Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body — about 99% is stored in bones and teeth, giving the skeleton its strength and rigidity, while the remaining 1%, in blood and soft tissue, plays a role in muscle contraction, nerve transmission, blood clotting and many enzymatic reactions. Daily needs are around 900mg for an adult, rising to 1,200mg for postmenopausal women and people over 65 — yet many people, especially those who eat little or no dairy, fall short of these targets.

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Calcium citrate is an organic calcium salt bound to citric acid, and its key advantage over calcium carbonate (the most common, cheapest form) is that its absorption does not depend on stomach acidity — it dissolves and is absorbed efficiently even without much gastric acid, while carbonate needs an acidic environment to dissolve. This matters particularly for older adults, who often produce less stomach acid, and it means citrate can be taken on an empty stomach or with meals without affecting absorption. Comparative research suggests calcium citrate’s bioavailability is 20-25% higher than that of calcium carbonate.

Compare with Coral Calcium by Distriform’, another quality option.

Bone mass builds mainly through childhood and adolescence, peaking around age 25-30, after which it stabilises and then gradually declines. In women, the drop in oestrogen at menopause markedly speeds up bone loss over the following 5 to 10 years. Adequate calcium, combined with regular weight-bearing exercise and sufficient vitamin D, forms the foundation of bone-health support. This calcium citrate provides 600mg of elemental calcium per 1.5-teaspoon serving (about 3g of powder), covering roughly two-thirds of an adult’s daily needs — best complemented with dietary sources (leafy greens, calcium-rich mineral water, sardines with bones, almonds).

Complete your routine with Vitamin K2 MK7.

Pure powder offers fully adjustable dosing — take 200mg, 400mg or 600mg per serving as needed. Now Foods recommends splitting doses rather than taking it all at once, since the body absorbs calcium better at 500mg or less per dose — for example, half a teaspoon in the morning and half in the evening. The powder dissolves easily in water, fruit juice (orange or tomato juice work particularly well thanks to their natural acidity), smoothies or recipes. The 227g jar contains about 76 servings, over 2 months of supplementation at the recommended dose.

Mix the powder into water, juice or a recipe as described above, ideally split across two doses per day.

Food supplement. Not a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. People with kidney stones, hypercalcaemia or hyperparathyroidism should consult their doctor before supplementing with calcium. People on certain medications (particularly tetracycline or quinolone antibiotics, bisphosphonates, or thyroid hormones) should space calcium intake at least 2 hours apart from these treatments. Store the jar tightly closed in a cool, dry place. Keep out of reach of young children.

What is the difference between calcium citrate and calcium carbonate?

Calcium carbonate contains about 40% elemental calcium (versus 21% for citrate), so less powder is needed for the same calcium dose — but carbonate needs an acidic stomach environment and must be taken with meals. Citrate is absorbed independently of gastric pH and can be taken on an empty stomach, making it well suited to people over 50, those on proton pump inhibitors, and anyone seeking optimal absorption.

Can calcium citrate be taken with vitamin D?

Yes, and it’s recommended. Vitamin D supports intestinal calcium absorption and its incorporation into bone. We suggest 1,000 to 2,000 IU of vitamin D3 per day alongside calcium citrate, particularly in autumn and winter.

Is calcium citrate suitable for people with lactose intolerance?

Yes, this product is entirely free from dairy, lactose, gluten and major allergens, and suits vegan and vegetarian diets, as calcium citrate is a mineral salt of non-animal origin.

Herba Barona is an independent specialist supplement shop in the heart of Paris — established in 2006. What you order is genuinely on our shelves: we ship from our own stock, with no dropshipping and no long waits.

Visit us at 10 rue Théophile Roussel, Paris 12 — or use Click & Collect and pick up your order in-store. We also deliver across France and Europe. Friendly, expert advice in English from our team.

Where is the shop?

Herba Barona is at 10 rue Théophile Roussel, 75012 Paris — a two-minute walk from Ledru-Rollin (line 8), close to Bastille. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 9:30 am–6:30 pm.

Can I order online or collect in store?

Yes. We ship across France and Europe under the same conditions as our French store, or choose Click & Collect to pick up your order for free at our Paris shop.