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CA8.0
Calcium Research
Likely helps
574 peer-reviewed studies
What the evidence says
Likely helps
Calcium appears to help in 16 of 17 studies with measurable effects — the evidence leans clearly favourable.
Most evidence is from high-quality meta-analyses and randomised trials published 1967–2026 with a typical study size of 4,067 participants.
Based on 574 studies · 104 meta-analyses · 406 RCTs · 3,057,924 total participants
Confidence
High confidence
What the studies found
16helped1unclear· 557 more without graded effect data
By outcome
Bone healthSupports bone mineral density and skeletal strength · 8-12 weeks
Likely helps403 studies
Women's healthMay help manage menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and mood changes · 4-8 weeks · May help reduce menstrual discomfort and PMS symptoms · 1-3 cycles · Provides essential nutrients for healthy pregnancy · Ongoing
InflammationCalcium + vitamin D co-supplementation may reduce inflammatory biomarkers · 8-12 weeks
Too few graded studies2 studies
Endurance & exercise performance
Too few graded studies2 studies
Cognitive function
Too few graded studies2 studies
Energy & fatigueAdequate calcium supports efficient muscle and nerve function · 4-8 weeks
Too few graded studies2 studies
Muscle cramps & function
Too few graded studies1 study
Depression & mood
Too few graded studies1 study
By the numbers
Pulled from 54 studies with measurable effects
Likely real effects
100%
across studies
People studied
3058k
typical study: 4067 people
Strongest designs
510
104 pooled, 406 randomised
Showed benefit
94%
16/17 studies
How long studies ran
3+ months
1
Populations Studied
General population5
Pregnant women4
Adults3
general population2
Steady research
143 studies in the last 5 years · Latest meta-analysis: 2026
196719962026
1Meta-Analysisn=902 · large study2026
Based on absolute risk reductions and thresholds considered clinically meaningful, this review found little to no benefits from use of calcium, vitamin D, or combined supplementation on the prevention of fractures and falls.
Massé O et al. · BMJ (Clinical research ed.) (2026)
Participants in most of the trials were community dwelling (87%) and not at high risk of fractures or falls (73%).
Based on absolute risk reductions and thresholds considered clinically meaningful, this review found little to no benefits from use of calcium, vitamin D, or combined supplementation on the prevention of fractures and falls.