Can You Take Bile Salts and Calcium Together?

May affect absorption

The short answer

Calcium can bind to bile salts in the intestine, forming insoluble calcium-bile salt complexes. This may reduce the effectiveness of both supplements when taken simultaneously.

How to arrange timing

Take bile salt supplements at least 1 hour apart from calcium supplements.

Reference

Reference noted for this combination: Hofmann AF, Mysels KJ. Bile acid solubility and precipitation in vitro and in vivo. J Lipid Res. 1992;33(5):617-626.

Important context

Whether supplements suit you together also depends on dose, product formulation, health conditions, and medication use. Ask a doctor or pharmacist first if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a chronic condition.