The short answer is probably yes.

Many people take calcium supplements. Most are women. They do it to build stronger bones. But it is not clear that calcium prevents fractures. The government advises post-menopausal women to not take calcium supplements to prevent fractures.

What are the risks from calcium supplements? Kidney stones are the biggest risk. The risk depends on whether you are also taking Vitamin D. A study found that when calcium was taken with Vitamin D, there was a 17 percent increase in the incidence of kidney stones. Another report said the risk disappeared when calcium was taken without Vitamin D.

Another study asked if there was an increased risk of death and cancer associated with the use of calcium supplements and Vitamin D. This study and another study found that calcium supplements do not increase the risk of dying prematurely. These and other studies also found no increased risk of breast cancer, colorectal cancer, precancerous colonic polyps or cancer in general.

Calcium supplements do not seem to increase the risk of heart disease. A report states that "calcium intake has little or no effect on cardiovascular disease risk."

Government guidelines stop short of recommending calcium supplements. The decision rests on your concerns about your health. A history of osteoporosis might argue in favor of calcium supplements. A history of kidney stones might be a reason to avoid them.

Calcium can also interact with certain medications. These include the thyroid medicine levothyroxine and the popular anti-osteoporosis drug Fosamax.

These are concerns. But there is ample evidence to suggest that calcium supplements are safe when not taken with Vitamin D.