Product Information

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Adora Calcium

Click on the categories below to be taken to questions & answers on that topic:

• Adora Calcium Information
• Osteoporosis / Bone Health
• Calcium Basics
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin K / Blood Thinners
• Chocolate & Health

Adora Calcium Information

Where can I buy Adora Calcium?
For your convenience, you can purchase Adora Calcium right from this Web site through the Adora Store. 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, Walgreens, and many more. Please visit our Retailers page for more information.

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What kind of calcium and how much does Adora contain?
Choosing the right blend of calcium for Adora Calcium was a challenge. We had to consider many factors including taste, portion-size, calories, and of course, overall amount of calcium. Since the body can absorb 500 mg of calcium at one time, we decided that was the ideal amount for each disk. After careful consideration, we determined calcium carbonate was the best source of the mineral since that compound 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. Most importantly, the calcium carbonate we use is highly-purified, meets USP standards, and is tested to ensure it is free of heavy metals.
 
NOTE: Avoid calcium from unrefined oyster shell, bone meal, or dolomite because it may contain high levels of lead or other toxic metals.

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Is Adora Calcium easy-to-digest?
Yes. Many Adora fans have written in to tell us that Adora Calcium does 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.
• The natural fat in the chocolate, along with vitamins D & K (which both need fat present to be absorbed), aid in shuttling the calcium into the body and into the bones.
• The calcium source is broken down into micro-particles before being mixed into the chocolate making it easy for the body to absorb.

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).

I’m watching my weight; can I still eat Adora Calcium?
Yes. Despite the fact that Adora Calcium comes in a rich chocolate disk, it is still ideal for people who are 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, 500 mg of 1% milk is 176 calories. Furthermore, 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 "Calcium Supplements Strengthen Weight Management"] 

Is Adora Calcium 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 Information page.

Does Adora Calcium contain animal products?
This question is a bit tricky. While we strive to keep our product as vegetarian-friendly as possible, they might not meet all requirements of a strict vegan. However, our vitamin D & vitamin K have been chosen specifically because they come from vegetarian sources. Please review the Nutrition Information page for a full list of Adora's ingredients.

I have lactose intolerance; can I still 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 Information page. PLEASE NOTE: Adora Calcium in Dark Chocolate is made alongside Adora Calcium in Milk Chocolate, as a result the product could contain traces of milk. Those individuals with severe milk allergies should not consume this product.

I have celiac disease (gluten intolerance); can I still take Adora Calcium?
As you probably know, gluten is found in grains that include rye, oats, barley and wheat. None of these ingredients are found in either Dark Chocolate or Milk Chocolate Adora Calcium, so you should be able to tolerate this supplement. However, since everyone is different it is important to introduce new products to your diet slowly, and always get your doctor’s advice first. For a complete list of Adora Calcium’s ingredients please see our Nutrition Information page. For more information on Celiac Disease, visit the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.

I have allergies, does Adora Calcium contain allergens?
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 or on the Nutrition Information page on this site before deciding if the product is right for you.    
PLEASE Note: although we do not add nuts to Adora Calcium, it is produced in a factory where nuts are utilized in making other products. Those consumers with severe nut allergies should be cautious.

How should I store Adora Calcium?
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.)

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 (18 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.

What quality control measures are in place for producing Adora Calcium supplements?
Adora Calcium supplements are produced by Thompson Brands, a chocolate manufacturer that has been in business since 1879. Throughout our history, we have always taken quality control very seriously. We follow a thorough process in producing Adora Calcium supplements that includes testing for taste, texture, weight, and overall product quality. As a result;

• we’ve been awarded the “Superior Rating” for food service by the AIB International for the past three years, and
• independent testing by a leading consumer publication proved Adora Calcium “had the claimed amount of calcium”

Do any of the ingredients in Adora Calcium come from China?
No. The chocolate in Adora Calcium is made from cocoa beans that are grown in tropical areas such as Africa and Brazil. The mineral and vitamin blend comes from vegetarian sources which are not sourced from China. In addition, the calcium in Adora Calcium is USP grade and tested for lead and heavy metals (mercury, bismuth, arsenic, antimony, tin, cadmium, silver, copper, and molybdenum).

Want to read tips on taking Adora provided by readers like you? Visit the Adora Tips Page.

