The Best Calcium Supplements for Teenagers, Selected by Dietitians

Approximately 49% of Americans—especially teenagers with limited diets—do not consume enough calcium, according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). This deficiency has resulted in poor bone health and stunted height in early childhood and adolescence [1].

Many parents like you have sought help from countless dietary supplements but ended up dealing with shady companies and products that fell short of expectations.

Thus, we have compiled a list of top calcium supplements for teens, including both natural botanical blends and advanced mineral-vitamin mixes just for you.

Let's Find Out The Best Teenagers Calcium Supplements and Vitamins

1. NuBest Tall 10 + Calcium Supplements for Teens and Preteens

NuBest® is one of the leading supplement brands of height growth and calcium supplements in the United States. Advanced technology and traditional herbalism practice have been expertly incorporated into their product lines, from capsules to chewable and effervescent tablets.

Specially targeting pre-teens and teens’ special nutrition needs, the brand has launched NuBest Tall 10+ calcium supplement and soon gained popularity nationwide.

NuBest Tall 10+ capsules comprise nanometer calcium, vitamins D3 & K2, and a myriad of botanicals for bone strength, muscle growth, brain function, and healthy immunity. Additionally, the product has passed Consumer Lab independent tests of nutritional contents and transparency.

What are the pros of NuBest Tall 10+ Calcium Supplements?

NuBest calcium supplements' main pros are:

• Proficient formulation: NuBest Tall 10+ has nanometer calcium, vitamins D3 and K2, which boost calcium intake more effectively. The manufacturers have also packed a well-calculated amount of collagen and herbal extracts (Eucommia Bark, Poria Mycelium, Motherwort leaf, etc.) to enhance the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory effects, bone development, and immunity.
• Safety: This supplement is manufactured in an FDA-restricted and GMP-verified facility to guarantee high standards of safety and sufficiency. Plus, it is gluten-free and GMO-free.
• Transparency: Customers can easily access endorsements of NuBest Tall 10+ from experts and also stories shared by verified customers, including how-to-use instructions and success stories after taking capsules consistently.
• User experience: Numerous customers find the capsules convenient and gentle, while effectively delivering the right amount of calcium daily.

Cons of NuBest Tall 10+ Calcium Supplements

The cons of NuBest calcium supplements are:

• Price: The retail cost can be higher than average teen supplements, so it might not be the most appealing option for customers who don’t value the unique antioxidant-rich botanical blend or its doctor endorsements.
• Restrictions: NuBest Tall 10+ is not suitable for vegể. Other alternatives like NuBest Doctor Taller should be considered to help those with restricted diets meet their calcium requirements.
• Consistency required: It requires daily usage for 3-6 months with balanced meals, adequate sleep, and proper exercises to see visible results.

Jackie R. and her son, Cayden, from the United States have been loyal customers of NuBest Tall 10+. In a recent review, she wrote:

"Last year, I mentioned that my son was using NuBest Tall 10+. Since then, he has grown over two and a half inches."

2. Citracal Petites Calcium Citrate

Citracal, a division of Bayer Consumer Health, focuses on calcium supplements with added vitamin D3 to support bone wellness and healthy living.

Among the wide range of options, from slow-release calcium capsules to tablets and gummies, Citracal Petites Calcium Citrate stands out the most.

Pros of Citracal Petites Calcium Citrate:

• Price: Each serving of 2 chewable tablets per day only costs a few cents, which is a bargain for customers who prefer saving budget.
• Formulation: Each Citracal Petites Calcium Citrate tablet contains about 400 mg of calcium citrate and vitamin D3, which work together to support bones and muscles. Furthermore, the product is third-party tested to have no allergens.
• Capsule size: Many positive reviews mention that the capsule sizes are smaller than average, making it less irritating to swallow.

Cons of Citracal Petites Calcium Citrate:

• Dosage: The formulation is more likely to target adults and not tailored for the unique needs of growing pre-teens and teens, with no specific recommended dosage for this age range. 
• Taste: The lack of flavors might make them less appealing for teenagers accustomed to more palatable supplements.
• Cost-effective: While calcium citrate is well-absorbed, some parents might prefer calcium carbonate due to its higher calcium content per pill for cost-effectiveness.

3. Nature Made Calcium 600 mg with vitamin D3

Nature Made is confident in its variety of calcium supplements for teenagers and adults: traditional tablets, delicious gummies, and easy-to-use soft gel.

Nature Made Calcium 600mg with vitamin D3 is a reliable option for those seeking to maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

Pros of Nature Made Calcium 600mg:

• Budget-friendly: Nature Made offers three sizing options: 60, 120, and 220 tablets per bottle with the price ranging from $9 to $22.
• Safety: The tablets contain no added colorings, flavors, and preservatives. Plus, they are gluten-free and verified by USP.
• Formulation: The inclusion of vitamin D3 helps boost calcium intake and prevent brittle bones for individuals with dietary deficiencies and limited sunlight exposure.

Cons of Nature Made Calcium 600mg:

• Dosage: With 600mg of calcium supplement per tablet, it has surpassed the 500 mg dosage that should be consumed at one time [2].
• Adult-focused formula: The product lacks other essential nutrients for teens' growing bodies, providing only calcium and vitamin D for bone health.

