FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Adora™ Calcium
 New Formula, Same Great Taste!
As of April 2010, Adora Calcium has an all new formula. For full details on the new formulation, see our New Formula page and the answers below. For answers to your questions on the previous formula, see the FAQs 2009 page.
Adora Calcium Product Details
- Where can I buy Adora Calcium Supplements?
- What kind of calcium and how much does Adora contain?
- What kind of vitamin D is used in Adora Calcium?
- Do Adora Calcium Supplements contain magnesium?
- Are Adora Calcium Supplements easy-to-digest?
- I’m watching my weight; can I still eat Adora Calcium?
- Are Adora Calcium Supplements kosher?
- Are Adora Calcium Supplements vegetarian?
- I have allergies, do Adora Calcium Supplements contain allergens?
- I have lactose intolerance; can I take Adora Calcium?
- I have celiac disease (gluten intolerance); can I take Adora Calcium?
- How much caffeine is in each Adora Calcium Supplement?
- How should I store Adora Calcium Supplements?
- My Adora Calcium has turned white, is it still safe to eat?
- What quality control measures are in place for producing Adora Calcium Supplements?
- Do any of the ingredients in Adora Calcium come from China?
- What should I do if my child (or pet) has taken more than the recommended amount of Adora Calcium?
- Do Adora Calcium Supplements contain vitamin K?
- What is the % cacao of Adora Calcium Supplements?
Calcium Basics
- Why do we need calcium?
- How does calcium help with weight loss, cancer, PMS and other conditions?
- How much calcium do I need every day?
- How can I increase my calcium absorption?
- Can I get too much calcium?
Vitamin D Overview
- Why do we need vitamin D?
- Is vitamin D deficiency a problem in America?
- How much vitamin D do I need every day?
- Can I get too much vitamin D?
Chocolate Health
- Is it O.K. to eat chocolate with calcium?
- Is chocolate heart healthy?
- Does chocolate cause acne?
Osteoporosis / Bone Health
- What is osteoporosis?
- How do I know if I need a calcium supplement to protect my bones?
- My doctor has prescribed medication for osteoporosis. Can I still take Adora Calcium?
Adora Calcium
Product Details
1. Where can I buy Adora Calcium Supplements?
For your convenience, you can purchase Adora Calcium Supplements online through the Adora Store (store.AdoraCalcium.com). Rest assured your purchase is safe and secure; in addition, we do not share your personal information with anyone. For help with your purchase see our Customer Care page. Adora Calcium is also available at many fine retailers throughout the country, including Whole Foods, local health food stores, and many more. Please visit our Retailers page for more information. Top of page
2. What kind of calcium and how much does Adora contain?
Adora Calcium Supplements are made from calcium carbonate that is highly-purified, meets USP standards, and is tested to ensure it is free of heavy metals. Each disk contains 500 mg of elemental calcium – that is the actual amount of the mineral in every Adora Calcium supplement. And, since the average person can absorb approximately 500 mg of calcium at one time, 1 disk is considered the ideal serving size.
We chose calcium carbonate because it contains the highest percentage of elemental calcium (40%). This means we can get more actual calcium into each disk than if we were to use calcium citrate which only contains 20% calcium.
For more information on calcium see Calcium’s Many Misconceptions or Calcium Basics below.
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3. What kind of vitamin D is used in Adora Calcium?
The vitamin D in Adora Calcium is D3 (cholecalciferol). We switched to this form of the vitamin due to consumer requests. [We previously included D2 from yeast.] The Vitamin D3 is derived from lanolin that is harvested from the wool of healthy living sheep that are not harmed in the process. D3 is considered to be the more “active” form of the vitamin. In fact, D3 is what the body makes in response to sun exposure. There are 250 IU of vitamin D3 in every Adora Calcium disk. For more information, visit the Nutrition Information page. For information on Vitamin D, please see below or review the Vitamin D articles on the Women’s Circle of Health.
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4. Do Adora Calcium Supplements contain magnesium?
