vitamin safe for people with kidney disease?

  49. Yoori AlgaeCal

    April 15, 2025 , 2:41 pm

    Thank you for your question, Elizabeth! AlgaeCal Plus and D3 Complete are safe for kidneys. That said, we always recommend consulting a healthcare professional before adding any new supplements to your routine if you have any medical conditions. HERE is our Doctor Information Sheet for AlgaeCal Plus, and HERE is the one for D3 Complete for your convenience. 🙂
    – Yoori

  50. Sinead Singh

    April 15, 2025 , 5:35 am

    Hi there, My mum (73yrs) and I (45yrs) have been taking algae cal for the last 6 months and are really happy with it. My daughter is 13yrs old and I have been giving her a plant based calcium supplement, since reading your article I’m wondering if I should stop or what alternatives there are to give her? It is my understanding that algae cal wouldn’t be appropriate for her or is it?

  51. Yoori AlgaeCal

    April 15, 2025 , 2:46 pm

    Great question, Sinead! Because calcium requirements for children are different at each age, we want to make sure your daughter is getting the right amount of calcium for her body! For this reason, I recommend you speak with your family doctor about what is best for your daughter. 🙂 I hope this helps!
    – Yoori

This article features advice based on cutting-edge research from our industry experts to give you the best possible information to support your bone-building journey.

Lara Pizzorno
MDiv, MA, LMT - Best-selling author of Healthy Bones Healthy You! and Your Bones; Editor of Longevity Medicine Review, and Senior Medical Editor for Integrative Medicine Advisors.,
Dr. Liz Lipski
PhD, CNS, FACN, IFMP, BCHN, LDN - Professor and Director of Academic Development, Nutrition programs in Clinical Nutrition at Maryland University of Integrative Health.,
Dr. Emma Gasinski
PT, DPT, RYT - Physical therapist and certified yoga teacher with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professionals,
Dr. Lawrence (Larry) A. May
MD, FACP, Harvard Medical School Graduate, Physician, Author, Public Speaker - Doctor of Internal Medicine at Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center and author of several articles and books, including the widely utilized and best selling medical textbook Primary Care Medicine,