Osteoporosis / Bone Health

What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a disease that occurs when bones become weak and brittle. It often leads to hip, spine and wrist fractures and can be difficult to diagnose since there are usually no symptoms until a fracture occurs. One out of every two women and one in eight men over 30 years of age are at risk of having an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime. For women 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:

• Consuming adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D
• Participating in weight-bearing exercise
• Avoiding tobacco, alcohol, and cola (per some studies)
• Discussing your risks with your physician and having regular bone mineral density (BMD) screenings

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 our Osteoporosis page.

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 Calcium Recommendations Chart). For most people, meeting high calcium requirements through diet is very difficult. It is especially difficult for people who are:

• lactose intolerant
• vegetarian (avoiding dairy)
• dieting
• pregnant or breastfeeding
• over 50 or postmenopausal

If you meet these guidelines, you would likely benefit from a supplement of at least 500 mgs of calcium per day along with vitamin D (or 1 Adora Calcium disk). 

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 The National Osteoporosis Foundation's "Medications To Prevent & Treat Osteoporosis"

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What about magnesium for bone health?
Magnesium is essential for bone health, no question about it. However, unlike calcium, magnesium is very bitter and does not work well in a chewable calcium supplement. While Adora does contain a small amount of magnesium that occurs naturally in the chocolate (4-8 mg), we are always working on ways to improve Adora Calcium. We hope to eventually incorporate additional magnesium. In the meantime, we encourage consumers to work on building a healthy diet first with supplements second. In the case of magnesium, meeting needs for that mineral can be achieved 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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Calcium Basics

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 and teeth, it is essential for many other functions. If the body does not get enough calcium from the daily diet, it will take it from the bones, thus leaving them weak (See “What is Osteoporosis?”).

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
• Contributes in hormone and enzyme function  

How does calcium help other conditions?
Research indicates that calcium may play a role in a variety of other health conditions including the following:

Weight loss - A high calcium intake may help you lose weight. Calcium deficiency forces 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 you don't get enough calcium, you 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"]

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) - According to a study published in the American Journal of OB Gyn, 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.

Colon Cancer – In several studies calcium intake has been associated with a decreased risk of colon cancer. The results have been so promising that the FDA is investigating a “health claim”. [Sources: Study 1 , Study 2 , FDA Health Claims page]

Menopause – After menopause, estrogen levels drop dramatically resulting in greater bone loss. This is one reason that 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 it needs from its mother’s 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 show 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 larger 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 mgs of calcium per day. For information on this diet visit the National Health, Lung and Blood Institute’s Web site. Also, see the Heart Disease page
[Sources = NIH Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Calcium, Calcium: the 'Miracle' Mineral ]

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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. And, adequate calcium intake is 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.
The chart below details calcium recommendations by age group:   

Recommended Adequate Intake for Calcium*

*[Source: Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academy of Sciences]

NOTE: The Daily Value (DV) for calcium is 1000 mg. This is the amount indicated on food and supplement labels.

How can I increase my calcium absorption?
The body can only absorb 500 mgs 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 also 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. MORE)
• Oxalic acids (spinach, rhubarb)
• Tannins (tea)

Remember that while some calcium may be bound by these foods and drinks, the most important thing is working at increasing your calcium intake. So don’t worry too much about when and how you take your calcium supplement. The key really is remembering to take it at all. 

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. However, it is difficult to get too much calcium from food and supplements. Likewise, hypercalcemia (high calcium in the blood) is very rare in otherwise healthy individuals since excess calcium is removed from the body via the kidneys. A daily calcium consumption of up to 2,500 mg has been shown to be safe.

As a conservative measure, we recommend that consumers limit their intake of Adora Calcium supplements to 3 pieces per day (1500 mgs of calcium). In addition, although children over the age of 4 can safely consume 1-2 Adora disks per day, we advise parents to teach their children that Adora Calcium is not candy and should only be eaten under adult supervision.

Vitamin D

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 & phosphorus. A deficiency in vitamin D can cause rickets, bone loss and osteoporosis. Numerous reports have touted vitamin D as a “miracle” nutrient because of its role in preventing some cancers, autoimmune diseases (particularly MS), and even type 1 diabetes. For more information see “Vitamin D: A Lifetime Achievement Award” and “Vitamin D: The Shining Flu-Fighter"

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Is vitamin D deficiency a problem in America?
At the turn of the century, vitamin D deficiency led to an epidemic of rickets (softening of the bones) in U.S. urban centers. We solved the vitamin D deficiency largely through the fortification of foods. However, this fortification proved to be too much as peanut butter, hot dogs, soda, bread, and even beer were fortified with vitamin D. Excessive amounts of vitamin D also were added to some milk products, causing toxic amounts of vitamin D to reach infants and young children. The Federal government then restricted the number of foods that could be fortified with vitamin D and also the amounts in those foods.