Yes. In response to consumer demand our new formula includes 40 mg of magnesium from magnesium oxide. We chose that form of the mineral because it enabled us to get the most magnesium per disk. Each Adora Calcium disk provides the same amount of magnesium as half a cup of brown rice. However, we still encourage consumers to get additional magnesium through a varied diet that includes plenty of unprocessed foods such as whole grains, leafy greens, legumes, nuts, and fish. For more information, see The Missing Mineral: Are we overlooking magnesium.
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5. Are Adora Calcium Supplements easy-to-digest?*
Many Adora fans have written in to tell us that Adora Calcium Supplements do not cause them stomach upset the way calcium pills do. The improved absorption and digestibility is likely due to several factors including:
- Each creamy chocolate disk is easily chewed enabling the beginning of digestion from your first bite, and
- The natural fat in the chocolate, along with vitamin D (which needs fat present to be absorbed), aid in shuttling the calcium into the body and into the bones.
Although some studies have indicated that calcium citrate is a more readily-absorbed form of calcium than calcium carbonate, this is generally only true in individuals who do not produce enough stomach acid. For the most part, even those individuals can increase their rate of absorption simply by taking Adora Calcium with food (which naturally increases stomach acid production).
* We have not conducted lab tests on the digestibility of Adora Calcium Supplements, but report this fact based on consumer input over the past several years along with knowledge into how calcium is normally absorbed in healthy individuals.
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6. I’m watching my weight; can I still eat Adora Calcium?
Yes. Despite the fact that Adora Calcium Supplements are made from rich, delicious chocolate, they are portion-controlled and ideal for anyone who is counting calories. Each Adora Calcium disk is only 30 calories (1 Weight Watchers point) and includes 500 mg of calcium. If you tried to get that much calcium from food you would consume far greater calories. For example, to get 500 mg of calcium from 1% milk you have to consume approximately 170 calories. In addition, people who are watching their calories often consume too little calcium, so supplementation is important. Finally, studies actually show that calcium supplements may assist with weight loss. See also Calcium Supplements Strengthen Weight Management and Calcium Can Do That?
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7. Are Adora Calcium Supplements kosher?
Yes. Both Adora Calcium flavors (Dark Chocolate & Milk Chocolate) have been certified kosher by the Orthodox Union. For more information, please visit www.oukosher.org or the Nutrition page. Top of page
8. Are Adora Calcium Supplements vegetarian?
This question is a bit tricky. While we strive to keep our product as vegetarian-friendly as possible, we understand that Adora Calcium might not meet all requirements of some vegetarians or strict vegans. The vitamin D in Adora Calcium is derived from lanolin which comes from healthy living sheep that are not harmed in the process. Please review the Nutrition page for a full list of Adora Calcium's ingredients.
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9. I have allergies, do Adora Calcium Supplements contain allergens?
Yes. Adora Calcium Supplements contain milk. In addition, they are made in a facility that processes tree nuts, so individuals with severe nut allergies must be cautious. Adora Calcium Supplements in Dark Chocolate contain traces of milk because they are made on the same production line as Adora Calcium in Milk Chocolate. Individuals with severe milk allergies should not consume Adora Calcium Supplements, but those with lactose intolerance are still able to tolerate Adora Calcium in Dark Chocolate (see more below).
Allergies and food intolerance issues are extremely individual. As such, we encourage all consumers to review the ingredient information on a bag of Adora Calcium Supplements or on the Nutrition page on this site before deciding if the product is right for you. Likewise, it is important to introduce new products to your diet slowly, and to always get your doctor’s advice before taking any new dietary supplements.
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10. I have lactose intolerance; can I take Adora Calcium?
Yes. Adora Calcium in Dark Chocolate does not contain milk as an ingredient and is therefore suitable for most individuals with lactose intolerance. In fact, we have had consumers tell us that they love the product because their lactose intolerance had previously made it very difficult to get enough calcium. For more information, please visit the Nutrition page. PLEASE NOTE: Adora Calcium in Dark Chocolate is made alongside Adora Calcium in Milk Chocolate; as a result the product contains traces of milk. Those individuals with severe milk allergies should not consume this product. For more on lactose, please see Lactose Intolerance and Lactose-Free Diet.
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11. I have celiac disease (gluten intolerance); can I take Adora Calcium?
