If you don’t consume milk, cheese, and other dairy products, which are considered the best sources of calcium, it’s natural to wonder if you’re actually getting enough calcium from your diet alone.
This concern is totally valid. A recent study has shown that vegans get much less calcium through their diet than vegetarians.
So, as a vegan, you need to keep an eye on your calcium intake to avoid deficiency.
A well-planned, varied vegan diet can provide enough calcium if you make sure to include foods rich in calcium like soybeans, tofu, tempeh, beans, peas, lentils, almonds, seeds, spinach, broccoli, and calcium-fortified foods.
However, it’s not always easy to stick to a varied vegan diet and carefully plan every meal. That’s where calcium supplements come in handy. Here are some of the best calcium supplements I managed to find that are available in the UK.
Together Health Calcium
Together Health Calcium is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a clean, natural calcium supplement. Sourced from 100% seaweed, specifically Lithothamnion calcareum, this supplement comes from the pristine waters off the Atlantic coastlines.
What makes it special is how the seaweed absorbs minerals directly from the seawater, offering not just bioactive calcium but also 72 other trace minerals like magnesium and iodine—though it’s low in iodine to prevent any issues with your thyroid.
This supplement stands out for several reasons. It’s sustainably harvested and tested safe for heavy metals, ensuring you get pure, natural ingredients. Plus, the packaging is plastic-free and compostable, which is great for the environment. It’s also travel-friendly and proudly made in the UK. With Together Health Calcium, you’re not only boosting your calcium intake but also making an eco-friendly and health-conscious choice.
Fushi Wholefood Calcium
Fushi Wholefood Calcium is an excellent choice for those seeking a natural and highly absorbable calcium supplement. This unique blend combines wholefood powders of kale and fig with tri-calcium citrate to boost calcium content and enhance absorption.
It’s also enriched with vitamins D and K2 Menaquinone, which are derived from bacterial fermentation found in miso and sauerkraut. These vitamins help drive calcium into your bones, making it especially effective for bone health.
This supplement supports not only your bones and teeth but also aids in muscle function, blood clotting, and the nervous system. By integrating minerals with wholefoods, Fushi ensures better absorption, reducing the need for high doses.
The packaging is eco-friendly, reflecting Fushi’s commitment to sustainability. With its pure, plant-based formula and no synthetic additives, Fushi Wholefood Calcium is designed to support your overall wellbeing naturally and effectively.
Silvertown Health Vegan Calcium
Silvertown Health Vegan Calcium is a standout choice for those looking for a plant-based calcium supplement derived from natural sources. This supplement features marine algae (Lithothamnion), which is sustainably harvested from the clean seas off the north coast of Iceland using advanced GPS mapping for full traceability, and organic baobab fruit powder.
Lithothamnion marine algae is rich in calcium, making up 30% of its composition, and also provides 72 other trace minerals, including phosphorous, sulfur, iron, and boron. This diverse mineral content supports overall health in multiple ways. Studies have shown that Lithothamnion can reduce joint pain more effectively than glucosamine, support bone health, especially in seniors and menopausal women, and improve gut health by enhancing digestive comfort and wellbeing.
Each capsule also offers natural antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, polyphenols, dietary fibre, and prebiotics, thanks to the nutrient-rich ingredients. A daily serving of just two Vegan Calcium capsules provides 43% of your recommended daily calcium requirement, with the rest ideally coming from your diet. This supplement is gentle on the stomach, free from common allergens, and contains no artificial fillers, making it a perfect choice for vegans aiming to meet their calcium needs naturally.
Cytoplan Organic Wholefood Calcium
Just like other calcium supplements on our list, Cytoplan’s Organic Wholefood Calcium also uses calcified seaweed, which is harvested from the pristine waters off Iceland’s south-west coast. Each capsule provides 200mg of elemental organic calcium, making it highly bioeffective and easy for your body to absorb.
One of the key benefits of this product is its high solubility in the stomach’s acidic environment, thanks to the porous and hydrolysed surface of the seaweed. This means your body can take up the calcium more effectively compared to other sources like calcium carbonate.
This supplement is certified organic by the Soil Association and contains no additives, ensuring you’re getting a pure, whole-food source of calcium. It’s suitable for adults and children over 4 years old, as well as vegetarians and vegans.
With Cytoplan’s Organic Wholefood Calcium, you get a gentle, natural, and highly absorbable supplement that supports your calcium needs without any synthetic additives. It’s a straightforward and clean option for boosting your calcium intake naturally.
Garden of Life Organics Plant Calcium
Garden of Life Organics Plant Calcium is a high-quality, whole-food, plant-based supplement sourced from organic algae. It’s designed to be easily digestible and free from artificial ingredients, making it a natural choice for those looking to support their bone health.
