Frequently Asked Questions

AlgaeCal is a South American marine algae species, Mesophyllum superpositum (or Algas calcareas as the locals call it). This kiwi-fruit sized algae is sustainably hand harvested in the atlantic ocean, sun dried, then milled into a powder. There is no extraction process or additives used – just pure whole food calcium and minerals coming from a living plant. AlgaeCal powder is the foundational ingredient in our products, AlgaeCal and AlgaeCal Plus. AlgaeCal powder has significant advantages over traditional calcium supplements that are pure calcium because AlgaeCal contains all 13 known essential bone supporting minerals: calcium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, nickel, silica, copper, vanadium, potassium, zinc, boron, selenium and strontium. Traditional calcium carbonate and calcium citrate supplements are made from limestone and marble – and your body does not absorb rocks very well – so plant-sourced AlgaeCal has the benefit of being body-friendly and better absorbed into your bones. In fact the superfood mineral combination naturally found in AlgaeCal has been clinically supported to increase bone density in adults – but traditional calcium supplements only slow annual bone loss a little. In other words, after age 40, we typically lose 1% of our bone density every year until death – so most will become osteoporotic if they live long enough. Traditional calcium supplements slow this annual bone loss from 1% to ¾% – so it only helps a little. But AlgaeCal Plus actually increases bone density – and if taken with Strontium Boost, the combination is even more effective at increasing bone density.

To maximize your bone-building, take 4 capsules of AlgaeCal Plus a day. (This was the dosage that led to the most significant bone density increases in clinical trials).

We recommend splitting the daily 4 capsule dose into 2 servings of 2 capsules throughout the day. Your body can only absorb 500mg of calcium at a time, so taking more than 2 AlgaeCal capsules in one serving would lead to unabsorbed calcium.

And finally, it’s best to take your AlgaeCal Plus with food. That’s because taking calcium with food increases how well you absorb it. When you eat, your stomach produces acid that dissolves the minerals in AlgaeCal Plus so they can be properly absorbed when they reach your intestinal tract.

For more information on scheduling your AlgaeCal supplements with meals –– and any prescription medication or supplements you’re currently taking –– click here.

AlgaeCal Plus contains calcium from a marine, plant-based algae source called Mesophyllum Superpositum. This algae belongs to the family of algaes known as Algas calcareas. So to make it easier to say, we just named it “AlgaeCal”! AlgaeCal has worldwide exclusive rights to this particular type of algae – and it is the only clinically backed calcium supplement in the world with human studies showing increases in bone mineral density. All other calcium has only ever been shown to slow down bone loss. In addition to this unique calcium, AlgaeCal Plus also contains magnesium, vitamin D3, vitamin K2 (in the form MK-7), vitamin C, boron and naturally-occurring trace minerals. In particular, AlgaeCal Plus contains all 13 bone-building minerals in their proper proportions that make up your bone matrix. AlgaeCal Plus is also dairy-free, soy-free, gluten-free and non-GMO! For an in-depth explanation of each ingredient go to AlgaeCal Ingredients.

If you are suffering from bone loss, it is best to take both AlgaeCal Plus and Strontium Boost. Together they are clinically supported to increase bone density in as little as 6 months – at any age! They also increase your bone density at a faster rate than AlgaeCal Plus alone. For example, studies prove AlgaeCal Plus alone can increase bone density by an average of 1.3% per year, compared with an average bone density increase of about 4% per year with AlgaeCal Plus and Strontium Boost together. This is significant for those suffering from bone loss who may be experiencing more than 1% bone density loss per year. Taking the two together also gives the bone-building process a “kick start” to increase bone density safely and naturally, ensuring you have covered any potential losses. Want to hear success stories from real customers? Watch their videos and see before and after DEXA scans here.

AlgaeCal lists the minerals in the elemental form on the supplement facts label. Therefore, AlgaeCal Plus contains 360 mg of elemental calcium in two capsules (that’s 720 mg of elemental calcium in a daily dose, 4 capsules).

