Should You Take Vitamin D and Calcium at the Same Time? Here's What Experts Say

ClosePhoto:Strauss/Curtis/Getty ImagesA strong skeleton is important as you age, important for keeping you upright and preventing osteoporosis and fractures. Unfortunately, nearly 1 out of 2 adults ages 50 and over have low bone mass—a risk factor for osteoporosis.It’s no secret that one of the best ways to protect your bones is through nutrition, but there’s more to it than boning up on calcium. In fact, taking calcium supplements without getting enough vitamin D may not be all that effective. Read on to learn more about the roles of calcium and vitamin D in the body, and how they work together to support your health.Why You Need CalciumYou probably know thatcalcium is importantfor strong bones, but there’s a lot more that calcium does for the body. The primary functions of calcium are:Giving structure to bones and teethPromoting tissue health for normal body movementsRegulating blood vessel contraction (for cardiovascular health)Aiding muscle functionSupporting blood clottingFacilitating nervous system signalingRegulating hormone secretionHow Much You NeedThe recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) for calcium are primarily based on age. For adults ages 51 to 70, they also vary based on sex. The daily recommendations for total calcium from food and supplements are:0–6 months: 200 milligrams7–12 months: 260 mg1–3 years: 700 mg4–8 years: 1,000 mg9–13 years: 1,300 mg14–18 years: 1,300 mg19–50 years: 1,000 mg51–70 years: 1,000 mg for males, 1,300 mg for females71+ years: 1,200 mgWhy You Need Vitamin DVitamin D plays many roles in normal bodily functioning. Spoiler alert: One of them is working in tandem with calcium to promote bone health. Here are the mainreasons you need vitamin D:Calcium absorption in the gutMaintenance of normal calcium and phosphate levels in the bloodSupporting bone healthReducing inflammationMetabolizing glucoseCellular healthImmune functionHow Much You NeedSimilar to calcium, the RDAs for vitamin D vary based on age and are based on total intake from supplements and food sources. They are:0–12 months: 400 International Units1–70 years: 600 IU71+ years: 800 IUOf course,soaking up the sunis one of the best ways to get vitamin D, but there are real risks to sun overexposure. These dietary recommendations are designed for people with limited sun exposure.What’s the Link Between Vitamin D and Calcium?Vitamin D and calcium are two peas in a pod when it comes to overall health and well-being. In fact, one of vitamin D’s main roles is promoting calcium absorption. “Vitamin D acts like a key, unlocking the door for calcium absorption in the intestines,” explainsTaher Saifullah, M.D., founder of Spine and Pain Institute Los Angeles.“Without adequate vitamin D, calcium absorption plummets, hindering bone mineralization and potentially leading to problems like osteoporosis,” says Saifullah. It could even lead to acalcium deficiency, addsSoma Mandal, M.D., a board-certified internist at Summit Health in New Providence, New Jersey.So, Should You Take Vitamin D and Calcium Together?Experts say yes to the question of whether to take calcium and vitamin D together. “This combination is often recommended to prevent or treat osteoporosis and other conditions related to bone loss,” says Mandal.Research backs these claims. A meta-analysis of six studies found that taking vitamin D andcalcium supplementstogether led to a 6% reduced risk of any bone fracture and a 16% reduced risk of hip fractures in older adults. The combination proved far more effective for reducing fracture risk. Taking vitamin D alone was not found to be protective.Another study found that for postmenopausal women in particular, combined calcium and vitamin D supplementation significantly reduced the incidence of hip fracture.“This combination is particularly important for older adults and those who may not get enough sunlight or have specific health conditions,” says Saifullah.That being said, not everyone needs to take these supplements. If you eat sufficient calcium- and vitamin D-rich foods likefortified dairy products, fatty fish and eggs, and you’re not at risk for deficiency, you probably do not need a supplement. In fact, research suggests that dairy products fortified with calcium and vitamin D can help improve overall bone mineral density in postmenopausal women better than supplements. It appears that dairy may enhance the effect these two nutrients have on bone.8 Conditions When You Might Need a Vitamin D Supplement, According