4. Garden of Life Organic Plant Calcium Supplement

If you are seeking a plant-based calcium supplement for teenagers, Garden of Life Organic Plant Calcium is among the top picks. Its organic formula is designed to support bone health with a blend of calcium, magnesium, and other essential nutrients for maximal absorption.

Pros of Garden of Life Plant Calcium Supplement

• Flexibility: These calcium pills make a convenient fit for individuals with nutritional restrictions like lactose intolerance, and gluten-free, vegetarian diets.
• Natural ingredients: Besides calcium, this supplement comprises vitamins D3, K2, magnesium, fruit, and green extracts for comprehensive bone nourishment.

Cons of Garden of Life Plant Calcium Supplement

• Servings: The daily recommended dosage is three tablets per day with meals, which can be discouraging for teenagers to maintain every day.
• Price: Its price point is regarded as a high-end calcium supplement for teens and preteens.

5. Theralogix TheraCal D2000

TheraCal D2000 by Theralogix includes key nutrients like calcium citrate, magnesium, vitamin D3, vitamin K2, and boron, which work together to promote optimal results.

Pros of Theralogix TheraCal D2000:

• Advanced formula: In addition to calcium citrate for bone health, the formula contains important vitamins and minerals, including boron, for better absorption and osteoporosis prevention.
• Safety: TheraCal D2000 is NSF-qualified, gluten-free, non-GMO. 

Cons of Theralogix TheraCal D2000:

• Cost: The price for 90-day supplementation is around $61, much higher than other brands in the same category.

6. Nature's Way Alive! Premium Calcium + D3 Gummies

Nature's Ways Premium Calcium + D3 Gummies provides an exciting and nutritious supplement experience for teenagers that despite capsules and chewable tablets.

Pros of Nature’s Way Alive! Premium Calcium +D3 Gummies:

• Transparency: Their calcium gummies are produced in an NSF-verified facility and tested in their internal ISO-certified laboratory for purity assurance.
• Essential nutrients: Nature’s Way blends tribasic calcium phosphate with vitamin D3 and phosphorus, working harmoniously to strengthen bone structure and reduce fragility.

Cons of Nature’s Way Alive! Premium Calcium +D3 Gummies:

• Added sugar: This is not an appropriate selection for teenagers and kids on a sugar-restricted diet, as it has up to 5g of sweeteners per serving.
• Potential health risks: The chewy texture and delicious taste mainly come from extra sugar and binders, which can cause dental problems in the long term.

Best Calcium Supplements for Teenagers Comparison Chart

Here is a review board comparing the six calcium supplements above:

Disclaimers

Consult a healthcare professional before use, especially for children.

Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Results may vary based on individual factors.

Follow label directions for usage and dosage.

How Did We Choose These Calcium Supplements for Teens?

Natural ingredients matter: Products host vitamins D3 and K2, calcium, zinc, and herbal extracts ideal for promoting height growth and bone health without harmful additives.

Safety comes first: We endorse only supplements that adhere to strict safety protocols and meet recognized quality standards to ensure consumer trust and satisfaction.

Evidence-based and science-backed: Reliable supplements should showcase both clinical validation and customer feedback alongside endorsements from healthcare professionals to confirm their credibility.

Extensive support: Effective height growth solutions should foster overall health and development across teenagers’  growth stages, making them a sustainable choice for long-term use.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Calcium Supplements for Teenagers

What is the best type of calcium to take for strong bones?

These are the popular types of calcium supplements for a child’s strong bones: capsules, tablets, liquid drops, and gummies:

• Capsules and tablets are ideal for older kids due to their convenience and precise dosing.
• Liquid calcium drops are great for younger children or picky eaters, offering easy absorption.
• Gummies, while fun and tasty, should be chosen carefully to avoid added sugars.

Finally, you should consult a pediatrician to select the best option for your child’s needs.

What are the side effects and benefits of calcium supplements?

Adopting calcium supplements is one of the effective measures to help teenagers grow taller. While dietary products bring health benefits, there are also side effects once overdosing.

• Advantages: Support bone and heart health, fuel muscles, enhance cognitive functions, etc.
• Disadvantages: Cause digestive issues and interfere with the absorption of other nutrients.

What form of calcium is most effective for bone health?

Calcium citrate, calcium carbonate, and tricalcium phosphate are all effective forms for bone health.

• Calcium citrate is highly absorbable and ideal for people with low stomach acid,
• Calcium carbonate offers higher calcium content per dose and is best taken with meals.
• Tricalcium phosphate not only provides calcium but also includes phosphorus, another mineral vital for strong bones and teeth.

What are calcium-rich foods for kids and teenagers diet?

Calcium-rich foods for kids and teenagers include fortified foods and dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and sardines. 

Non-dairy options such as cereals, tofu, almonds, soy milk, kale, broccoli, and chia seeds can also support bone strength.

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REFERENCES

[1] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.-b). Office of dietary supplements - calcium. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-HealthProfessional/

[2] Katherine Zeratsky, R. D. (2023, May 20). The best time to take your calcium supplement. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/calcium-supplements/faq-20058238