Chewable Nutri-Cal Hearts
NaturesPlus
Score 68
A high-dose, chewable calcium and magnesium supplement at a good price, but its quality is affected by mixed mineral forms, including less bioavailable ones, and the use of Vitamin D2.
Score 68
A high-dose, chewable calcium and magnesium supplement at a good price, but its quality is affected by mixed mineral forms, including less bioavailable ones, and the use of Vitamin D2.
Analysis
This chewable supplement provides a very high dose of calcium (1500mg) and magnesium (750mg) in a 2:1 ratio, featuring a blend of forms for both minerals. Calcium comes from aspartate, carbonate, and gluconate, while magnesium includes aspartate, gluconate, and hydroxide. The inclusion of Vitamin D (Ergocalciferol, D2) is intended to support calcium absorption.
The chewable format is a major plus for those who prefer not to swallow pills. However, the presence of less bioavailable calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide, along with the less potent Vitamin D2, means the full benefits of the high doses might not be realized through absorption. It's a convenient option for high-dose mineral needs but with compromises in bioavailability.
Pros
- Provides very high doses of both calcium and magnesium per serving.
- Convenient and palatable chewable tablet form.
- Combines several forms of calcium and magnesium for varied benefits.
- Good price per serving for such high doses in a chewable format.
Cons
- Includes less bioavailable forms like calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide.
- Uses Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol), which is generally considered less effective than Vitamin D3.
- Contains calories and carbohydrates, which might be a consideration for some diets.
- Relatively low review count, indicating less broad market exposure.
Warnings
- The very high doses of calcium and magnesium might be excessive for some individuals; consult a healthcare professional before use.
- Magnesium hydroxide can cause digestive upset or have a laxative effect in some people.
- Take into account the added calories and carbohydrates if you are on a strict diet.
$17.81($0.29 per serving)
 iHerb | $ 17.81 |
Goals
Impact
High effect
The very high doses of calcium and magnesium, combined with Vitamin D, provide strong foundational support for bone health, though the mixed forms impact overall bioavailability for density.
Impact
High effect
Provides substantial amounts of calcium, magnesium, and Vitamin D, supporting numerous physiological processes important for overall health, despite some mixed forms.
Impact
High effect
Calcium and magnesium are involved in heart muscle function, but the less bioavailable forms of some components slightly reduce its effectiveness for comprehensive cardiovascular support.
Impact
High effect
Magnesium contributes to blood pressure and heart rhythm, while calcium is vital for cardiac function, but the mixed forms mean less optimal absorption for this goal.
Impact
High effect
These minerals are crucial electrolytes for muscle contraction and nerve impulses, supporting overall physical performance, though bioavailability varies across forms.
Impact
High effect
The high concentrations of calcium and magnesium are essential for robust muscle function, contraction, and recovery, which are fundamental for individuals aiming to build muscle.
Impact
High effect
The essential minerals contribute to overall structural health, which may indirectly support nail strength, but the mixed forms and D2 are considerations.
Impact
High effect
Magnesium aspartate and gluconate contribute to nervous system balance, but the inclusion of less bioavailable magnesium hydroxide limits its overall effectiveness for mood support.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
Calories | 10 Calorie(s) |
Total Carbohydrates | 3 Gram(s) |
Vitamin D | 2.5 mcg |
Calcium | 500 mg |
Magnesium | 250 mg |
Calcium 70
The blend of calcium aspartate, carbonate, and gluconate offers a high dose, but the inclusion of less bioavailable carbonate moderately reduces the overall quality of the calcium component.
Magnesium 65
While magnesium aspartate and gluconate are good forms, the equal inclusion of less bioavailable magnesium hydroxide significantly reduces the overall quality and absorption effectiveness of the magnesium component.
Alternative products
82 Value 
Chelated Cal-Mag
Carlson
This alternative delivers highly bioavailable chelated forms of calcium and magnesium for improved absorption at a slightly lower price per serving, offering excellent value compared to the original's blended forms.
82 Value 
Calcium Magnesium Zinc With L-Glutamic Acid 1000 mg : 500 mg : 50 mg
Country Life
For a very competitive price per serving, this option provides a broader blend of essential minerals, including zinc, contributing to more comprehensive general health goals and representing good overall value.
78 Value 
Cal/Mag/Vit D3 with Vitamin K2 Chocolate
NaturesPlus
While significantly higher in price per serving, this chewable alternative offers superior value by including Vitamin D3 and K2 alongside well-absorbed calcium and magnesium forms, providing enhanced bone and cardiovascular benefits in a convenient format.
78 Performance
Cal/Mag/Vit D3 with Vitamin K2 Chocolate
NaturesPlus
This alternative from the same brand offers a chewable format but with the crucial upgrade to Vitamin D3 (instead of D2) and the addition of Vitamin K2, providing synergistic bone and cardiovascular support.
88 Performance 
Bone Restore with Vitamin K2
Life Extension
This product provides a more advanced formula for bone and cardiovascular health with highly absorbable calcium forms, Vitamin D3, and K2, offering superior and targeted mineral support.
89 Performance 
Organic Plant Calcium
Garden of Life MyKind Organics
This alternative features organic, plant-sourced calcium and magnesium from algae, fortified with Vitamin D2/D3 and K2, presenting a holistic and natural approach to bone health.
70 Budget 
Calcium & Magnesium
Source Naturals
This product offers well-absorbed chelated forms of calcium and magnesium with Vitamin D3 at an exceptionally low price per serving, providing excellent foundational mineral support.
55 Budget 
MgO-400
21st Century
For those on a strict budget, this alternative delivers magnesium (as oxide) and some calcium (as carbonate) at a significantly lower cost per serving, meeting basic mineral needs.
55 Budget 
Calcium Magnesium Zinc + D3
21st Century
This option offers a broader spectrum of essential minerals, including calcium, magnesium, zinc, and Vitamin D3, at a very accessible price per serving, providing comprehensive basic support.
82 Value
Chelated Cal-Mag
Carlson
This alternative delivers highly bioavailable chelated forms of calcium and magnesium for improved absorption at a slightly lower price per serving, offering excellent value compared to the original's blended forms.
82 Value
Calcium Magnesium Zinc With L-Glutamic Acid 1000 mg : 500 mg : 50 mg
Country Life
For a very competitive price per serving, this option provides a broader blend of essential minerals, including zinc, contributing to more comprehensive general health goals and representing good overall value.
78 Value
Cal/Mag/Vit D3 with Vitamin K2 Chocolate
NaturesPlus
While significantly higher in price per serving, this chewable alternative offers superior value by including Vitamin D3 and K2 alongside well-absorbed calcium and magnesium forms, providing enhanced bone and cardiovascular benefits in a convenient format.
78 Performance
Cal/Mag/Vit D3 with Vitamin K2 Chocolate
NaturesPlus
This alternative from the same brand offers a chewable format but with the crucial upgrade to Vitamin D3 (instead of D2) and the addition of Vitamin K2, providing synergistic bone and cardiovascular support.
88 Performance
Bone Restore with Vitamin K2
Life Extension
This product provides a more advanced formula for bone and cardiovascular health with highly absorbable calcium forms, Vitamin D3, and K2, offering superior and targeted mineral support.
89 Performance
Organic Plant Calcium
Garden of Life MyKind Organics
This alternative features organic, plant-sourced calcium and magnesium from algae, fortified with Vitamin D2/D3 and K2, presenting a holistic and natural approach to bone health.