Over the last decade, however, evidence is showing a reemergence of vitamin D deficiency in the United States. We are not yet sure why, but experts offer a number of possibilities including:

• Lower intakes of vitamin D fortified foods, particularly milk and cereals.
• 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.

See “Vitamin D: The Shining Flu-Fighter" for more information.

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:

*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]   

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Can I get too much vitamin D?
Yes. Since vitamin D is fat-soluble our body is able to store excess amounts. While toxicity is very rare, it can result in 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. However, the current safe upper limits for daily vitamin D intake according to the The Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine have been set as follows:

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.

For more information see “Vitamin D: A Lifetime Achievement Award”, “Vitamin D: The Shining Flu-Fighter", NIH Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Vitamin D

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Where does the vitamin D in Adora come from?
The vitamin D in Adora Calcium is D2 (ergocalciferol) which is derived from yeast. We chose this form of the vitamin because it is vegetarian. While some studies have shown that vitamin D3 is the more “active” form of the vitamin, most D3 comes from fish or lanolin (from sheep), which are not acceptable for many vegetarians. The body makes D3 from exposure to the sun, and can also convert D2 to D3 in the body. There is currently 100 IU of vitamin D2 in every Adora calcium disk. For more information, visit the Nutrition Information page.

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Vitamin K

What is the benefit of vitamin K?
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that is most well-known for the important role it plays in blood clotting (coagulation). Studies also show that vitamin K assists the body in depositing calcium into bones. A recommended daily intake of 120 micrograms for men and 90 micrograms for women was determined based on consumption levels of healthy individuals. No adverse effects have been reported for vitamin K, so an upper limit (UL) was not established.
For more on Vitamin K see The Linus Pauling Institute: Vitamin K

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I am on blood thinners. Can I still take Adora Calcium?
It is very important that you run this question by your physician because when you take a blood thinner (or anticoagulant), such as Coumadin you must maintain a consistent vitamin K intake everyday. Since Adora Calcium contains 40 ug of vitamin K per disk, this supplement could potentially interact with your medication and limit its effectiveness. However, by working with your doctor, you may be able to adjust your medication levels therefore allowing you to take Adora Calcium. For more see "Important Information to Know When You Are Taking Coumadin & Vitamin K"[PDF]

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Chocolate & Health

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 contains much more calcium than chocolate contains oxalate so there's plenty of free calcium left over. In addition, our formulation includes approximately 7% more calcium to ensure each disk contains at least 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), and the vitamin D helps promote absorption of the calcium. [Source]

Will the caffeine in chocolate affect my calcium levels?
Excess caffeine consumption can cause calcium to be excreted in your urine. 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.

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Is chocolate heart healthy?
Yes. Promising research suggests that chocolate may rival foods like fruits and vegetables, red wine and tea as a source of heart-healthy antioxidants called polyphenols. Laboratory experiments at the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania found that a single milk chocolate bar contains an amount of polyphenols equivalent to five servings of fruits and vegetables or a glass of wine. (And an ounce and a half of dark chocolate had twice as much.) But don't trade your greens for the sweet stuff yet. Chocolate is still fairly high in calories and should be consumed in moderation. Luckily Adora Calcium in premium chocolate is only 30-calories per piece and individually-wrapped for the perfect portion control. For more on the antioxidant content of Adora see “ORAC Tells Us What Is Heart Smart” and the Chocolate Health page.

Can eating chocolate affect my mood?
Yes. According to Mary F. Morrison, M.D., assistant professor of psychiatry and internal medicine at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center in Philadelphia, "Eating chocolate really is a mood elevator for some people." That is because chocolate contains phenylethylamine - a mood-regulating chemical found naturally in the brain. Researchers at the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Tucson say it may also boost the brain's production of serotonin, a natural antidepressant.

"This is a good mood booster to use in moderation," warns R. Murali Krishna, M.D., clinical professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of Oklahoma. "Try nibbling a little chocolate while you pamper yourself with something else you enjoy, like a funny movie or a good book." See also the Chocolate Health page

Does chocolate cause acne?
No. There is no evidence to back up this long held belief. 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. [Source]

Have Additional Questions? Contact Adora's Registered Dietitian.

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