to Health ExpertsPotential Side Effects and RisksTaking vitamin D and calcium is generally safe. However, there are certain risks worth having on your radar.For one, calcium supplements may lead to gastrointestinal symptoms like constipation, gas and bloating, says Mandal. Plus, too much calcium may increase your risk of kidney stones, especially if you’re not properly hydrated, adds Saifullah. The safe upper limit is 2,500 mg of calcium (or 2,000 mg if you’re 51 or over), an amount unlikely to cause side effects.Some studies have also found that calcium supplementation may increase cardiovascular risk, although results are mixed and the connection is currently controversial.“In rare cases, excessive intake of these supplements can lead to hypercalcemia (high levels of calcium in the blood), which can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, confusion and abnormal heart rhythms,” says Mandal.Furthermore, these supplements can interact with certain medications, including statins, steroids, thiazide diuretics, levothyroxine, lithium, quinolone antibiotics and dolutegravir.,If you’re picking up a calcium supplement at the pharmacy, you can stop and ask the pharmacist if it might interact with any medication you’re currently taking.How to Take Your Vitamin D and Calcium SupplementsDosageThe recommended daily intakes for adults range from 600 to 800 IU for vitamin D and 1,000 to 1,300 mg for calcium. One study found reduced fracture risk from 400 to 800 IU of vitamin D and 1,000 to 1,200 mg of calcium daily among older adults.That being said, supplementation should fill in any gaps from your diet and account for specific needs you may have based on nutrient deficiencies or health conditions. So if you eat a lot of calcium-rich foods and get a lot of sunlight, you may not need to supplement much, if at all.Speak with your health care provider for individualized recommendations based on your diet, health status, medication and supplement regimen, and nutrient needs.Timing“Take vitamin D with meals that have some healthy fats for better absorption. For calcium, it’s often best to split doses throughout the day, not taking more than 500 to 600 mg at once,” advises Saifullah. If you are taking a combinedcalciumandvitamin Dsupplement, check the dosage and speak with a health care provider to determine whether you need to split the dose up or whether you should take it all at once.Other Factors to ConsiderIf you’re not sure whether you need a supplement, your health care provider can perform a blood test to check your vitamin D levels. A registered dietitian can also help assess your dietary intake of each nutrient to see whether you are meeting your daily needs from food alone. They may want to monitor your levels periodically to ensure they are healthy, says Saifullah.Furthermore,when selecting a supplement, be sure to purchase one from a reputable manufacturer that has been independently verified for purity and potency, since the FDA does not verify these factors before a supplement is sold.The Bottom LineThere’s no question that calcium and vitamin D are both necessary for optimal health—particularly bone health. Taking them together has proven to be more effective than taking them alone, but there are still potential side effects, especially if you take too high of a dose. Speak with your health care provider before starting a new supplement for guidance on the safety and appropriate dosage for you.Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!Tell us why!OtherSubmitSourcesEatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Osteoporosis or Low Bone Mass in Older Adults: United States, 2017–2018.National Institutes of Health.Calcium Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.National Institutes of Health.Vitamin D Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.Yao P, Bennett D, Mafham M, et al.Vitamin D and Calcium for the Prevention of Fracture: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.JAMA Netw Open. 2019;2(12):e1917789. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.17789Liu C, Kuang X, Li K, Guo X, Deng Q, Li D.Effects of combined calcium and vitamin D supplementation on osteoporosis in postmenopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Food Funct. 2020;11(12):10817-10827. doi:10.1039/d0fo00787kMorelli MB, Santulli G, Gambardella J.Calcium supplements: Good for the bone, bad for the heart? A systematic updated appraisal.Atherosclerosis. 2020;296:68-73. doi:10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2020.01.008

