Safety Profile
Known Safety Concerns
- Same cardiovascular risk as other calcium supplements at high doses
- Kidney stone risk in predisposed individuals
- Better tolerated than carbonate -- less constipation
- Still requires dose moderation; do not stack with carbonate
Contraindications
- Same cardiovascular risk as other calcium supplements at high doses
- Kidney stone risk in predisposed individuals
Interactions
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
Evidence and Scientific Findings
Ingredient Overview
Calcium citrate is better absorbed than calcium carbonate, especially without food or in people with low stomach acid. It provides approximately 21% elemental calcium by weight. Preferred for older adults and those on acid-suppressing medications. The same cardiovascular and kidney stone concerns apply as with all calcium supplements, though slightly lower due to better bioavailability at lower doses.
Biological and Chemical Classification
- Scientific Name
- Calcium citrate
Mechanism of Action
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
Clinical Evidence of Effectiveness
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
Pharmacokinetics
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
Recommended Dosage
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
SETI — Scientific Evidence Transparency Index
Executive Summary — Ingredient Assessment
- 10 studies reviewed
- 0 high-quality studies (meta-analysis or RCT)
- Main clinical benefit observed: Mineral
- Evidence consistency: High consistency across studies (100%)
- Same cardiovascular risk as other calcium supplements at high doses
- Kidney stone risk in predisposed individuals
- Better tolerated than carbonate -- less constipation
- Still requires dose moderation; do not stack with carbonate
The available scientific evidence for Calcium Citrate indicates notable safety signals that warrant caution. Use should be considered carefully and monitored, particularly in sensitive populations or alongside other medications.
Total SETI Score
High risk| Evidence quality | 10/40 |
| Evidence consistency | 20/20 |
| Safety signals | 0/20 |
| Study recency | 9/10 |
| Evidence transparency | 10/10 |
Evidence Summary
- 10 studies reviewed
- 0 high-quality studies (meta-analysis or systematic review)
- 0 studies identified benefits or no safety concern (GREEN)
- 10 studies reported limited or advisory safety evidence (YELLOW)
Evidence Policy
Only peer-reviewed scientific literature indexed in PubMed or comparable databases is included in this evaluation. Commercial websites, blogs, and marketing materials are excluded. All references include direct traceable links to source documents.
Last updated: 24 მარ 2026, 11:01
Evidence Distribution
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWEffect of Calcium Citrate Versus Calcium Carbonate on Parathyroid Hormone Levels in Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of… ↗Rahmani J et al.. Effect of Calcium Citrate Versus Calcium Carbonate on Parathyroid Hormone Levels in Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.. Obes Surg. 2026. PMID:41806228.PMID 41806228 ↗Journal Obes SurgYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41806228/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWTranslational framework combining machine learning and in vivo screening for aminoglycoside ototoxicity prevention. ↗Han E et al.. Translational framework combining machine learning and in vivo screening for aminoglycoside ototoxicity prevention.. Hear Res. 2026. PMID:41775114.PMID 41775114 ↗Journal Hear ResYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41775114/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWPure vs. mixed calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis: metabolic determinants and stratified management strategies. ↗Golomb D et al.. Pure vs. mixed calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis: metabolic determinants and stratified management strategies.. World J Urol. 2026. PMID:41746376.PMID 41746376 ↗Journal World J UrolYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41746376/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWEvaluation of drug-excipient compatibility of ibuprofen with eggshell-derived calcium citrate using FTIR, DSC, and molecular docking studies. ↗Umeh ONC et al.. Evaluation of drug-excipient compatibility of ibuprofen with eggshell-derived calcium citrate using FTIR, DSC, and molecular docking studies.. In Silico Pharmacol. 2026. PMID:41717430.PMID 41717430 ↗Journal In Silico PharmacolYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41717430/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWUrinary calcium-to-citrate ratio predicts kidney stone risk in children under the age of two years. ↗Du00f6nger U et al.. Urinary calcium-to-citrate ratio predicts kidney stone risk in children under the age of two years.. Pediatr Nephrol. 2026. PMID:41673302.PMID 41673302 ↗Journal Pediatr NephrolYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41673302/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWIn situ Cau00b2u207au2011crossu2011linking effects on pectin-tragacanth films for fresh raspberry preservation. ↗Dobrucka R et al.. In situ Cau00b2u207au2011crossu2011linking effects on pectin-tragacanth films for fresh raspberry preservation.. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces. 2026. PMID:41650817.PMID 41650817 ↗Journal Colloids Surf B BiointerfacesYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41650817/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWSelf-Assembled Gel-like Aggregation States of Calcium Phosphate Nanoparticles. ↗Shi W et al.. Self-Assembled Gel-like Aggregation States of Calcium Phosphate Nanoparticles.. Inorg Chem. 2026. PMID:41469187.PMID 41469187 ↗Journal Inorg ChemYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41469187/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWErosive potential of energy drink modified by calcium formulations on dental enamel: An in vitro study. ↗Ju00e1come EVM et al.. Erosive potential of energy drink modified by calcium formulations on dental enamel: An in vitro study.. PLoS One. 2025. PMID:41329760.PMID 41329760 ↗Journal PLoS OneYear 2025Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41329760/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWInfluence of Calcium Crosslinker Form on Alginate Hydrogel Properties. ↗Kapatsila S et al.. Influence of Calcium Crosslinker Form on Alginate Hydrogel Properties.. Gels. 2025. PMID:41294570.PMID 41294570 ↗Journal GelsYear 2025Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41294570/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWCystinuria. ↗Spasiano A et al.. Cystinuria.. 1993. PMID:41264765.PMID 41264765 ↗Year 1993Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41264765/
Score Transparency
0 of 10 approved references (score saturates at 10). More peer-reviewed studies = stronger evidence base.