AlgaeCal Plus, AlgaeCal Basic, and Strontium Boost all use soft capsules which are ¾” long and easy to swallow. If you do have trouble swallowing them, the two-part capsules can be pulled apart. You can then sprinkle the tasteless powder into your favorite drinks and food. We recommend semi-solid foods such as smoothies, applesauce or yogurt and avoiding hot drinks as temperatures above 120 degrees Fahrenheit as it may reduce the potency of the vitamins C, D, and K2. Please note that the AlgaeCal powder is only partially water soluble due to the many natural minerals and therefore does not dissolve completely in liquid.

Unlike traditional, rock-derived calcium supplements, AlgaeCal has no adverse side effects such as kidney stones or arterial calcification. AlgaeCal is a natural, plant-sourced calcium that is easy for your body to absorb. It’s similar to calcium you get from eating vegetables such as broccoli, kale and peas. Some studies have shown that calcium from food sources does not increase soft tissue calcification because foods that naturally contain calcium also supply other minerals, which helps transfer the calcium directly into your bones rather than soft tissues like arteries, kidneys and eyes. Additional magnesium, boron, vitamin K2 and vitamin D3 are added into AlgaeCal Plus to optimize absorption and transport to the bone rather than soft tissues. All these factors translate to efficient absorption and placement into bone tissue. AlgaeCal is also much safer for you because it is more effective at a lower dose. At 720 mg per day of calcium, AlgaeCal Plus is increasing bone density in adults. Compare that to regular calcium supplements that have been studied at 1200 mg per day – and only slow bone loss.

The vast majority of people who experience gastrointestinal side effects from regular calcium supplements have not experienced any adverse side effects from AlgaeCal. These stomach troubles usually derive from consuming rock-source calcium, which our bodies are not designed to digest. Plant calcium contains a variety of balancing minerals including magnesium, which make it more easily digested. We recommend that you split your daily dose into breakfast and dinner time. Taking AlgaeCal with food increases absorption and reduces chances of any gastrointestinal issues.

The recommended daily dose is the same for each individual no matter their size because it is based on age, not weight. In fact, if you are petite, you are at a higher risk for bone density loss because you have less skeletal mass to begin with, so a full dose is recommended.

Great question! Actually, lead is a natural mineral like calcium or magnesium which is found in the earth, air and water. So every vegetable that grows in the soil or water has normal amounts of lead in it – the marine algae in AlgaeCal is no exception. Luckily, our bodies easily clear normal amounts of lead daily through urine, feces, and sweat.

Every batch of AlgaeCal powder is tested by a third party laboratory for microbial activity, heavy metals, mineral content and more. The final product is made in an FDA-inspected GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) plant where the highest standards are kept.

AlgaeCal has FDA registration and Health Canada approvals. It has been on the market for 20 years and has 3 clinical studies and a toxicology study showing extraordinary safety!

Absolutely. All bone drugs require calcium supplementation to supply the needed calcium for bone building – and AlgaeCal Plus is the highest quality calcium available.

Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition.

As a general rule of thumb, it is best to separate any prescription medication by at least 2-3 hours from when you take AlgaeCal Plus or Strontium Boost. This will help limit any potential interactions and ensure you receive maximum absorption from both your medications and supplements. However, some medications are recommended 3-4 hours apart. Please confirm with your doctor for your unique case. If you happen to be on an older anticoagulant prescription drug (blood thinner), vitamin K2 is not recommended. However, there are two newer types of anticoagulant drugs on the market called the XA Inhibitors and the Direct Thrombin Inhibitors. Ask your doctor about switching to one of these newer anticoagulants as the older ones are detrimental to your bone health – as they completely block the usage of vitamin K2 (the older anticoagulants use the same pathway of absorption as vitamin K2 so they cancel each other out). The newer types of anticoagulant don’t interact with vitamin K2 as they use different pathways for absorption in your body. As an extra precaution, please confirm any supplement or medication interaction with your doctor or physician before use.

