Calcium

Calcium Supplements

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and essential for building and maintaining strong bones across the lifespan. In fact, 99% of all the calcium in the body is stored in the bones, which is why most people associate it with bone health and osteoporosis prevention. But did you know that every cell in your body needs calcium to function properly? Indeed, beyond bones, calcium is essential to regulate heart rhythm, muscle function, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and is also involved in contracting and dilating muscles and blood vessels. While calcium can be found in an array of food items, sometimes calcium supplements are the better choice for your needs.

Contrary to other minerals, we need a relatively high amount of dietary calcium each day. Despite this, many North American children and adults suffer from hypocalcemia (low level of calcium in their blood), so calcium supplements may be essential for most people.

Getting the right amount of dietary calcium isn’t the only thing you need to consider; however, because some of the foods we eat may be playing against us — for instance, phytic acid in whole grains binds calcium and makes it unabsorbable. High sodium intake also interferes with calcium absorption. It’s also important to get all of the required vitamins and minerals that enhance calcium support including; Magnesium, Vitamins D & K2, Boron, Phosphorus, Collagen, Zinc, Omega-3 fatty acids, and protein to support optimal calcium absorption, fixation, and retention in bones.

Benefits of Calcium

• Helps Prevents Age-related Bone Loss and Associated Fractures
• Keeps Bones & Muscles (including the heart) Healthy & Strong

Who Needs Calcium Supplements?

Practitioners will typically recommend calcium supplements to optimize bone health and prevent the development of osteoporosis.

Calcium Supplement Potency, Forms & Formats

Potency

Calcium supplements come in a variety of potencies and the recommended dose for adults is 1,000mg daily and 1,200mg daily for women over age 50 and men over age 70.

Forms of Calcium

Calcium supplements are typically offered in combination with another substance, carbonate or citrate being some of the most common forms, each offering its own benefits and limitations.

• Calcium carbonate

Probably the most common form of calcium supplementation because it contains the highest amount of elemental calcium (the pure mineral) - 40%, but it also requires stomach acid to be absorbed, so must be taken with food. Calcium carbonate can also cause constipation and bloating, so not ideal for anyone with GI issues.

• Calcium citrate

Absorbed more easily and can be taken on an empty stomach, but because it is only 21% elemental calcium, you’ll need to take a higher dose to meet your daily needs.

• Chelated forms

Offers a distinct advantage because the calcium is bound to an amino acid (so in essence, pre-converted/pre-digested); therefore, is readily available for absorption and to be used by the body. Chelated calcium is also more stable, bioavailable, and digestible.

• Coral calcium

Derived from coral sand deposits. Coral calcium supplements are made up of calcium carbonate and a small amount of magnesium, along with other trace minerals. One of the benefits of coral calcium is that its composition is similar to that of human bone (so much so in fact, that it’s been used in bone grafting for 30+ years).

Calcium Supplement Formats

Calcium supplements are available in tablet, capsule and even convenient liquid form.

Choosing The Right Supplement For You

There are a wide variety of calcium supplements available; some featuring just calcium, while others are a blend of calcium-magnesium, or other bone supporting nutrients. Make sure to read labels carefully and select a formula that best meets your life stage, health goals, and concerns.