Method: Q = number of approved references ÷ 10 (capped at 1.0)
Limited — mostly case reports or animal studies
Method: L = mean study-level weight across approved references. Level 1 (meta-analysis / systematic review) = 1.0; Level 2 (RCT) = 0.8; Level 3 (cohort/case-control) = 0.6; Level 4 (case report) = 0.4; Level 5 (animal / in-vitro) = 0.2.
Mixed or neutral — roughly equal benefit and risk signals
Method: D = (sum of risk-scored references − sum of benefit-scored references) ÷ total evidence score, then scaled from [−1, 1] to [0, 1]. 0.0 = pure benefit; 0.5 = neutral; 1.0 = pure risk.
One or more monitoring-level safety signals active
Method: S = 0.5 (neutral baseline) + sum of active signal severity deltas ÷ 10. Severity deltas: Critical = +2.0, High = +1.5, Moderate = +1.0, Low = +0.5. Capped at 1.0.
Final GIRI Score for Calcium Citrate. Risk level thresholds: Low 0–3.0 · Moderate 3.0–5.5 · High 5.5–7.5 · Critical 7.5–10.
Full methodology & data sources
The GIRI Score is computed entirely from structured data — no editorial scoring or subjective weighting is applied at any step.
- References: Only approved references are counted. Each reference is assigned an evidence level (L1–L5) and a direction (risk / neutral / benefit) by the reference manager or AI classifier.
- Safety Signals: Sourced from regulatory agencies (FDA, EMA, Health Canada, TGA, and others) and pharmacovigilance databases. Only active signals count toward the score.
- Formula version: GIRI Score v3.7.0 — Q × L × D × S × 10.
- Limitations: The score reflects published evidence and recorded signals as of the last update date. It is not a clinical risk assessment and should not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Risk Level Classification
Based on available regulatory signals and scientific evidence, this ingredient presents a low safety concern under normal conditions of use.
0–3.0
3.0–5.5
5.5–7.5
7.5–10
The score pin shows exactly where this ingredient falls on the fixed risk scale.
What drove the Low classification for Calcium Citrate
A score of 3.5 places this ingredient in the Low band. Thresholds: Low 0–3.0 · Moderate 3.0–5.5 · High 5.5–7.5 · Critical 7.5–10.
0 approved references.
Limited — mostly case reports or animal studies (Level 4–5).
Neutral or mixed — benefit and risk signals roughly balanced.
No active signals — S component is at neutral baseline (0.5), contributing no extra risk weight.
No major regulatory restrictions or advisories recorded across monitored jurisdictions (FDA, EMA, Health Canada, TGA, and others).
How are the Low / Moderate / High / Critical thresholds defined?
The four risk levels are fixed score bands. A score is assigned to exactly one level based on where it falls:
| Level | Score | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| LOW | 0.0 – 2.9 | Sparse or predominantly beneficial evidence. No active safety alerts. |
| MODERATE | 3.0 – 5.4 | Mixed signals — some risk alongside benefit. Caution at high doses or in sensitive groups. |
| HIGH | 5.5 – 7.4 | Multiple studies or regulatory alerts documenting adverse effects. Professional oversight recommended. |
| CRITICAL | 7.5 – 10 | Regulatory restrictions in one or more major jurisdictions. Serious documented harm. Avoid without specialist supervision. |
Thresholds are fixed constants (GIRI_Score_Utils::LEVEL_THRESHOLDS). They do not change per ingredient and are never subject to editorial adjustment.