Is Citracal Easy on the Stomach? What You Need to Know About Calcium Citrate

November 4, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the National Institutes of Health, calcium absorption from supplements is highest in smaller doses to reduce potential side effects like bloating. If you have a sensitive digestive system, you might wonder, "Is Citracal easy on the stomach?" The answer is that its calcium citrate formulation is generally considered gentler on the digestive tract than other common types, like calcium carbonate.

Quick Summary

Citracal, which uses calcium citrate, is often easier to tolerate for those with sensitive stomachs or low stomach acid compared to calcium carbonate. The key lies in its chemical makeup, which allows for better absorption with or without food and minimizes common digestive complaints like gas and constipation.

Key Points

Calcium Citrate is Gentler: As the active ingredient in Citracal, calcium citrate is generally considered easier on the stomach and less likely to cause gas, bloating, and constipation than calcium carbonate.
No Food Required for Absorption: Unlike calcium carbonate, calcium citrate is highly soluble and doesn't require a large amount of stomach acid, meaning it can be taken with or without food.
Ideal for Low Stomach Acid: People over 50 or those on acid-reducing medications, who may have lower stomach acid, absorb calcium citrate more effectively than calcium carbonate.
Side Effects Are Still Possible: While less common, digestive side effects like upset stomach or bloating can still occur with Citracal, and individual tolerance varies.
Divide Your Doses: To minimize the risk of digestive upset, it's best to take calcium in smaller, multiple doses throughout the day.
Hydration and Fiber Help: Increasing fluid intake and dietary fiber can help counteract potential constipation associated with calcium supplementation.

Understanding the difference between calcium citrate and calcium carbonate

When it comes to calcium supplements, the form of calcium is the most critical factor influencing its effect on your digestive system. Most products contain either calcium citrate (like Citracal) or calcium carbonate. The two have fundamental differences in how they are absorbed and how they interact with your stomach acid, which explains why they affect people's digestive systems differently.

Calcium Citrate: The kinder option for sensitive digestion

Calcium citrate is a highly soluble form of calcium that does not require a large amount of stomach acid for proper absorption. This makes it an excellent choice for individuals who produce less stomach acid, including those over 50, people with certain medical conditions, or those who take acid-blocking medications. Because it doesn't rely heavily on stomach acid, it's far less likely to cause digestive issues. Patient reviews often report that Citracal is gentle on the digestive system and does not cause the bloating and gas associated with other supplements.

Calcium Carbonate: The more common, but potentially harsher, choice

On the other hand, calcium carbonate is less soluble and requires more stomach acid to be absorbed effectively. For optimal absorption, it must be taken with food, as eating stimulates stomach acid production. For some people, particularly those with reduced stomach acid, this can lead to uncomfortable side effects like constipation, gas, and bloating. While calcium carbonate offers a higher percentage of elemental calcium per pill, its potential for digestive upset can make it unsuitable for individuals with sensitive stomachs.

Factors that influence digestive comfort with supplements

Even with a gentler formula like Citracal, some individuals might still experience minor digestive side effects. Several factors can influence how your body reacts to a calcium supplement. Understanding these can help you manage and minimize any discomfort.

Key factors affecting calcium supplement tolerance:

Dose Size: Your body absorbs calcium most efficiently in smaller doses at a time. Taking a large dose all at once, regardless of the form, can overwhelm your digestive system and cause upset.
Timing: While Citracal can be taken with or without food, taking any supplement alongside a meal can help slow absorption and reduce potential GI side effects.
Hydration and Fiber: Proper hydration and adequate dietary fiber intake are crucial for preventing constipation, a common side effect of calcium supplements, regardless of the type.
Overall Diet: The rest of your diet can also play a role. A diet high in fiber can help counteract any constipating effects, while limiting salty foods can prevent excess calcium excretion.

Comparison: Calcium Citrate vs. Calcium Carbonate

To help you decide which calcium supplement is right for your digestive needs, here is a comparison table outlining the key differences between the two most common forms.


Feature	Calcium Citrate (e.g., Citracal)	Calcium Carbonate
Stomach Tolerance	Generally gentle; lower risk of gas, bloating, and constipation.	Higher risk of gas, bloating, and constipation, especially for those with low stomach acid.
Absorption	Absorbed well with or without food; less dependent on stomach acid.	Absorbed best when taken with a meal that provides stomach acid.
Elemental Calcium Content	Lower (approx. 21% by weight), meaning more pills may be needed to reach daily targets.	Higher (approx. 40% by weight), requiring fewer pills.
Cost	Typically more expensive.	Generally more affordable.
Best For	Individuals with sensitive stomachs, low stomach acid, or those taking acid-reducing medications.	Individuals with healthy digestion and normal stomach acid levels.

Practical tips for managing digestive issues with calcium

If you have a sensitive stomach and find yourself experiencing discomfort from calcium supplements, Citracal's calcium citrate formula is a good starting point due to its gentler nature. However, if any symptoms persist, it's wise to consider additional strategies.

Steps to take for better digestion:

Start with a lower dose: Begin with a small amount of calcium and gradually increase your intake as your body adjusts.
Split your dosage: Divide your total daily calcium intake into two or more smaller doses to avoid overwhelming your digestive system all at once.
Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help prevent constipation, a common side effect of calcium supplements.
Increase dietary fiber: Incorporating more high-fiber foods into your diet, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can aid with regularity.
Discuss with a healthcare provider: If you continue to have stomach problems, it's best to consult a doctor to rule out other issues and determine the best approach for your health.

Conclusion

In summary, is Citracal easy on the stomach? For most people, yes. Citracal, formulated with calcium citrate, is widely considered a gentler option for the digestive system compared to calcium carbonate. This is because it is easily absorbed and does not require a highly acidic environment, making it a particularly good choice for those with sensitive digestion or who take acid-reducing medication. However, as with any supplement, individual tolerance can vary. By understanding the key differences between calcium types and adopting practical strategies like splitting doses and staying hydrated, you can find the right calcium regimen to support your bone health without upsetting your stomach. Always consult a healthcare professional to ensure you're choosing the best supplement for your specific needs.

For more detailed information on calcium supplements and their side effects, you can visit the Mayo Clinic's resource on the topic.

Frequently Asked Questions

While Citracal (calcium citrate) is generally associated with less bloating than calcium carbonate, some individuals may still experience it. To minimize this, try taking a smaller dose, spreading your intake throughout the day, and ensuring you are well-hydrated.

Yes, Citracal is often recommended for individuals with sensitive stomachs because its calcium citrate formula does not require high levels of stomach acid for absorption. This makes it gentler on the digestive system compared to other forms.

No, you don't have to. A key advantage of calcium citrate is that it can be absorbed effectively with or without food. However, some people may find that taking any supplement with a meal further reduces the chance of stomach upset.

Calcium citrate is generally better for digestion, especially for those with sensitive stomachs or low stomach acid, because it is more easily absorbed. Calcium carbonate can be more constipating and may cause more gas and bloating.

The main difference is the type of calcium. Citracal uses calcium citrate, while many other supplements like Tums use calcium carbonate. Tums' calcium carbonate requires stomach acid for absorption, making Citracal's formula easier for many to digest.

To reduce constipation, ensure you are drinking plenty of water, incorporating more fiber into your diet, and staying physically active. If the problem persists, switching to a calcium citrate supplement like Citracal, which is less constipating, may help.

Taking too much calcium can lead to an increased risk of side effects, including digestive issues like stomach pain, constipation, and diarrhea. It can also potentially lead to more serious issues like kidney stones.