Photo:Strauss/Curtis/Getty Images

a photo of hands holding multiple kinds of supplements

Strauss/Curtis/Getty Images

A strong skeleton is important as you age, important for keeping you upright and preventing osteoporosis and fractures. Unfortunately, nearly 1 out of 2 adults ages 50 and over have low bone mass—a risk factor for osteoporosis.It’s no secret that one of the best ways to protect your bones is through nutrition, but there’s more to it than boning up on calcium. In fact, taking calcium supplements without getting enough vitamin D may not be all that effective. Read on to learn more about the roles of calcium and vitamin D in the body, and how they work together to support your health.Why You Need CalciumYou probably know thatcalcium is importantfor strong bones, but there’s a lot more that calcium does for the body. The primary functions of calcium are:Giving structure to bones and teethPromoting tissue health for normal body movementsRegulating blood vessel contraction (for cardiovascular health)Aiding muscle functionSupporting blood clottingFacilitating nervous system signalingRegulating hormone secretionHow Much You NeedThe recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) for calcium are primarily based on age. For adults ages 51 to 70, they also vary based on sex. The daily recommendations for total calcium from food and supplements are:0–6 months: 200 milligrams7–12 months: 260 mg1–3 years: 700 mg4–8 years: 1,000 mg9–13 years: 1,300 mg14–18 years: 1,300 mg19–50 years: 1,000 mg51–70 years: 1,000 mg for males, 1,300 mg for females71+ years: 1,200 mgWhy You Need Vitamin DVitamin D plays many roles in normal bodily functioning. Spoiler alert: One of them is working in tandem with calcium to promote bone health. Here are the mainreasons you need vitamin D:Calcium absorption in the gutMaintenance of normal calcium and phosphate levels in the bloodSupporting bone healthReducing inflammationMetabolizing glucoseCellular healthImmune functionHow Much You NeedSimilar to calcium, the RDAs for vitamin D vary based on age and are based on total intake from supplements and food sources. They are:0–12 months: 400 International Units1–70 years: 600 IU71+ years: 800 IUOf course,soaking up the sunis one of the best ways to get vitamin D, but there are real risks to sun overexposure. These dietary recommendations are designed for people with limited sun exposure.What’s the Link Between Vitamin D and Calcium?Vitamin D and calcium are two peas in a pod when it comes to overall health and well-being. In fact, one of vitamin D’s main roles is promoting calcium absorption. “Vitamin D acts like a key, unlocking the door for calcium absorption in the intestines,” explainsTaher Saifullah, M.D., founder of Spine and Pain Institute Los Angeles.“Without adequate vitamin D, calcium absorption plummets, hindering bone mineralization and potentially leading to problems like osteoporosis,” says Saifullah. It could even lead to acalcium deficiency, addsSoma Mandal, M.D., a board-certified internist at Summit Health in New Providence, New Jersey.So, Should You Take Vitamin D and Calcium Together?Experts say yes to the question of whether to take calcium and vitamin D together. “This combination is often recommended to prevent or treat osteoporosis and other conditions related to bone loss,” says Mandal.Research backs these claims. A meta-analysis of six studies found that taking vitamin D andcalcium supplementstogether led to a 6% reduced risk of any bone fracture and a 16% reduced risk of hip fractures in older adults. The combination proved far more effective for reducing fracture risk. Taking vitamin D alone was not found to be protective.Another study found that for postmenopausal women in particular, combined calcium and vitamin D supplementation significantly reduced the incidence of hip fracture.“This combination is particularly important for older adults and those who may not get enough sunlight or have specific health conditions,” says Saifullah.That being said, not everyone needs to take these supplements. If you eat sufficient calcium- and vitamin D-rich foods likefortified dairy products, fatty fish and eggs, and you’re not at risk for deficiency, you probably do not need a supplement. In fact, research suggests that dairy products fortified with calcium and vitamin D can help improve overall bone mineral density in postmenopausal women better than supplements. It appears that dairy may enhance the effect these two nutrients have on bone.8 Conditions When You Might Need a Vitamin D Supplement, According