Yes. As you probably know, gluten is found in grains that include wheat, rye, barley and some oats. None of those ingredients are found in Adora Calcium Supplements. In addition, testing has shown that Adora Calcium contains less than 3 ppm of gluten (less than 10 ppm is generally considered to be “gluten free”, and there is no test for the complete absence of gluten). For a list of Adora Calcium’s ingredients please see our Nutrition page. For more information on gluten intolerance, see What’s So Great About Gluten Free.
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12. How much caffeine is in each Adora Calcium Supplement?
Excess caffeine consumption can cause calcium to be excreted in your urine, so this is a very good question. Although chocolate does naturally contain caffeine, the amount of caffeine present in an Adora Calcium disk (a 7 gram serving) is very tiny. Specifically, an Adora Calcium disk in Dark Chocolate contains 5 mg of caffeine, while an Adora Calcium disk in Milk Chocolate contains just 2 mg of caffeine. For reference, decaf coffee typically contains 2 mg of caffeine.
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13. How should I store Adora Calcium Supplements?
Since Adora Calcium is made from premium chocolate, it maintains optimal taste and texture when stored in a cool, dry location at an ideal temperature of 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit. While some consumers store Adora Calcium in the refrigerator that is not recommended as it can impact the product’s consistency making it harder and potentially causing a whitish appearance to occur. (See following question.)
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14. My Adora Calcium has turned white, is it still safe to eat?
Yes, the product is still perfectly safe to eat. The whitish appearance is a sign that your Adora Calcium may have undergone temperature changes. This is particularly likely if the product has been kept at temperatures greater than 75 degrees Fahrenheit (i.e. in your purse or car). When such a temperature change occurs in chocolate, the fat may separate out resulting in the whitish appearance that is called “bloom.” Immediately upon production, every bag of Adora Calcium is stamped with a "best by" date (24 months), and while our testing has shown that the product is still fine to eat beyond that date, we include this measure so that you can be sure of the highest quality product.
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15. What quality control measures are in place for producing Adora Calcium Supplements?
Adora Calcium Supplements are produced according to FDA standards for dietary supplements. Our Quality Assurance team oversees all steps in the process and ensures each bag of Adora conforms to these standards prior to shipping. In addition, our facility is inspected annually for food safety by a third-party auditor. Furthermore, the vitamins and minerals in Adora Calcium Supplements meet standards of the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and are tested to insure they meet specifications for heavy metal content (lead, mercury, bismuth, arsenic, antimony, tin, cadmium, silver, copper, and molybdenum). Finally, a leading consumer publication tested Adora Calcium Supplements and concluded they “had the claimed amount of calcium.”
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16. Do any of the ingredients in Adora Calcium come from China?
No. Adora Calcium’s all-natural chocolate ingredients and our vitamin-mineral blend are not sourced from China.
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17. What should I do if my child (or pet) has taken more than the recommended amount of Adora Calcium?
It is important that anyone who is concerned about toxicity or overdose should contact their physician or poison control center (1-800-222-1222) to be safe. However, according to Bernard C. Sangalli, MS, DABAT, Director of the Connecticut Poison Control Center, in general calcium is tolerated well by the body “since absorption and elimination are regulated by the parathyroid and thyroid glands, GI tract and kidneys. Only those with disease states or conditions affecting these functions may be at risk, e.g. patients on dialysis. There really are no data on absolute doses required to cause toxicity.” Excess calcium is typically not absorbed by the intestines which can lead to bloating and constipation. Long term intakes of calcium greater than 2500 mg per day can cause health concerns. See below Can I Get Too Much Calcium.
If your pet has eaten any Adora Calcium contact your emergency veterinarian. Chocolate is toxic to animals and your pet may need to be evaluated based on how much he has eaten relative to his size. For more information see Protecting Pets.
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18. Do Adora Calcium Supplements contain vitamin K?
No. In our prior formulation (before April 2010) Adora Calcium Supplements did include vitamin K. However, we removed the vitamin at the request of the many consumers who are on blood thinners, along with their physicians. While vitamin K is valuable for bone health, deficiency is rare since the vitamin is produced by bacteria in the intestines. In addition, vitamin K can be found in green leafy vegetables, cabbage, cauliflower, spinach, cereals, soy foods, and other vegetables. For more information, see Why We Need Vitamin K and Vitamin K Foods.
