Cooper Complete Chewable Calcium: This Chewable Is for Adults, Not Children

Calcium is needed by the body to maintain strong bones, along with a healthy heart, muscles and central nervous system. Calcium-rich foods include canned salmon, anchovies, dairy products, broccoli, spinach, kale and Brussels sprouts. Juices, bread, breakfast cereal and tofu are often fortified with calcium.

But most people, especially older adults, require supplements to ensure that they consume enough calcium. And for anyone with reduced stomach acid, taking chewable calcium with meals is recommended.

“Calcium carbonate, a calcium salt, is not well absorbed by people with reduced levels of stomach acid,” said Todd Whitthorne, President of Cooper Concepts, parent of Cooper Complete® in Dallas. “Taking this supplement in chewable form at mealtimes improves absorption because of the stomach acid that's generated to digest food.”

Calcium requirements depend on an individual's gender and age, Whitthorne says. For example, adult women under age 50 are advised to consume 1,000 milligrams of calcium daily, while women 50 to 65 require 1,200 to 1,500 mg per day. Women 50 to 65 who are taking estrogen need 1,200 mg of calcium, and those not using estrogen need 1,500 mg. All women 65 and older should consume 1,500 mg calcium on a daily basis.

Many people drink milk for its calcium, but since one 8-ounce glass typically contains about 300 mg of calcium, you would need to drink three to five cups daily to meet basic calcium requirements, Whitthorne states.

Cooper Complete Chewable Calcium with Vitamin D provides 333 mg calcium – from calcium carbonate – and 133 IU of vitamin D-3 or cholecalciferol. This orange-and-vanilla flavored, chewable tablet is designed to be taken in conjunction with Cooper Complete multivitamin formulations.

As a dietary supplement, adults are advised to take one tablet of Chewable Calcium with a meal or as directed by a physician. “But remember to chew it, rather than swallowing it whole, to ensure the tablet is absorbed,” Whitthorne says.

Chewable calcium carbonate also works as an antacid to relieve heartburn, acid indigestion and upset stomach.

Cooper Complete offers an alternative product that can be taken on an empty stomach. Two tablets of Cooper Complete Calcium Citrate has 500 mg of calcium citrate.

To purchase Cooper Complete supplements, visit the Cooper Store.