to Health ExpertsPotential Side Effects and RisksTaking vitamin D and calcium is generally safe. However, there are certain risks worth having on your radar.For one, calcium supplements may lead to gastrointestinal symptoms like constipation, gas and bloating, says Mandal. Plus, too much calcium may increase your risk of kidney stones, especially if you’re not properly hydrated, adds Saifullah. The safe upper limit is 2,500 mg of calcium (or 2,000 mg if you’re 51 or over), an amount unlikely to cause side effects.Some studies have also found that calcium supplementation may increase cardiovascular risk, although results are mixed and the connection is currently controversial.“In rare cases, excessive intake of these supplements can lead to hypercalcemia (high levels of calcium in the blood), which can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, confusion and abnormal heart rhythms,” says Mandal.Furthermore, these supplements can interact with certain medications, including statins, steroids, thiazide diuretics, levothyroxine, lithium, quinolone antibiotics and dolutegravir.,If you’re picking up a calcium supplement at the pharmacy, you can stop and ask the pharmacist if it might interact with any medication you’re currently taking.How to Take Your Vitamin D and Calcium SupplementsDosageThe recommended daily intakes for adults range from 600 to 800 IU for vitamin D and 1,000 to 1,300 mg for calcium. One study found reduced fracture risk from 400 to 800 IU of vitamin D and 1,000 to 1,200 mg of calcium daily among older adults.That being said, supplementation should fill in any gaps from your diet and account for specific needs you may have based on nutrient deficiencies or health conditions. So if you eat a lot of calcium-rich foods and get a lot of sunlight, you may not need to supplement much, if at all.Speak with your health care provider for individualized recommendations based on your diet, health status, medication and supplement regimen, and nutrient needs.Timing“Take vitamin D with meals that have some healthy fats for better absorption. For calcium, it’s often best to split doses throughout the day, not taking more than 500 to 600 mg at once,” advises Saifullah. If you are taking a combinedcalciumandvitamin Dsupplement, check the dosage and speak with a health care provider to determine whether you need to split the dose up or whether you should take it all at once.Other Factors to ConsiderIf you’re not sure whether you need a supplement, your health care provider can perform a blood test to check your vitamin D levels. A registered dietitian can also help assess your dietary intake of each nutrient to see whether you are meeting your daily needs from food alone. They may want to monitor your levels periodically to ensure they are healthy, says Saifullah.Furthermore,when selecting a supplement, be sure to purchase one from a reputable manufacturer that has been independently verified for purity and potency, since the FDA does not verify these factors before a supplement is sold.The Bottom LineThere’s no question that calcium and vitamin D are both necessary for optimal health—particularly bone health. Taking them together has proven to be more effective than taking them alone, but there are still potential side effects, especially if you take too high of a dose. Speak with your health care provider before starting a new supplement for guidance on the safety and appropriate dosage for you.Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!Tell us why!OtherSubmitSourcesEatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Osteoporosis or Low Bone Mass in Older Adults: United States, 2017–2018.National Institutes of Health.Calcium Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.National Institutes of Health.Vitamin D Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.Yao P, Bennett D, Mafham M, et al.Vitamin D and Calcium for the Prevention of Fracture: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.JAMA Netw Open. 2019;2(12):e1917789. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.17789Liu C, Kuang X, Li K, Guo X, Deng Q, Li D.Effects of combined calcium and vitamin D supplementation on osteoporosis in postmenopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Food Funct. 2020;11(12):10817-10827. doi:10.1039/d0fo00787kMorelli MB, Santulli G, Gambardella J.Calcium supplements: Good for the bone, bad for the heart? A systematic updated appraisal.Atherosclerosis. 2020;296:68-73. doi:10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2020.01.008