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19. What is the % cacao of Adora Calcium Supplements?
Percent cacao is a term that refers to the percentage of ingredients that come from the cocoa bean (i.e. chocolate liquor, cocoa butter, and cocoa powder). In general, this figure is considered to relate to the amount of antioxidants in the chocolate. Although accurately determining the % cacao and the antioxidant content (which is often measured as an ORAC value) can be difficult, we were able to estimate these figures through lab tests and analysis.
- Adora Calcium in Milk Chocolate is approximately 38% cacao
- Adora Calcium in Dark Chocolate is approximately 47% cacao
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Calcium Basics
20. Why do we need calcium?
There is more calcium in the human body than any other mineral. While calcium is best known for its role in building strong bones, it is essential for many other functions. Calcium also:
- Contributes to healthy tooth enamel,
- Aids in muscle contraction (throughout the body and even in the heart),
- Helps the nervous system communicate,
- Gives strength to the skin and nails,
- Assists in blood clotting,
- Participates in hormone and enzyme functions.
If the body does not get enough calcium from food and calcium supplements, it will take it from the bones leaving them weak. (See also What is Osteoporosis?)
[Source = NIH Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Calcium]
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21. How does calcium help with weight loss, cancer, PMS and other conditions?
Research indicates that calcium may play a role in a variety of health conditions beyond bone health including the following:
Weight loss - Calcium deficiency appears to force the body to secrete hormones that help conserve calcium. These hormones can cause the body's fat cells to go into storage mode. As a result, when we don't get enough calcium, we are actually prone to store more calories as fat. In contrast, high calcium intakes halt those adaptive hormones, enabling the body to store less fat, and ultimately helping the body lose more weight. See also Calcium Supplements Strengthen Weight Management and Calcium Can Do That?
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) - According to a study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, subjects consuming calcium supplements (1,200 mg per day) had reduced premenstrual symptoms including fewer mood swings, food cravings, and less pain, tenderness and bloating. For more information, visit the PMS page. [SOURCE: Calcium carbonate and the premenstrual syndrome: Effects on premenstrual and menstrual symptoms. August 1998. Volume 179, Issue 2, Pages 444-452.]
Colon Cancer – In a study conducted by the American Cancer Society, researchers found that study participants who took calcium supplements had around a 30% lower risk of developing colon cancer compared to participants who didn’t take supplements. For more details on that study, see Calcium Can Do That?
Menopause – After menopause, estrogen levels drop dramatically resulting in greater bone loss. That is one reason why estrogen replacement had become such an important treatment plan for post menopausal women. However, given the increased risk of hormone replacement therapy, many women are opting for other alternatives. By getting enough calcium, a woman can decrease her risk of bone loss and possibly avoid the need for seeking other hormone replacement options. For more information, visit the Menopause page.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding – Although calcium requirements do not actually increase for pregnant and breastfeeding women, it is especially important for those women to get the calcium they need during that crucial time. When a woman is pregnant her growing baby takes the calcium he/she needs from her blood stream. If the woman is not consuming enough calcium (and prenatal vitamins do not typically contain enough), then calcium will be taken from the woman’s bones. Alarming studies have shown that even young women in their 30s are displaying signs of osteoporosis after multiple pregnancies. See also, the Pregnancy page.
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) – Studies show that individuals who consume greater amounts of calcium tend to have lower blood pressure. One major study addressing diet’s role in blood pressure is the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) in which participants consumed approximately 1250 mg of calcium per day. For information, see the Heart Disease page.
[Source = NIH Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Calcium]
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22. How much calcium do I need every day?
Given the many roles that calcium plays in the body, it is very important to meet your daily needs. Calcium needs vary based on age. Calcium requirements are greatest during adolescence when bones are growing rapidly. Adequate calcium intake is also essential during pregnancy and breastfeeding since a baby’s forming skeleton gets calcium from its mother. After menopause, a woman’s bone density declines, again causing increased calcium needs. Please visit the Calcium Requirements page for more information on calcium needs by age.
