Calcium Citrate
Calcium citrate is a highly bioavailable calcium supplement. Unlike calcium carbonate, it does not require stomach acid for optimal absorption, meaning it can be taken with or without food and is well-suited for individuals taking acid-reducing medications or older adults with decreased stomach acid.
Dosage by Body Weight
Adult daily allowance is typically 1000 mg to 1200 mg of elemental calcium. It is best absorbed when taken in divided doses of 500 mg or less at a time. Pediatric dosing should be carefully calculated based on age, diet, and clinical need under professional medical supervision.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not routine
- Frequency
- Use only if prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Infants typically receive sufficient calcium from breast milk or formula. Do not administer supplements unless explicitly directed by a pediatrician.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 200 mg of elemental calcium daily (total combined diet + supplement limit)
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Tracking Notes
- Usually met via diet. Supplements should only be introduced under pediatric supervision.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 260 mg of elemental calcium daily (total combined diet + supplement limit)
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Tracking Notes
- Consult a healthcare provider to assess dietary intake before administering supplemental calcium.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 200 mg to 500 mg of elemental calcium daily
- Frequency
- Once or twice daily
- Tracking Notes
- The RDA for children aged 1 to 3 is 700 mg of total calcium daily. Adjust supplemental dose based on dietary intake.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 300 mg to 600 mg of elemental calcium daily
- Frequency
- Once or twice daily
- Tracking Notes
- The RDA for children aged 4 to 8 is 1000 mg of total calcium daily. Supplementation should account for dietary sources.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not routine | Use only if prescribed | Infants typically receive sufficient calcium from breast milk or formula. Do not administer supplements unless explicitly directed by a pediatrician. |
| 5-7 kg | 200 mg of elemental calcium daily (total combined diet + supplement limit) | Once daily | Usually met via diet. Supplements should only be introduced under pediatric supervision. |
| 8-10 kg | 260 mg of elemental calcium daily (total combined diet + supplement limit) | Once daily | Consult a healthcare provider to assess dietary intake before administering supplemental calcium. |
| 11-15 kg | 200 mg to 500 mg of elemental calcium daily | Once or twice daily | The RDA for children aged 1 to 3 is 700 mg of total calcium daily. Adjust supplemental dose based on dietary intake. |
| 16-20 kg | 300 mg to 600 mg of elemental calcium daily | Once or twice daily | The RDA for children aged 4 to 8 is 1000 mg of total calcium daily. Supplementation should account for dietary sources. |
Formulation
Purpose
Used to prevent or treat low blood calcium levels in people who do not get enough calcium from their diets. It is commonly used to support bone health and treat or prevent conditions like osteoporosis, osteomalacia, rickets, and hypoparathyroidism.
Generic Name
Calcium CitrateBranded Drug Names
Calcium Citrate is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
No. This medicine is generally not treated as a scheduled/prescription-only drug in common consumer references, but local rules may vary.