Can You Take Calcium Citrate and Vitamin C Together?

Dose or timing may matter

The short answer

High-dose vitamin C generates oxalate, which binds urinary calcium from calcium citrate to form calcium oxalate stones. Citrate normally inhibits stones, but excess oxalate may overwhelm this protection.

How to arrange timing

Limit vitamin C to under 1,000 mg/day when using calcium citrate. Stay well-hydrated.

Reference

Reference noted for this combination: Massey LK et al. J Nutr. 2005;135(7):1673-1677; Pak CY. Miner Electrolyte Metab. 1987;13(4):257-266

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.