Originally published January 31 2005
Some calcium supplements fail Consumer Reports tests; lead levels questioned in a few pills
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
A Consumer Reports study of several calcium supplements available at major drug store chains shows that some are just do not measure up. Testers said that some of the pills do not have enough calcium to make a health difference, and some have too much lead. The test found 500 grams of Kirkland's Signature Calcium to be the smartest dosage of the best supplement on the market.
New research makes calcium sound like a wonder drug.
Along with strengthening your bones, it may also lower the risk of colon cancer, reduce blood pressure, improve cholesterol, and help you lose weight.
But most of us get too little calcium in our diet.
In our Consumer Watch Report we test supplements, to find which can help.
You see all kinds of calcium supplements in stores.
Consumer Reports recently tested thirty different kinds of calcium supplements.
Dr. Marvin Lipman, Consumer Reports' Medical Advisor, reviewed the results.
Dr. Marvin M. Lipman-Consumer Reports: "All of the brands that we tested contained the amounts of calcium promised on the label.
But some also contained lead at levels that we think make them a poor choice."
Another problem turned up in a second test.
This device simulates how calcium dissolves in your stomach.
Dr. Marvin M. Lipman-Consumer Reports: "In order to get a daily dose of 1000 milligrams of calcium, you have to take six to eight tablets and that can cost well over a dollar."
In contrast, you need only two of these pills at a cost of just four cents a day.
They're Kirkland Signature Calcium 500 milligrams from Costco.
How much calcium you need depends on your age and how often you eat calcium-rich foods such as milk, yogurt and tofu.
One other note, our testers found that Walgreens also carries a good supplement.
It's the Walgreens Finest Natural Calcium 500 plus D. A one thousand milligram dose will cost you eight cents.
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