Review of Upcal D Calcium Citrate Powder

Upcal D provides 500 mg calcium citrate per dose in a powdered form. You can mix the powder in any liquid or in soft foods like applesauce, pudding or yogurt. It has no taste and mixes in well, although if you allow a drink to sit for a while the powder will start to settle to the bottom. If you shake or stir your drink, though, it will mix back in easily. It does not change the texture of food or drinks, either.

The fact that Upcal D contains calcium citrate is important because people absorb calcium citrate better than other forms of calcium like calcium carbonate and tricalcium phosphate. In fact, some people absorb almost none of those other forms of calcium, including elderly people and people that have had intestinal surgery.

Upcal D also provides 500 IU vitamin D3 per dose, which is important because without adequate levels of vitamin D, people can't absorb calcium well no matter how much they take.

You can purchase Upcal D in a canister with a scoop for measuring the proper dose or in individual packets containing 500 mg worth of powder. I personally prefer the individual packets because they're easier to carry around with me and I don't have to bother with measuring.

I love Upcal D. Many calcium supplements involve very large pills to swallow and I already have to take a number of vitamins and prescription medications that I must swallow. It's nice to have a few less pills to take each day. I've also tried chewable calcium citrate supplements but most seem chalky or gritty.

I also appreciate the cost. Sometimes I use chewable calcium citrate supplements, but the brand of those that I prefer is fairly expensive. I find Upcal D much more reasonably priced. Colonial Medical charges just under $12.00 for a box of 120 packets or just under $14.00 for a canister containing 114 doses. While that is where I typically order my Upcal D, several other companies carry it as well. Prices are comparable elsewhere. I've never seen Upcal D in stores; you must order it online.

Sources:

Office of Dietary Supplements. http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/calcium/. Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Calcium.