Calcium

What is Calcium?

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body. Ironically, despite this, most adults direly need to take a calcium supplement since studies have shown most people consume scarcely half of what is needed of this crucial mineral on a daily basis.

Almost 99% of the body's calcium is stored in our bones and teeth. The other 1% is circulated in our blood. If not enough is consumed to maintain blood calcium levels, the body will take what it needs from the bones and teeth in order to carry out vital functions. Eventually, the bones and teeth will become fragile from having its calcium content stolen, and a whole host of problems can result, including the devastating condition known as osteoporosis. Moreover, calcium deficiency is associated with hypertension and palpitations of the heart.

How can a Calcium Supplement benefit you?

Calcium supports the body's tissues, bones, cells, and the ability of nerves to communicate with one another. It assists the body in healing properly from wounds, promotes the functioning of the heart, aids in blot clotting, and helps nutrients disperse throughout the body and across cell membranes.

Taking in enough calcium has also been shown to help lower blood pressure, and has been noted for alleviating heartburn due to its role in regulating digestion and neutralizing acids.

Precautions

Those who suffer from kidney stones or kidney disease should avoid taking a calcium supplement as they may aggravate this condition. Calcium may also interfere with some prescription drugs, so check with your physician first before beginning taking a calcium supplement.

Opinion

We strongly believe most people should look into taking a calcium supplement, since most adults have been shown to be lacking adequate intake and because of the many crucial roles this mineral plays in bodily health. However, for those still more inclined to take it in the form of food, some good sources are: broccoli, almonds, sardines, and collard greens. One caveat: due to modern farming methods, over the last several decades, the nutrient value of fruits and vegetables has declined precipitiously, including that of calcium. Therefore, it is our opinion that one should not rely on food sources alone.

Tips on Choosing a Calcium Supplement

Calcium in supplements can come in several forms. One of the most common is calcium carbonate. We recommend most people avoid this form and choose a supplement with calcium citrate. Calcium carbonate may cause gas or constipation in some people, while the citrate form generally will not. Moreover, calcium citrate is the best absorbed form of calcium supplement, other than coral calcium, and does not require additional stomach acid. Calcium carbonate, on the other hand, must be taken with a meal to generate the excess stomach acid needed to increase absorption.
In particular, avoid buying a calcium supplement produced from bonemeal, oyster shells, and dolomite, which have been often shown to contain high levels of the toxin lead.
Calcium cannot be absorbed unless taken with Vitamin D and magnesium. Therefore, we recommend that you take your calcium supplement as part of a more synergistic comprehensive formula, rather than as a stand alone product.

What is Calcium?

It is a metallic element that is silvery-white, and it is the most abundant mineral in the body with an average body containing two to three pounds, most of which is found in the bones and teeth.

Why is it needed?

It is needed to form bones; needed for the transmission of signals to nerve cells and muscle contraction. It is the main mineral involved in the process of keeping bones and teeth hard.

It is possible for your blood to take calcium from the bones in order to keep a correct level of calcium in the blood. Your body can make bone for your entire lifetime, however this process does start to fall off after the age of 30.

Where is it found?

It is found in substances such as chalk, granite, eggshell, seashells, hard water, bone and limestone.

What happens if you are deficient?

Deficiency can lead to a condition where the bone becomes porous called "osteoporosis", this is condition found in some women who are post-menopausal.

It also affects men. It is a condition whereby the bone loses density and fractures occur as a result of minor falls or bumps.

It is thought that if you get enough calcium in the years leading up to 30 then you will have a much reduced chance of developing osteoporosis.

What conditions has it been used to treat?

Primary:
Osteoporosis - large amounts in later life can reduce the loss of bone associated with this condition.
Cholesterol - Calcium has been used to lower cholesterol as it binds fats and cholesterol in the gastrointestinal tract.
Muscle cramps - is given to women who are pregnant and are suffering from leg cramps. It is also thought to help those who have menstrual cramps. Calcium is involved in the process of muscle contraction and it would therefore make sense that a deficiency could lead to muscle cramps.

Secondary:
High blood pressure, reductions were seen in those who took up to 1000mg of calcium a day.
PMS

How much is normally taken?

The RDA is 1.5 mg for men and 1.1 mg for women. Therapeutic doses are as high as 50-200 mg 800 - 1,000 mg per day. Consult a nutritionally qualified practitioner.

Are there any contraindications or side effects?

Those with kidney stones were thought to be at risk if they supplement with calcium but some think that is not the case nowadays.

It is always advisable to consult a nutritionally qualified practitioner if you have kidney stones and if you suffer with hyperparathyroidism.

Some report side-effects when taking supplements of calcium including gas, constipation and bloating.

Vitamin D is needed for calcium to absorb so it is often suggested by practitioners that you supplement with vitamin D if you are taking calcium supplements.