Caltrate Products for Bone Health

Written by Ami Ishver, PharmD
Medically Reviewed by Laurel Riemann, PharmD on November 06, 2025
3 min read

Your bones are constantly being broken down and rebuilt again, with calcium being a key player in bone strength. Bones are made up of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and a substance called collagen. Because your bones are always changing, you need an adequate amount of minerals over your lifetime to keep your bones strong and flexible.

Calcium plays many important roles in your body beyond supporting strong bones. If your body needs calcium, it will take it from your bones. Over time, your bones may become weak. If you get osteoporosis, you are at a greater risk of breaking a bone.

Some minerals, such as calcium, are not absorbed well by your body. Caltrate products may contain vitamin D because vitamin D can help your body absorb calcium.

Some Caltrate products may also contain minerals beyond phosphorus and magnesium that are needed for bone strength. Some may include zinc, copper, and manganese. These minerals may help support collagen. Collagen helps keep your bones flexible.

There are Caltrate products for adults and children as young as 13 years old.

Caltrate products are usually well tolerated. Side effects may vary depending on the ingredients in the specific product you are using. Some possible side effects include stomach problems, including the following.

  • Constipation
  • Gas
  • Bloating
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach cramps
  • Nausea

Stop taking the supplement if you get a rash or hives. Get medical help right away if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing or swelling of the face, lips, or throat.

Caltrate products are considered dietary supplements. The FDA does not approve dietary supplements or test their safety or effectiveness.

Talk with your health care provider about how much calcium you need. Calcium needs vary depending on your age and other factors.

Your lifestyle, including your diet and activity level, affects your bone health. Talk with your health care provider about choices you can make, such as not smoking, to help keep your bones strong and healthy.

If you have trouble swallowing, carefully look at your options for a Caltrate product. Gummies need to be chewed well before swallowing. A mini tablet, which is 35% smaller than the leading small size calcium supplement, or a chewable tablet may be available. If your only option is a tablet, you may be able to crush it and mix the very small pieces into applesauce or another soft food. Carefully read the instructions for the product you have.

Some Caltrate products do contain sugar. Carefully read product labels, especially if you have diabetes.

There may be side effects, additional warnings, and interactions with other medicines that are not listed here. These may vary depending on the combination of ingredients in the specific Caltrate product you are taking. Always check the label before taking a supplement. Do not take more than the recommended dose. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your health conditions and other medicines you are taking to help determine which products are safe for you.

Several Caltrate products are available to help support bone health.

Product  Features
Caltrate Bone Health 
  • A tablet or soft chew that contains calcium and vitamin D 
  • A gummy bite that contains calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus
Caltrate Bone Health Advanced 
  • A tablet, mini tablet (gluten-free), or chewable tablet that contains calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, zinc, copper, and manganese