Calcium is one of the most important minerals found in the body. Ninety-nine percent of the body's calcium is found
in the bones and teeth and performs two important roles. It is an essential part of bone structure and serves as a storage
bank should the levels of calcium in the blood drop. The remaining one-percent participates in many vital roles to sustain
life. This small amount is critical to muscle contraction, including the heart; blood clotting, the transmission of nerve
impulses, the secretion of certain hormones and the activation of some enzyme reactions. The National Institutes of Health Recommends the following
daily calcium intakes: | | Age | Daily Recommend mg | | 1 - 10 | 800
- 1200 mg/day | | 11 - 24 | 1200 - 1500 mg/day | | 25 - 50 | 1000
mg/day | | 65+ | 1500 mg/day | | Pregnant/Lactating | 1200 - 1500 mg/day |
Tips on Taking Calcium - Take a small dose because the body absorbs small amounts
of calcium best. Small doses of calcium throughout the day are more optional than 1 large dose.
- Take
with meals. Although some foods may interfere with calcium absorption, taking a supplement with meals is most convenient.
Eating stimulates stomach acid, therefore enhancing calcium absorption.
- Add Vitamin D. Vitamin D enhances
calcium absorption and helps to build strong bones and teeth. Be sure to take a calcium supplement with added vitamin D.
The amount of calcium supplied by a calcium supplement is the elemental amount of calcium - or, quite simply, the amount of
calcium available to your body for absorption. Normally, this is the total amount of calcium listed on the label under the
supplement/nutritional facts panel. How much of that calcium is actually absorbed will depend on the type of calcium and how
much is taken at one time. Remember, the body is only able to absorb calcium in small amounts.
Whether it’s
coming from a food source or a nutritional supplement, not all calcium is created equal in terms of the body’s ability
to absorb and use the available calcium. The effectiveness of any one source of calcium can be measured by its calcium content,
its ability to be absorbed by the body, and its bone density benefits. Common sources found in dietary supplements include:
• Calcium Citrate Malate- Calcium Citrate Malate
is one of the most absorbable calcium available. This patented calcium source combines calcium carbonate with citric acid
(from citrus fruits) and malic acid (from apples), both of which help to increase calcium absorption and improve bone density.
• Calcium Carbonate- Calcium carbonate is mined from
the earth and has been one of the most commonly used sources of supplemental calcium. Calcium carbonate is the most economical
form of calcium and is available in a variety of tablets, capsules and chewables. To improve the absorption of this form of
calcium, it is a good idea to take it with meals.
• Coral Calcium-
Environmentally friendly coral calcium is gathered from fossilized coral from above the Okinawan sea and the harvesting process
protects the delicate ecology of the sea while allowing living reefs and algae to continue to thrive. Coral calcium naturally
supplies calcium, magnesium and numerous other essential trace minerals that support body processes.
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