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Calcium Supplements Tested for Taste, Effectiveness
Consumer Reports tested five chocolate-flavored supplements, including Viactiv. The supplements all claim to pack 500 milligrams of calcium per piece as well as vitamin D ― which helps you absorb calcium.
Posted — UpdatedOsteoporosis affects about 10 million Americans, and another 34 million are at risk of getting the debilitating disease.
Regular weight-bearing exercise helps keep bones strong and healthy. Getting enough calcium is also essential.
Depending on your age, you need about 1,000 to 1,200 milligrams of calcium each day. The best way to get it is through your diet, especially eating or drinking plenty of milk products.
Calcium supplements also help, and they don’t have to be chalky.
Consumer Reports tested five chocolate-flavored supplements, including Viactiv. The supplements all claim to pack 500 milligrams of calcium per piece as well as vitamin D ― which helps you absorb calcium.
First, testers analyzed how much calcium they contained. The results showed each product met its claim for calcium.
But what about taste? Testers found one tasted a lot like chocolate candy – the Adora calcium supplement that comes in milk chocolate and dark chocolate flavors.
“It would satisfy a chocolate craving," said Consumer Reports Tester Maxine Siegel.
Consumer Reports said either flavor is a good choice if you're not getting enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet.
Be aware that it's possible to consume too much calcium. More than 2,500 milligrams a day raises the risk of kidney stones.
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