Calcium

Shop Calcium Supplements at Holland & Barrett

Support your bone and muscle health by adding some of our calcium supplements into your daily routine.

Calcium is an essential nutrient that’s needed by the body for numerous vital functions, from helping us maintain healthy bones and teeth through to helping our blood to clot as it should.

While most people get enough calcium through their diet, it’s possible for some – including vegans – to be deficient.

What is calcium?

Calcium is a type of mineral that’s found all around the human body, but mostly in the bones and teeth. While it can’t be produced naturally by the body, we can top up our calcium supplies by eating things like:

• Dairy products

• Soya products (including beans, tofu and fortified milk)

• Leafy green vegetables

• Nuts

• Items made using fortified flour

As dairy usually contains the highest concentration of calcium compared to other food groups, it’s not unusual for those who are vegan or lactose-free to not get enough.

Why do we need calcium?

Calcium is one of many essential vitamins and minerals we need to maintain and keep our bodies healthy. In particular, calcium is needed to:

• Promote bone health and growth (especially in developing kids and teenagers)

• Keep your teeth healthy

• Ensure your muscles function normally

• Allow your blood to clot normally if you are injured

• Contribute to the normal function of digestive enzymes

Calcium is particularly important for kids as it allows their bones to develop. Having a lack of calcium when you’re young could lead to stunted growth or weak bones which are more prone to breakages. Even when you’re an adult, calcium continues to maintain your bones and increase their density, so they stay in tip-top condition for as long as possible!

How much calcium per day do I need?

The recommend daily intake of calcium in the UK for adults is 700mg. Most people will get all they need through their meals; however, some may need to take a supplement.

Our calcium tablets for adults come in a variety of doses and often include additional nutrients such as magnesium and zinc. Many supplements also contain vitamin D, another vital nutrient that’s thought to help the body absorb calcium more easily.

As too much calcium can also negatively affect the body, it’s important that you only take calcium capsules if you’re actually deficient and have been advised to by a medical professional.

Shop our complete range of calcium supplements below, from chewable calcium capsules in a range of strengths to calcium tablets featuring extra nutrients.