It’s no secret that one of the best ways to protect your bones is through nutrition, but there’s more to it than boning up on calcium. In fact, taking calcium supplements without getting enough vitamin D may not be all that effective. Read on to learn more about the roles of calcium and vitamin D in the body, and how they work together to support your health.

Why You Need Calcium

You probably know thatcalcium is importantfor strong bones, but there’s a lot more that calcium does for the body. The primary functions of calcium are:

How Much You Need

The recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) for calcium are primarily based on age. For adults ages 51 to 70, they also vary based on sex. The daily recommendations for total calcium from food and supplements are:

Why You Need Vitamin D

Vitamin D plays many roles in normal bodily functioning. Spoiler alert: One of them is working in tandem with calcium to promote bone health. Here are the mainreasons you need vitamin D:

Similar to calcium, the RDAs for vitamin D vary based on age and are based on total intake from supplements and food sources. They are:

Of course,soaking up the sunis one of the best ways to get vitamin D, but there are real risks to sun overexposure. These dietary recommendations are designed for people with limited sun exposure.

What’s the Link Between Vitamin D and Calcium?

Vitamin D and calcium are two peas in a pod when it comes to overall health and well-being. In fact, one of vitamin D’s main roles is promoting calcium absorption. “Vitamin D acts like a key, unlocking the door for calcium absorption in the intestines,” explainsTaher Saifullah, M.D., founder of Spine and Pain Institute Los Angeles.

“Without adequate vitamin D, calcium absorption plummets, hindering bone mineralization and potentially leading to problems like osteoporosis,” says Saifullah. It could even lead to acalcium deficiency, addsSoma Mandal, M.D., a board-certified internist at Summit Health in New Providence, New Jersey.

So, Should You Take Vitamin D and Calcium Together?

Experts say yes to the question of whether to take calcium and vitamin D together. “This combination is often recommended to prevent or treat osteoporosis and other conditions related to bone loss,” says Mandal.

Research backs these claims. A meta-analysis of six studies found that taking vitamin D andcalcium supplementstogether led to a 6% reduced risk of any bone fracture and a 16% reduced risk of hip fractures in older adults. The combination proved far more effective for reducing fracture risk. Taking vitamin D alone was not found to be protective.

Another study found that for postmenopausal women in particular, combined calcium and vitamin D supplementation significantly reduced the incidence of hip fracture.“This combination is particularly important for older adults and those who may not get enough sunlight or have specific health conditions,” says Saifullah.

That being said, not everyone needs to take these supplements. If you eat sufficient calcium- and vitamin D-rich foods likefortified dairy products, fatty fish and eggs, and you’re not at risk for deficiency, you probably do not need a supplement. In fact, research suggests that dairy products fortified with calcium and vitamin D can help improve overall bone mineral density in postmenopausal women better than supplements. It appears that dairy may enhance the effect these two nutrients have on bone.

8 Conditions When You Might Need a Vitamin D Supplement, According to Health Experts

Potential Side Effects and Risks

Taking vitamin D and calcium is generally safe. However, there are certain risks worth having on your radar.

For one, calcium supplements may lead to gastrointestinal symptoms like constipation, gas and bloating, says Mandal. Plus, too much calcium may increase your risk of kidney stones, especially if you’re not properly hydrated, adds Saifullah. The safe upper limit is 2,500 mg of calcium (or 2,000 mg if you’re 51 or over), an amount unlikely to cause side effects.

Some studies have also found that calcium supplementation may increase cardiovascular risk, although results are mixed and the connection is currently controversial.“In rare cases, excessive intake of these supplements can lead to hypercalcemia (high levels of calcium in the blood), which can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, confusion and abnormal heart rhythms,” says Mandal.

Furthermore, these supplements can interact with certain medications, including statins, steroids, thiazide diuretics, levothyroxine, lithium, quinolone antibiotics and dolutegravir.,If you’re picking up a calcium supplement at the pharmacy, you can stop and ask the pharmacist if it might interact with any medication you’re currently taking.

How to Take Your Vitamin D and Calcium Supplements

Dosage

The recommended daily intakes for adults range from 600 to 800 IU for vitamin D and 1,000 to 1,300 mg for calcium. One study found reduced fracture risk from 400 to 800 IU of vitamin D and 1,000 to 1,200 mg of calcium daily among older adults.

That being said, supplementation should fill in any gaps from your diet and account for specific needs you may have based on nutrient deficiencies or health conditions. So if you eat a lot of calcium-rich foods and get a lot of sunlight, you may not need to supplement much, if at all.

Speak with your health care provider for individualized recommendations based on your diet, health status, medication and supplement regimen, and nutrient needs.

Timing

“Take vitamin D with meals that have some healthy fats for better absorption. For calcium, it’s often best to split doses throughout the day, not taking more than 500 to 600 mg at once,” advises Saifullah. If you are taking a combinedcalciumandvitamin Dsupplement, check the dosage and speak with a health care provider to determine whether you need to split the dose up or whether you should take it all at once.

Other Factors to Consider

If you’re not sure whether you need a supplement, your health care provider can perform a blood test to check your vitamin D levels. A registered dietitian can also help assess your dietary intake of each nutrient to see whether you are meeting your daily needs from food alone. They may want to monitor your levels periodically to ensure they are healthy, says Saifullah.

