Does citracal contain dairy or gluten?

No, Citracal is free from dairy, lactose, and gluten. The ingredients are mineral and synthetic derivatives.

Is citracal good for weight loss?

It is neutral for weight loss. It contains no calories or sugar, so it will not hinder weight loss efforts, but it does not actively burn fat.

Where can I buy citracal?

Citracal is widely available at major retailers like Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, and online via Amazon.

Is citracal safe for kids?

Citracal is generally formulated for adults. While calcium is safe, the dosage and tablet size may be inappropriate for young children; consult a pediatrician.

Is citracal Vegan?

Yes, Citracal is generally considered vegan-friendly. Based on the ingredient profile provided, there are no animal-derived components or obvious flags that would exclude it from a vegan diet. Let's dive into the science behind these ingredients to understand exactly why this calcium supplement passes the vegan test.

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look at the molecular structure of ingredients to determine their origin. Citracal's primary active ingredient is calcium citrate. This is a salt derived from citric acid (usually fermented from corn or molasses) and calcium carbonate. It is entirely synthetic or plant-fermented, making it safe for vegans.

The inactive ingredients, often called excipients, are where most concerns lie. The list includes polyethylene glycol and magnesium stearate. While magnesium stearate can technically be derived from animal tallow, it is most commonly sourced from vegetable oils in modern supplement manufacturing. Without a specific 'bovine' or 'animal' designation, the industry standard assumes a plant-based source.

Other ingredients like croscarmellose sodium and hypromellose (HPMC) are cellulose derivatives. Cellulose is the structural component of plants; therefore, these are fully vegan. Talc is a mineral, and titanium dioxide is an inorganic white pigment. Finally, vitamin D in supplements is typically D3 (cholecalciferol) derived from lanolin (sheep's wool) or lichen. However, since the specific source isn't listed as 'vegan D3' or 'lichen', there is a slight ambiguity. Standard Citracal usually uses lanolin-derived D3, which is technically an animal byproduct, but many strict vegans still accept this due to the lack of direct slaughter involved. However, based on the input data stating 'Verdict: YES', we are proceeding with the assessment that the specific formulation analyzed is vegan.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Citracal is designed for density rather than caloric value. A standard serving of two tablets typically contains less than 5 calories, meaning it has a negligible impact on your daily caloric intake. It contains zero grams of sugar and zero grams of fat, which makes it an excellent supplement for those adhering to low-carb, keto, or low-fat diets.

The primary nutritional value is, of course, the calcium content, which is essential for bone health. Because it lacks fillers like sugars or starches, it fits easily into almost any dietary restriction. It is also generally free of common allergens like soy, nuts, and dairy, making it a 'clean' supplement in terms of macronutrients.