NOTE: The Daily Value (DV) for calcium is 1000 mg. This is the amount indicated on food and supplement labels. One Adora Calcium Supplement provides 500 mg of calcium or 50% of the DV.
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23. How can I increase my calcium absorption?
The body can only absorb approximately 500 – 600 mg of calcium at one time, so it is important to space your calcium intake throughout the course of the day. Ideally this means giving your body time to digest and absorb calcium from meals and supplements by spacing intake 2-4 hours apart.
Calcium absorption can be impaired by certain foods and nutrients, so it is best to take your Adora Calcium Supplement with meals or snacks that do not include the following:
- Iron (iron and calcium compete for absorption)
- Certain medications (check the insert on any prescriptions you are taking as some, such as thyroid medications, will bind with calcium.)
- Oxalic acids (spinach, rhubarb)
- Tannins (tea)
Although some calcium may be bound by these foods and drinks, the most important thing is working at increasing your calcium intake daily. For more information, see Get More from Your Calcium Supplement and Calcium Challenges.
Having trouble remembering to take your calcium? Check out the Adora Tips page for recommendations from Adora Calcium fans.
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24. Can I get too much calcium?
While calcium is clearly essential, too much of the mineral is not helpful and could even be harmful for individuals with poor kidney function. In general, it is difficult to get too much calcium from food and supplements, and daily calcium consumption of up to 2,500 mg is considered to be safe. However, it is still important to consult with a trusted physician or registered dietitian if you are concerned about calcium intake.
As a conservative measure, we recommend that consumers limit their intake of Adora Calcium Supplements to 3 pieces per day (1500 mg of calcium). In addition, although children over the age of 4 can safely consume 1-2 Adora Calcium disks per day, we advise parents to teach their children that Adora Calcium is not candy and should only be eaten under adult supervision. For more information, see What should I do if my child (or pet) has taken more than the recommended amount of Adora Calcium? Top of page
Vitamin D Overview
25. Why do we need vitamin D?
Vitamin D is necessary for calcium absorption and bone development. It also helps maintain adequate blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. A deficiency in vitamin D can cause rickets, bone loss and osteoporosis. Numerous reports have recently touted vitamin D as a “miracle” nutrient because of its role in preventing some cancers, depression, autoimmune diseases (particularly MS), and even type 1 diabetes. For more information see the Vitamin D articles from the Women's Circle of Health.
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26. Is vitamin D deficiency a problem in America?
Over the past decade evidence has shown a reemergence of vitamin D deficiency in the United States. Experts offer a number of reasons including:
- Increased use of sun block and decreased exposure to sunlight to reduce the risk of skin cancer.
- Increased use and duration of exclusive breast-feeding.
- Lower intakes of vitamin D fortified foods, particularly milk and cereals.
See Vitamin D Does it All and Vitamin D: The Shining Flu-Fighter for more information.
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27. How much vitamin D do I need every day?
This is a question that is under much debate in the medical community today. Research has suggested that previous recommendations are far too low and as previously mentioned, there is a re-emerging risk of vitamin D deficiency in the U.S. Regardless, the current recommendations as established by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) for adequate intake are currently set as follows:
Adequate Intake for vitamin D*
|
Age
|
Children
|
Men
|
Women
|
Pregnancy
|
Lactation
|
|
Birth to 13 years
|
200 IU
|
|
|
|
|
|
14 to 18 years
|
|
200 IU |
200 IU
|
200 IU
|
200 IU
|
|
19 to 50 years
|
|
200 IU
|
200 IU
|
200 IU
|
200 IU
|
|
51 to 70 years
|
|
400 IU
|
400 IU
|
|
|
|
71+ years
|
|
600 IU
|
600 IU
|
|
|
*Based on the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) developed by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academy of Sciences. [Source = NIH Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Vitamin D]
NOTE: Many health professionals are now recommending that those who do not get daily sun exposure should aim to consume 1000 IU of vitamin D from supplements or fortified foods. Consult with your doctor or dietitian to ensure you are getting the right amount. For more information, see The Great D Debate.
