Calcium supplements: which is the best kind to take and best brand?

Susan; my nutritionist, whom I saw for a year, had a PhD from that school in Boston and had MD's from Albany Medical College sitting in on his sessions w. me, at least.He recommended vegetarian (gluten-free) Calcium-Magnesium from Pioneer (800.247.6505). Calcium citrate, magnesium,400 IU of Vit. D. and some trace minerals. Four tabs dailly, with meals. I take two w. breakfast and 2 w. dinner.

Or http://www.pioneernutritional.com

i don't know the answer, but on the topic, be sure to have it with the things that allow the absorption (D? C? i forget - gailcalled said D) and don't have it with things that block the absorption (like coffee) --- i know that's very important for calcium supplements

If you wanna go top-of-the-line, check out Solgar. It's considered the designer brand for nutritional supplements. www.solgar.com. Country Life is supposed to be an excellent brand, too, and is available in most health food stores.

Make sure you get adequate Vit D. This is especially important for people in northern climes and those who slather on the sunscreen! Vit D is needed for calcium absorption. But be careful not to overdose.

Things to avoid: coffee and carbonated beverages

Here are a couple of good sites to check out:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/calcium-supplements/AN01428

http://huhs.harvard.edu/ClinicalServices/NutritionKnowHow/Calcium.htm

I take Citricalc; my mother used to take Tums. When she had a bone density test at age 86, she was told that she had the bone density of a 40 year-old. So Tums must work! However, too much Calcium can be vey bad for your kidneys, especially if you have kidney disease.