Furthermore,when selecting a supplement, be sure to purchase one from a reputable manufacturer that has been independently verified for purity and potency, since the FDA does not verify these factors before a supplement is sold.

The Bottom Line

There’s no question that calcium and vitamin D are both necessary for optimal health—particularly bone health. Taking them together has proven to be more effective than taking them alone, but there are still potential side effects, especially if you take too high of a dose. Speak with your health care provider before starting a new supplement for guidance on the safety and appropriate dosage for you.

Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!Tell us why!OtherSubmit

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Tell us why!OtherSubmit

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SourcesEatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Osteoporosis or Low Bone Mass in Older Adults: United States, 2017–2018.National Institutes of Health.Calcium Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.National Institutes of Health.Vitamin D Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.Yao P, Bennett D, Mafham M, et al.Vitamin D and Calcium for the Prevention of Fracture: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.JAMA Netw Open. 2019;2(12):e1917789. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.17789Liu C, Kuang X, Li K, Guo X, Deng Q, Li D.Effects of combined calcium and vitamin D supplementation on osteoporosis in postmenopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Food Funct. 2020;11(12):10817-10827. doi:10.1039/d0fo00787kMorelli MB, Santulli G, Gambardella J.Calcium supplements: Good for the bone, bad for the heart? A systematic updated appraisal.Atherosclerosis. 2020;296:68-73. doi:10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2020.01.008

Sources

EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Osteoporosis or Low Bone Mass in Older Adults: United States, 2017–2018.National Institutes of Health.Calcium Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.National Institutes of Health.Vitamin D Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.Yao P, Bennett D, Mafham M, et al.Vitamin D and Calcium for the Prevention of Fracture: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.JAMA Netw Open. 2019;2(12):e1917789. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.17789Liu C, Kuang X, Li K, Guo X, Deng Q, Li D.Effects of combined calcium and vitamin D supplementation on osteoporosis in postmenopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Food Funct. 2020;11(12):10817-10827. doi:10.1039/d0fo00787kMorelli MB, Santulli G, Gambardella J.Calcium supplements: Good for the bone, bad for the heart? A systematic updated appraisal.Atherosclerosis. 2020;296:68-73. doi:10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2020.01.008

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Osteoporosis or Low Bone Mass in Older Adults: United States, 2017–2018.National Institutes of Health.Calcium Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.National Institutes of Health.Vitamin D Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.Yao P, Bennett D, Mafham M, et al.Vitamin D and Calcium for the Prevention of Fracture: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.JAMA Netw Open. 2019;2(12):e1917789. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.17789Liu C, Kuang X, Li K, Guo X, Deng Q, Li D.Effects of combined calcium and vitamin D supplementation on osteoporosis in postmenopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Food Funct. 2020;11(12):10817-10827. doi:10.1039/d0fo00787kMorelli MB, Santulli G, Gambardella J.Calcium supplements: Good for the bone, bad for the heart? A systematic updated appraisal.Atherosclerosis. 2020;296:68-73. doi:10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2020.01.008

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Osteoporosis or Low Bone Mass in Older Adults: United States, 2017–2018.

National Institutes of Health.Calcium Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.

National Institutes of Health.Vitamin D Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.

Yao P, Bennett D, Mafham M, et al.Vitamin D and Calcium for the Prevention of Fracture: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.JAMA Netw Open. 2019;2(12):e1917789. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.17789

Liu C, Kuang X, Li K, Guo X, Deng Q, Li D.Effects of combined calcium and vitamin D supplementation on osteoporosis in postmenopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Food Funct. 2020;11(12):10817-10827. doi:10.1039/d0fo00787k

Morelli MB, Santulli G, Gambardella J.Calcium supplements: Good for the bone, bad for the heart? A systematic updated appraisal.Atherosclerosis. 2020;296:68-73. doi:10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2020.01.008

Why You Need Calcium#

How Much You Need#

Why You Need Vitamin D#

What’s the Link Between Vitamin D and Calcium?#

So, Should You Take Vitamin D and Calcium Together?#

Potential Side Effects and Risks#

How to Take Your Vitamin D and Calcium Supplements#

Dosage#

Timing#

Other Factors to Consider#

The Bottom Line#