Take action:
Always read the product labels and follow the directions; don’t take your daily calcium dose all at once – calcium is best absorbed when taken several times a day in amounts of 500 mg or less; when starting your supplementation, increase the dosage gradually i.e. start with 500 mg per day for the first week and add the rest in subsequent weeks; if you take a calcium carbonate supplement, it should be taken with meals.
Weekly tip - Get the best out of your calcium tabs
As most people can only get about half the calcium they need from the food they eat, supplementation is often necessary. But how you take your calcium supplement plays an important role too, says the National Osteoporosis Foundation of South Africa.