Do All Tums Have Calcium in Them? The Definitive Answer

January 7, 2026 •

4 min read

TUMS is the #1 doctor-recommended adult antacid brand for heartburn. But do all Tums have calcium in them? The answer is yes; calcium carbonate is the active ingredient in every variety, though dosages and additional ingredients for other symptoms may vary.

Quick Summary

Every Tums antacid product contains calcium carbonate as its active ingredient to neutralize stomach acid for fast relief. Differences across products relate to dosage and secondary ingredients.

Key Points

Universal Active Ingredient: Every Tums product contains calcium carbonate as its active ingredient to neutralize stomach acid.
Strength and Dosage Varies: Different Tums variations, like Ultra Strength and Extra Strength, contain different amounts of calcium carbonate per tablet.
Specialty Products Include More: Some Tums products, such as Chewy Bites with Gas Relief, add other active ingredients like simethicone to treat additional symptoms.
Tums as a Calcium Source: The calcium carbonate in Tums can act as a dietary supplement for calcium, but this use should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Fast, On-Contact Relief: Tums work immediately by neutralizing acid on contact, providing rapid relief for heartburn, acid indigestion, and sour stomach.
Potential for Constipation: A common side effect associated with the calcium carbonate in Tums is constipation, particularly with prolonged use.

The Core Ingredient: Calcium Carbonate

The fundamental function of any Tums product stems from its active ingredient: calcium carbonate. This compound is a base that works by neutralizing hydrochloric acid, the main component of stomach acid. When you chew and swallow a Tums tablet, the calcium carbonate reacts with the acid in your stomach, converting it into a less acidic and irritating substance and providing rapid relief from heartburn, sour stomach, and acid indigestion. The calcium carbonate used in Tums is sourced from pure limestone, ensuring a high degree of purity for its medicinal purposes. This ingredient is what makes every Tums formulation an antacid, regardless of flavor, texture, or added features. The elemental calcium component is responsible for this neutralizing effect, which is why it is present in every variation of the product.

Tums Variations and Ingredients

While the core active ingredient remains constant, different Tums products are formulated with varying amounts of calcium carbonate to provide different levels of strength. Some varieties also include additional ingredients to address other digestive symptoms, as detailed below:

Regular Strength 500: Contains 500 mg of calcium carbonate per tablet, offering standard relief.
Extra Strength 750: Each tablet contains 750 mg of calcium carbonate, providing more potent relief for more severe symptoms.
Ultra Strength 1000: With 1000 mg of calcium carbonate per tablet, this formulation offers the maximum acid-fighting power per dose.
Chewy Bites with Gas Relief: These have 750 mg of calcium carbonate per chew, but they also include simethicone, an anti-gas agent, to relieve bloating and pressure associated with heartburn.
Tums Smoothies: Offers the same Extra Strength 750 mg dose but in a smoother, less chalky chewable tablet format.

Tums vs. Other Antacids: A Comparison

To understand the uniqueness of Tums, it's helpful to compare its formulation with other popular antacid brands. The table below highlights the key differences in active ingredients.


Feature	Tums	Rolaids	Maalox
Primary Active Ingredient(s)	Calcium Carbonate	Calcium Carbonate & Magnesium Hydroxide	Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, & Simethicone
Antacid Mechanism	Neutralizes stomach acid using calcium carbonate.	Neutralizes stomach acid using a combination of calcium and magnesium.	Uses a combination of aluminum and magnesium salts for neutralization.
Effect on Bowel Movements	Can cause constipation in some users due to calcium.	The magnesium can counteract the constipating effect of calcium, potentially preventing constipation.	The aluminum can cause constipation, while the magnesium can cause diarrhea, often balancing each other out.
Additional Relief	Some products include simethicone for gas relief.	Offers a dual-acting formula that may work faster than Tums alone.	Often includes simethicone for gas relief.

Tums as a Calcium Supplement

An interesting and well-known side effect of Tums is its potential secondary use as a calcium supplement. Since calcium carbonate contains 40% elemental calcium by weight, it can be a valuable source for individuals needing to boost their daily intake. However, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before using Tums for this purpose. Relying on Tums as a primary supplement could lead to excessive calcium intake, which can cause its own set of health problems. A doctor can determine the appropriate dosage for your needs, ensuring you receive the bone health benefits without the risks of overconsumption. Taking Tums with food also increases its absorption, a key consideration for those using it as a dietary supplement.

How to Use Tums Safely

For effective and safe relief, it is essential to follow the product's instructions. As a chewable tablet, Tums must be chewed or crushed completely before swallowing. The dosage depends on the product's strength, with specific recommendations for adults and pregnant individuals. Do not exceed the daily recommended dose, and if symptoms persist for more than two weeks, you should consult a doctor. Tums are intended for fast relief, not long-term management of chronic conditions. If you are taking any prescription medications, speak to your doctor or pharmacist, as antacids can interact with certain drugs.

Conclusion: The Universal Calcium Core of Tums

To answer the question definitively: yes, all Tums have calcium in them because calcium carbonate is the active ingredient across the entire product line. While variations exist to address different symptoms or provide different strengths, the core mechanism of action is always powered by this single, mined mineral. This makes Tums a reliable, fast-acting solution for acid-related digestive issues and a potential source of supplemental calcium when used under proper medical guidance. Understanding its ingredients allows consumers to make informed choices and manage their symptoms effectively and safely.

For more information on the proper use of calcium carbonate as an antacid, see the detailed drug information provided by Drugs.com Tums Information.

Frequently Asked Questions

The calcium in Tums is in the form of calcium carbonate, a basic compound that neutralizes the excess hydrochloric acid in your stomach, thereby alleviating the burning sensation of heartburn.

Tums can be used as a dietary calcium source, but it's important to consult a doctor before using it as a primary supplement, as overconsumption of calcium can lead to health issues.

No, all Tums products, regardless of their specific formulation, flavor, or texture, use calcium carbonate as the active antacid ingredient.

Yes, some specialized Tums products, like Tums Chewy Bites with Gas Relief, include an additional active ingredient, such as simethicone, to address symptoms like gas and bloating.

The primary difference is the concentration of calcium carbonate per tablet. Ultra Strength has the highest concentration (1000 mg), followed by Extra Strength (750 mg), and Regular Strength (500 mg), offering different levels of acid neutralization.

The calcium carbonate in Tums is sourced from pure limestone, a natural and mined calcium source, which is then processed to meet purity standards.

Constipation is a potential minor side effect of the calcium carbonate in Tums, especially with higher dosages or prolonged use.

Tums tablets should be chewed or crushed completely before swallowing. For specific dosage, always follow the directions on the product label and consult a doctor if symptoms last more than two weeks.