Question:
How close together can I take doses of calcium?

I don't always get in all of my calcium because I'm busy and I forget. How long must I wait between each dose and how much should I take per day, 1500 or 2000 milligrams?    — Kelly* P. (posted on May 9, 2003)

May 9, 2003
My surgeon says 1500 and I take it all at one time.
   — Sharon H.

May 9, 2003
Actually, the body can only absorb 500-600 mg of calcium at a time, so you need to spread it out. And don't take calcium at the same time you take your iron, because calcium blocks iron absorption. Here's my schedule: 8AM - B'fast (take multi, iron, and 2 chewable vitamin Cs); 11AM - protein shake (take calcium); 1PM - Lunch (multi, iron, and 2 chewable Cs); 4PM - protein shake (take calcium); 7PM dinner (and you can take more calcium after dinner). My dietitian said to wait at least 2 hours between taking iron and calcium to insure proper absorption. Hope that helps! Best of luck to you!
   — momstah

May 9, 2003
I take 1500 mg. a day, at 500 mg. a whack (the most we can absorb at one time is 500 mg.), placing each dose at least two hours apart from the last one, and at least two hours away from iron.
   — Suzy C.

May 9, 2003
Your body can only absorb around 500 mg of calcium citrate at a time. Its absorption is facilitated by Vitamin D& magnesium. I prefer the 500mg capsules with mag & Vit D from Vitalady (Michelle Curran) as opposed to a 250mg caplets of Citrical. I take 4/day as I’m post menopausal with my last one before bed as our bodies are better at assimilating calcium at night. I alternate these with my 2 multivites with iron since they fight each other for absorption.
   — Denise W.

May 9, 2003
I take Calcium Citrate (TWO 250mg tablets)3 times a day. Two when I get up, two after breakfast and two after lunch. I try not to take them with my children's chewable.
   — Amy A.

May 9, 2003
Also...surgeon advised 1000 milligrams a day (I chose Citracal with Vit D), so I take 1500 since not ALL of it is absorbed. This guarantees a minimum absorption of at least 1000.
   — Amy A.