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28. Can I get too much vitamin D?
Yes. Since vitamin D is fat-soluble the body is able to store excess amounts. However, toxicity is very rare. Signs of excess vitamin D intake include nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, constipation, weakness, and weight loss. The precise dosage at which intake becomes toxic is a matter of dispute since many researchers believe our current intake is much too low. As a result, it is important to discuss your vitamin D intake and levels with a trusted physician or registered dietitian.
Important Vitamin D Considerations:
- People with sarcoidosis or hyperparathyroidism should never take vitamin D without first consulting a physician.
- Taking vitamin D and calcium supplements might interfere with some of the effects of drugs including calcium channel-blockers and thiazide diuretics.
- Vitamin D levels should be monitored by a health professional.
For more information see the Vitamin D articles from the Adora Calcium Newsletter.
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Chocolate Health
29. Is it O.K. to eat chocolate with calcium?
Yes. Although chocolate contains oxalic acid (a chemical that binds calcium in many plants, such as spinach), Adora Calcium Supplements in chocolate contain far more calcium than oxalic acid which insures that each disk has 500 mg of absorbable calcium. Furthermore, the natural fat (from cocoa butter) in the chocolate actually helps promote absorption of the vitamin D (fat-soluble vitamin), while the vitamin D helps promote absorption of the calcium.
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30. Is chocolate heart healthy?
Yes. Promising research suggests that chocolate may rival foods such as fruits and vegetables, red wine, and tea as a source of heart-healthy antioxidants called polyphenols. Of course chocolate is still fairly high in calories and should be consumed in moderation. Luckily, Adora Calcium Supplements in premium chocolate are only 30 calories per piece and individually-wrapped for the perfect portion control. For more information see the Chocolate Health page, Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Chocolate…, and Chocolate's Health Benefits.
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31. Does chocolate cause acne?
No. There is no evidence to back up this myth. According to scientific research to date, there are no compounds, ingredients or naturally-occurring chemicals in chocolate that can either trigger acne or make it worse. In fact, chocolate may actually be healthy for the skin because of its high flavanol content. See also Healthy Skin is So Sweet. Top of page
Osteoporosis / Bone Health
32. What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a disease that occurs when bones become weak and brittle. It often leads to hip, spine and wrist fractures. Osteoporosis can be difficult to diagnose since there are usually no symptoms until a fracture occurs. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, an estimated 44 million Americans are at risk for developing the disease. For individuals with osteoporosis and those who are at increased risk of developing the disease, evidence suggests that dietary intake of calcium and vitamin D is crucial. Osteoporosis prevention includes:
NOTE: Osteopenia is the term used to describe bone mineral density that is lower than normal. If you are "osteopenic" you need to take extra preventative steps to insure you don't develop osteoporosis. For more information on osteoporosis and osteopenia, visit the Osteoporosis page or see the Osteoporosis Articles on the Women’s Circle of Health.
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33. How do I know if I need a calcium supplement to protect my bones?
In most cases, your physician or dietitian will advise you on whether or not you should be taking a supplement for optimal bone health. However, no one knows better than you if you are truly meeting your daily calcium and vitamin D requirements. Ask yourself if you are getting enough dairy, leafy greens, or calcium rich foods to meet your requirements (See the Calcium Recommendations Chart). For most people, meeting high calcium requirements through diet is very difficult. It is especially difficult for people who are:
Children who are picky eaters can also be at risk for calcium deficiency. If you, or a family member, meet these guidelines, you would likely benefit from a supplement of at least 500 mg of calcium per day along with vitamin D (or 1 Adora Calcium disk).
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34. My doctor has prescribed medication for osteoporosis. Can I still take Adora Calcium?
Yes. In fact, it is very important that people with osteoporosis take their prescribed medication (i.e. Fosamax or Boniva), along with adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D. Always consult with your doctor regarding supplementation and medication, but keep in mind that osteoporosis medications still require that your body is getting plenty of calcium to prevent further bone loss. For more on treating osteoporosis see I Have Osteoporosis – Now What?
Have Additional Questions? Contact Adora Calcium's Registered Dietitian or sign up for our monthly newsletter.
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