Caltrate is a global brand of calcium dietary supplements designed to support bone health by helping people meet their daily calcium and vitamin D needs. The brand is best known for its calcium carbonate-based supplements, which are commonly used to help maintain strong bones and reduce the risk of calcium deficiency when dietary intake is inadequate. Today, Caltrate is owned and marketed by Haleon and is sold in many countries worldwide. [2]

• Brand: Caltrate

• Product category: Calcium and vitamin/mineral dietary supplements

• Current owner: Haleon

• Introduced: 1984

• Primary purpose: Bone health support

• Available forms: Tablets, mini tablets, chewables, gummies, and soft chews

• Main active ingredient: Calcium carbonate (most formulations)

• Companion nutrients: Vitamin D₃ and, in some products, magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese, and vitamin K (depending on the market). [2]

Caltrate was launched in 1984 by the Lederle division of American Cyanamid as a calcium supplement aimed at supporting bone health. Over the decades, ownership changed through a series of corporate acquisitions:

• 1984: Introduced by Lederle/American Cyanamid.

• 1994: American Home Products acquired American Cyanamid, bringing Caltrate into its consumer health portfolio.

• 2002: American Home Products became Wyeth.

• 2009: Wyeth was acquired by Pfizer.

• 2019: Pfizer combined its consumer healthcare business with GSK in a joint venture.

• 2022: The joint venture became Haleon, an independent consumer health company, which now owns the Caltrate brand. [3]

Caltrate products are intended to:

• Help people meet recommended daily calcium intake.

• Support healthy bones and teeth.

• Provide vitamin D₃ to improve calcium absorption.

• Supplement diets that may not provide enough calcium.

• Support bone health in adults, particularly older adults and postmenopausal women who have higher calcium needs. [1]

Caltrate is a dietary supplement and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. [1]

Calcium Carbonate

Most Caltrate products use calcium carbonate, one of the most concentrated and widely used forms of calcium. It typically provides 600 mg of elemental calcium per tablet. [2]

Vitamin D₃

Vitamin D₃ (cholecalciferol) helps the body absorb calcium efficiently and supports normal bone mineralization. [1]

Additional Minerals

Certain Caltrate formulations also contain:

• Magnesium

• Zinc

• Copper

• Manganese

These minerals contribute to normal bone metabolism and collagen production. [1]

The Caltrate portfolio varies by country but commonly includes:

• Caltrate 600+D₃ – Calcium with vitamin D₃.

• Caltrate 600+D₃ Plus Minerals – Adds magnesium, zinc, copper, and manganese.

• Caltrate Plus Minerals Minis – Smaller tablets for easier swallowing.

• Caltrate Soft Chews – Chewable calcium supplement.

• Caltrate Gummy Bites – Gummy format for convenient daily use.

• Regional products such as Caltrate Advance, Caltrate Silver, and other formulations tailored to local markets. [1]

Caltrate is marketed primarily to:

• Adults seeking to maintain bone health.

• Women over age 50, especially after menopause.

• Older adults with increased calcium requirements.

• Individuals whose diets are low in calcium.

• People advised by healthcare professionals to increase calcium intake. [1]

Caltrate states that its formulations are supported by more than 25 years of nutritional science and are manufactured to meet quality standards for dietary supplements. Calcium and vitamin D supplementation has long been recognized as an effective way to help individuals achieve recommended nutrient intake when diet alone is insufficient. [1]

Caltrate is sold in North America, Asia, and many other international markets. The product lineup differs by country based on local regulations and nutritional needs. In China, Caltrate is one of Haleon’s largest vitamin and mineral brands and has expanded beyond bone health into joint health products under the Caltrate Gluco line. [3]

Caltrate supplements are generally intended for adults. Users are advised to:

• Follow the dosage instructions on the product label.

• Consult a healthcare professional before use if pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medications, or managing kidney disease or other medical conditions.

• Avoid exceeding the recommended daily intake unless directed by a healthcare provider. [1]

Caltrate positions itself as a science-based bone health supplement brand emphasizing:

• High-strength calcium formulations.

• Vitamin D₃ for calcium absorption.

• Multiple delivery formats for convenience.

• Quality-controlled manufacturing and testing. [1]

1. Science-Based Calcium Supplements | Caltrate

2. Caltrate

3. History – Haleon