Stocking up on calcium supplements is essential now that a tiny human inside your body depends on you. These supplements are an effective and efficient way of ensuring you stay in the best shape while supporting the growth and development of your little one.
So, if you’re on the lookout for the best calcium supplements for pregnancy or considering it, this article is for you. Here, we will list our top 10 picks of calcium supplements for pregnancy and discuss what you should look for in the buying guide reviewed by pharmacist Robi Uy.
Robi began his career in Watsons Philippines as the Senior Pharmacist in SM Mall of Asia Entertainment Mall branch. His experience as a Dispensing Pharmacist enabled him to become an expert in Community Pharmacy practice and the overall Retail Pharmacy operations. Currently, he is the Regulatory Affairs Senior Assistant Manager of Unilever Philippines. His knowledge about Pharmacy and related Regulations enables him to provide and share relevant information about regulated products such as food, drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices to consumers.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Choosing your calcium supplement can be less overwhelming when you know what to look for. For instance, calcium in supplements is usually combined with another substance. The most common are lactate and carbonate.
Calcium carbonate is a cheaper option. It is readily available since it is the most abundant natural form of calcium. It contains the highest amount of elemental calcium. However, this calcium supplement dissolves better in acid and is better taken with food.
Calcium citrate is easily absorbed by the body, either on an empty or full stomach. This is best for those with low stomach acid levels or those taking acid blockers. It is also recommended for those with absorption problems. However, this compound contains less calcium and may require you to take more tablets.
Calcium lactate is a salt form of calcium. It contains a lesser amount of elemental calcium ion than calcium carbonate. This makes it unaffected by the stomach pH and is less likely to cause constipation.
As with other ingested products, brands put up instructions on how to best take their items. So make sure to look at the packaging or the packet inside. When buying online, look at the description or ask the seller for details.
The instructions should orient you about the dosage and when to best take the supplement for best results. You may also want to check the contraindications to know if you should avoid other products while taking calcium supplements. If in doubt, check with your OB-GYN.
Supplements come in varied forms. While there is no form superior to the others, it helps to consider your preferences to ensure consistent intake. Below is a quick rundown of each to help you decide.
When talking about supplements, the first thing that might come into one’s mind is tablets. This is because the majority of vitamins come in this form. It’s no wonder why considering they have the most stable shelf life. You also get more value for your money since they tend to have a higher concentration of active ingredients.
If tablets and capsules are not for you, you may want to consider softgels. These are softer, so they may be easier to swallow. Supplements that come in this form are usually liquid or oil-based. However, they melt easily so careful handling and storage are a must.
Another form to consider is powder. This is easy to add to your drinks. Some can be added to your meals depending on the serving suggestion. You won’t even notice you’re taking supplements! Unfortunately, they require preparation which may not be optimal for moms on the go.
Taking in vitamins need not be bothersome especially when you’re dealing with different body changes. This is where gummies come to the rescue. This formula is easy to chew and comes in different flavors. But there’s a caveat, gummies usually contain a lesser amount of active ingredients and may contain added sugar for flavoring.
Get the most value for your money by choosing supplements with added nutrients. If you want to get the most nutrients in one take, multivitamins are your best choice. Just one or two capsules of these can meet your recommended intake for a day.
Not sure where to start? Look for those that contain folic acid, iron, vitamin C, vitamin D, DHA, and iodine. These help in promoting your baby’s growth and development while supporting your body during pregnancy.
Now that you are taking care of not just yourself but your baby, too, you have to be more careful in what you consume. This time, it will directly affect the tiny human you are growing. Avoid sketchy products by buying from reputable pharmacies or their verified online stores.
Whenever in doubt, opt for trusted and recognized brands. Buying from them ensures the supplements’ authenticity, safety, and quality. If choosing imported products, look for the US Pharmacopeia’s (USP) stamp of approval. You may also want to check out the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s website for more details.
Nowadays, it’s easy to just look over the internet for the most popular supplements available. But take note that just because it is recommended doesn’t mean it’s good for you, especially for your baby.
Avoid complications and allergic reactions by talking to your doctor before taking any supplements. After all, your doctor knows your medical history and therefore is an expert on what would work best for you during pregnancy.
United Home, a brand well-established in the country, has especially made this supplement to manage calcium deficiency brought by aging and pregnancy. It is also safe for nursing mothers who need more calcium to feed their babies.
You want to be in your best shape when carrying a baby in your womb. Calactate can help you with that. Aside from protecting your teeth and bones, it also helps facilitate nerve transmission and aids in blood clotting for better functioning and protection.
For your calcium needs, Calactate has what you need. Its ingredients are straightforward and contain only Calcium Lactate to ensure you get the most calcium. Its dosage may not seem much, but it’s formulated that way since the body only absorbs calcium in doses less than 500mg.
If you want added nutrients with your calcium, consider Caltrate Plus. It contains six nutrients essential in maintaining strong bones, joints, and muscles to live life to the fullest. Incorporating this into your diet also reduces the risk of osteoporosis.
Caltrate Plus has 600mg of Calcium Carbonate. It also offers the highest level of vitamin D3. The inclusion of this makes for optimal calcium absorption. These two combined are your best bet in supporting you and your baby’s calcium needs.
