TUMS FAQ

Contents of TUMS® Tablets

What is the calcium source of TUMS® and where does it come from?
TUMS® tablets contain calcium carbonate USP. The calcium carbonate in TUMS® is obtained from limestone via a chemical process which produces a high degree of purity. Our calcium carbonate is 99.5% pure and does not contain bone meal or oyster shell.

How much calcium am I getting with each TUMS® tablet?

  • Each: Regular Strength TUMS® contain 200 mg of elemental calcium.
  • Each: Extra Strength TUMS® contain 300 mg of elemental calcium. Extra Strength includes TUMS® Smoothies.
  • Each: Ultra Strength TUMS® contain 400 mg of elemental calcium.

Why are there two different amounts of calcium on the TUMS® labels?
Because TUMS® has a dual usage - as both an antacid and as a calcium supplement - the label includes the actual amount of calcium carbonate (for those who use the product as an antacid) and the elemental calcium - the amount of calcium that your body is actually able to use for calcium supplementation.

How many carbohydrates are in TUMS®?
The amount of carbohydrates in a TUMS® tablet depends upon the strength of the tablet. Following are the various strengths of TUMS® and their corresponding carbohydrate contents (per tablet):

  • Regular Strength: 747 mg
  • Extra Strength: 1110 mg
  • Ultra Strength: 1494 mg
  • Extra Strength Smoothies: 540 mg

Does TUMS® contain gluten?
Although we do not use gluten as a filler in TUMS®, there may be trace amounts of gluten in the tablets via ingredients that are supplied by outside vendors.

Does TUMS® contain animal derivatives?
TUMS® Cocoa & Crème, TUMS® Tropical Fruit and TUMS® Assorted Berries may contain animal derived ingredients.

Does TUMS® contain aluminum?
GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare does not add aluminum during the manufacturing process of the TUMS® Tablets but one of the raw materials used in TUMS® does contain negligible amounts of aluminum, measured as parts per million (ppm), ranging approximately from 100 to 500 ppm.

Can TUMS® be taken by people who cannot tolerate dairy products?
Yes, with a few exceptions.*
The flavouring in TUMS® Cocoa & Crème and in the orange tablets in TUMS® Smoothies Assorted Fruit (US only) contain dairy. *If someone's milk allergies are very serious or life-threatening, any flavour can be put on any manufacturing line. The bins that hold the tablets are also used interchangeably. Although we have cleaning procedures in place, we cannot guarantee some small trace of the flavours would not be present in the other products.

Why doesn't TUMS® contain Vitamin D?
While it is correct that Vitamin D helps with calcium absorption, it is not necessary to consume Vitamin D and calcium simultaneously to receive the calcium absorption benefits. However, it is important that your body has an adequate level of Vitamin D. The human body converts sunlight exposure to Vitamin D, and for those who don't get much exposure, there are other sources, such as D-fortified foods including milk. If you have concerns about getting enough Vitamin D, speak with your doctor.