This supplement includes a unique blend of plant-sourced nutrients like magnesium, vegan D3, and vitamin K2 (MK-7), all working together to enhance calcium absorption and support healthy bones. Unlike other calcium supplements made from pulverized limestone, Garden of Life uses organic algae. Additionally, it incorporates 20 different organic fruits and vegetables, including apple, beet, broccoli, carrot, spinach, and tomato, provided by a network of organic farmers.
Each tablet is part of a pure, organic formula with no chemicals, fillers, or binders. Certified USDA organic and non-GMO, this supplement ensures you’re getting the best quality. The recommended dosage for adults is three tablets daily with meals, ideally one with each meal for optimal results. This product is not intended for children.
Vitality Nutritionals Algae Calcium
Algae Calcium from Vitality Nutritionals is another excellent supplement on our list, derived from pure algae, specifically calcified red algae seaweed. This provides a rich source of bioavailable calcium, making it highly absorbable and effective for supporting bone health.
In addition to calcium, this supplement includes trace minerals that work synergistically to enhance absorption and support overall health. Harvested from the clean waters off the coast of Iceland, it’s free from additives and side effects, ensuring a pure and natural product.
Vitality Nutritionals ensures top quality through rigorous testing and certification. Their products are free from artificial colors, fillers, binders, and GMOs. Manufactured in certified facilities, the supplements adhere to strict hygiene and quality standards. Full transparency is maintained with detailed ingredient listings and standardized active content.
Lifestream Natural Calcium Powder
Lifestream Natural Calcium is an excellent choice for those who prefer not to swallow tablets or capsules. Made from Lithothamnium Calcereum, a natural sea vegetable, this powder provides a natural calcium/magnesium ratio of 10:1, similar to that found in breast milk and cow’s milk. Unlike many calcium supplements, it contains no chalk or limestone, ensuring a pure and natural option.
This supplement also includes other essential minerals like magnesium, zinc, boron, and selenium, enhancing its overall nutritional value. It’s completely free from preservatives and synthetic additives, making it a clean and natural option for boosting your calcium intake.
The dosage is simple: adults should take 1 level teaspoon (2.8g) daily, children 6-12 years should take 1/2 teaspoon (1.4g) daily, and children 1-6 years should take 1/4 teaspoon (0.7g) daily. For best results, mix the powder into water or juice and take it after food.
Lifestream Natural Calcium offers 924mg of elemental calcium per serving, providing a highly absorbable and effective way to support bone health. This supplement is ideal for those seeking a natural, additive-free source of calcium with the added benefits of important trace minerals.
Nature’s Own Wholefood Calcium
Nature’s Own Wholefood Calcium is another excellent seaweed-based supplement on our list, naturally containing calcium and several other trace minerals. Harvested from the Atlantic seabed off Ireland’s southwest coast, this supplement provides a natural and effective way to boost your calcium intake.
Each serving of two vegicaps contains 1250mg of calcified seaweed, offering 400mg of calcium and 28mg of magnesium. These minerals, naturally present in the seaweed, enhance the supplement’s overall effectiveness and bioavailability.
Designed to be gentle on the stomach and easily absorbed by the body, this supplement is free from synthetic additives, ensuring a clean and natural choice for those seeking to support their bone health and overall wellbeing.
How I Selected the Best Vegan Calcium Supplements
If you’re wondering how these supplements ended up on my list, here’s a look at my criteria:
- Avoiding Calcium Carbonate: My first criterion was to steer clear of calcium carbonate. This form of calcium, produced from chalk, limestone, or marble (essentially crushed rocks), can cause side effects like bloating, constipation, and gas. Plus, it’s not as well absorbed by the body compared to other forms of calcium.
- Natural, Wholefood-Derived Ingredients: I focused on finding supplements that use natural, wholefood-derived ingredients. Calcium from sources like seaweed or algae is more bioavailable, meaning it’s better absorbed and utilized by our bodies. These sources often come packed with additional beneficial trace minerals.
- No Fillers, Binders, or Additives: Lastly, I made sure to exclude any supplements containing fillers, binders, or synthetic additives. These unnecessary ingredients can lead to unwanted side effects and reduce the supplement’s overall purity and effectiveness. I aimed for products that are as natural and clean as possible to ensure what you’re taking is truly beneficial for your health.
I hope this list is useful to you! Don’t forget to save it and share it with your friends if you find it helpful. Choosing the right vegan calcium supplement can make a big difference in maintaining your health, and hopefully, this guide has helped you find your perfect match. Here’s to stronger bones and a healthier, happier you!4o