Being true to its name, Caltrate Plus also added Zinc, Copper, Manganese, and Magnesium. These are also essential for strong teeth and skeletal development. Another plus is that it’s sugar-free, lactose-free, and without preservatives.
Along with the changes in your body, you might also experience changes in your sense of taste during pregnancy. We get that taking in tablets may not be everyone’s cup of tea. With Enfamama A+, you get to enjoy it in a cup of chocolate drink.
Aside from being a palatable option, what sets Enfamama A+ among other supplements is that it contains tons of nutrients to support your journey to motherhood right from the very start. It has a high level of DHA and is a good source of Folic Acid, Iron, Calcium, Zinc, Choline, and Iodine.
MedJohnson understands how much of a hassle and discomfort constipation during pregnancy isーthis is why they added fiber to the formulation. This helps ease constipation and support your gut health. All the nutrients in this powdered drink ought to make you and your baby strong and healthy.
We want to see immediate results when it comes to almost everything, right? That's what Puritan's Pride is gunning for in their Absorbable Calcium. The rapid-release softgels are formulated to release calcium carbonate right after your intake. This makes it easier and faster to support optimal bone health.
Puritan's Pride Absorbable Calcium also contains Magnesium and Vitamin D. The former is necessary for the transport and absorption of calcium, while the latter contributes to maintaining bone health. This nutrient-packed supplement looks hard to swallow, but they're not, thanks to its softgel intake form.
We know you’re waiting for this! Who can’t resist a sweet chew now and then? Thanks to Vitafusion, you can enjoy this supplement while nurturing your body and your baby with calcium. It may look unassuming, but these gummies have 500mg of bone-supporting calcium and vitamin D to increase absorption.
Vitafusion’s Calcium gummies come in natural fruit and cream flavors. You can choose creamy swirled orange, strawberry, and cherry flavors. Plus, this product has a stamp of approval from United States Pharmacopeia (USP) to ensure the best quality minus the unappetizing taste of usual supplements.
Aside from changes in your body, there might also be financial adjustments during pregnancy. We understand that incorporating supplements into your diet can be challenging, but fret not. Calcisa delivers when it comes to providing your calcium needs at a cost-effective price.
For healthy bones, muscles, nervous system, and heart, just take two tablets daily. Calcium carbonate is also used to relieve heartburn, which is common during pregnancy, making it a win-win. With Calcisa, you get to ease your discomfort and protect your bones as well!
Rhea is a homegrown brand with over 40 years of experience producing high-quality and affordable healthcare products. So, if you’re on the search for a reliable local brand that manufactures quality calcium, this is your best bet.
Out of our top 10, this contains the highest amount of calcium to support pregnancy during the third trimester and even breastfeeding. All you have to do is take 3-4 tablets daily. Don’t worry about the amount; calcium lactate is less likely to cause constipation, unlike other calcium compounds.
For years, Kirkland has consistently provided customers with the highest quality of supplements. That’s why you can never go wrong with their calcium. The tandem of calcium and vitamin D3 in this supplement is more than enough to support you and your baby during pregnancy.
If you’re not yet sold, this product is United States Pharmacopeia (USP) verified. In addition, it doesn’t have any artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. For those with gluten intolerance and lactose intolerance, this is also safe for you. Every tablet of Kirkland Calcium makes for a safe and reliable calcium source.
Taking different supplements can be a hassle, especially for pregnant women on the go. Hence, taking supplements that contain all the essential nutrients is a big help. Like with Nature’s Bounty, you get calcium, zinc, and vitamin D3 in one caplet.
These three support bones, teeth, and joints. Magnesium with calcium aids chemical reactions in the body and helps you achieve a calm and relaxed mood. Zinc has an additional role in strengthening your immune system. Also, coming in a caplet form with a gelatin coating makes this supplement easier to swallow.
For the best support for your baby, Nature Made’s Prenatal is the best way to go. This #1 pharmacist-recommended vitamin and supplement brand made in the USA has 18 essential nutrients to promote your and your baby’s health.
Among these nutrients are iron, folic acid, and calcium. These are formulated to aid in developing your baby’s brain, nervous system, bones, and eyes. With just one softgel a day, taken with meals, you can take care of your baby without sacrificing your body’s nutrients.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
If you are eating a diet rich in calcium like milk, cheese, yogurt, and dark green leafy vegetables, taking supplements may be unnecessary. If not, you can get that calcium boost through supplements. Otherwise, your body will take calcium from your bones or teeth to sustain your baby’s needs. This can impair your health during pregnancy and after.
Expecting mothers should get at least 1000 mg of calcium every day. Take note that the body best absorbs calcium in doses not more than 500 mg. For optimal results, you may need to take it in small doses several times a day. Consult your OB-GYN to find what works best for you and your baby’s needs.
It is safe to take folic acid and calcium supplements together. There is no interaction between the two. And taking them together will help you greatly support your body during pregnancy and prevent birth defects and miscarriage.
Pregnancy can be overwhelming for moms-to-be, especially new ones. But fret not; it can be more manageable with a strong support system and of course, the right tools. We got your backs with the latter through our recommended products below.
Author: J Ausa
Editor: J. Cuizon
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
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