Yes, it's likely your doctor may already be familiar with AlgaeCal, particularly if they’re supportive of natural treatments. However, to make sure they have all the necessary details, we suggest printing our "Take It To Your Doctor" sheet and bringing it to your next appointment. This will help your doctor provide you with the best advice tailored to your health needs.

AlgaeCal does contain a minute amount of iodine – only 160 mcg of iodine per daily serving of AlgaeCal Plus. If in doubt, please discuss with your doctor whether the amounts in AlgaeCal are appropriate for you. For best results, we recommend that you separate your thyroid medication by at least 4 hours from when you take AlgaeCal or Strontium Boost.

AlgaeCal Plus does not contain any shellfish – only calcium, minerals from organic algae and added vitamins. Many of our customers have shellfish allergies and take AlgaeCal safely with no adverse reactions. That being said, for any severe allergies we do advise consulting with your doctor/allergist for their best recommendation.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only approves medications. Since AlgaeCal is a completely natural supplement, it’s simply not possible for AlgaeCal to have FDA approval. In saying that, AlgaeCal is registered with the FDA under GRAS status (Generally Recognized as Safe). GRAS status means a food ingredient is deemed safe by a qualified panel of experts.

While AlgaeCal Plus and AlgaeCal are vegetarian, they aren't considered vegan because the vitamin D3 is sourced from lanolin, which is sheep's wool wax, so they are still considered an animal by product.

AlgaeCal Plus is soy-free, gluten-free, dairy-free and non-GMO.

AlgaeCal Plus contains naturally-occurring magnesium from the algae, plus additional magnesium oxide for an optimal 2:1 calcium to magnesium ratio. This ratio is the same ratio that is found in your body and has been clinically supported in human studies. Research shows magnesium oxide is as effective, if not more, than other forms of magnesium at maintaining and restoring magnesium in your bones and cells. For an in-depth explanation of why we chose this superior form, go here.

Anecdotal evidence suggests AlgaeCal Plus may help reduce pain and stiffness, while improving range of motion. Boron, one of AlgaeCal Plus’s key ingredients, has also been shown to decrease inflammation in osteoarthritis. Although many people suffering from osteoarthritis have reported relief with the AlgaeCal program, our published and peer-reviewed studies found here have been conducted to measure increases in bone density, specifically. There have not been any peer-reviewed studies conducted on AlgaeCal Plus and osteoarthritis. We recommend targeting arthritic inflammation through exercise, sleep, an anti-inflammatory diet, and our very own natural Triple Power Fish Oil! Triple Power’s formulation provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant ingredients, shown to help manage joint pain and stiffness. Learn more about osteoarthritis and 5 natural remedies you can count on here.

AlgaeCal Plus may help reduce pain and stiffness, while improving range of motion. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are commonly deficient in vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and selenium — all of which are found in our AlgaeCal Plus formulation. Although many people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis have reported relief with the AlgaeCal program, our published and peer-reviewed studies found here have been conducted to measure increases in bone density, specifically. There have not been any peer-reviewed studies conducted on AlgaeCal Plus and rheumatoid arthritis. 1 in 4 people with rheumatoid arthritis will also develop bone loss, and for them, Strontium Boost is recommended to complement AlgaeCal Plus for preventing excessive bone loss. Together the pair have been shown to triple the rate of bone building in a single year. Learn more by checking out the Bone Builder Pack here. We recommend targeting arthritic inflammation through exercise, sleep, an anti-inflammatory diet, and our very own natural Triple Power Fish Oil! Triple Power’s formulation provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant ingredients, shown to help manage the pain and stiffness associated with arthritic conditions. Learn more about rheumatoid arthritis and 5 natural remedies you can count on here.