Calcium Supplements

Calcium Supplements

Calcium is the mineral with the highest concentration in the human body. Even though only 1% of calcium is found in the blood and soft tissue, calcium is so vital to survival that the body is able to draw calcium from bones in order to keep normal calcium levels in the blood in cases of calcium deficiency.  Consequently, adequate consumption of dietary calcium is a critical factor in maintaining a healthy body.

Most of the calcium in the human body (about 99%) is found in bones and teeth.The US Surgeon General reports that "lack of calcium has been singled out as a major public health concern because it is critically important to bone health. The average American consumes far less than the amount recommended.[1]" ... "The amount of calcium that makes up your bones is the measure of how strong they are. But your muscles and nerves must also have calcium to work. If these are in short supply from foods you eat,your body simply takes them from your bones."[1]

Benefits of Calcium

• Calcium is needed for maintaining the structure of teeth and bones
• Calcium is supports the healthy functioning of the muscles, nerves and heart.
• Calcium is required for clotting, muscle contracting and the delivery of messages among nerve cells.
• For menstruating women, the mineral assists in alleviating associated symptomology, such as moodiness, bloating, cravings and tenderness or pain.
• The mineral is also indicated for the proper clotting of blood.
• Calcium is required as well to regulate the activity of enzymes and proteins.
• Bone loss is slowed in postmenopausal women who take calcium too; therefore osteoporotic fractures are reduced.
• Also, the mineral has been shown to lower the risk of colorectal cancer.
• Certain studies suggest as well that calcium can be useful in moderating body fat. [2] – [4]

No More Large Pills! Calcium Supplements that Melt in your Mouth!

Additional Information

Recommended Calcium Dosage

Birth to 6 months:........................................ 200 mg
Infants 7-12 months:................................... 260 mg
Children 1-3 years ..................................... 700 mg
Children 4-8 years  ................................ . 1,000 mg
Children 9-13 years  ................................ 1,300 mg
Teens 14-18 years  ................................. 1,300 mg
Adults 19-50 years  ................................. 1,000 mg
Adult men 51-70 years  ........................... 1,000 mg
Adult women 51-70 years  ....................... 1,200 mg
Adults 71 years and older ......................  1,200 mg
Pregnant and breastfeeding teens .........  1,300 mg
Pregnant and breastfeeding adults ..........1,000 mg

No advantages have been shown by increasing your intake of calcium beyond the recommended daily allowances.  In fact, high amounts of calcium can cause renal insufficiency, calcification of vascular and soft tissue.  Kidney stones and constipation can also be the result of too much calcium. [5] Overall, calcium is widely acknowledged as an important mineral that your body requires at every stage in life, so there is every reason to be consistent in your intake^.[6] Make a point of consulting with your doctor in order to identify the calcium supplements that would be most suitable for you. 

Calcium Benefits

Calcium supplements can offset the imbalance that results due to the body’s failure to cope with the loss of old bone; the imbalance results in brittle bones which are susceptible to fractures. [7]

Calcium is also used in other areas of your body with roughly 1% of your daily calcium intake directed towards nerve transmission, hormonal secretion, vascular contraction and enhancement of the muscles’ performance.[5]  This makes calcium very helpful in controlling your blood pressure and maintaining the heart beat. Blood and intercellular fluids are also great beneficiaries of calcium.[5]

Calcium Side Effects

In most cases, calcium can be taken as prescribed without any noticeable problems. However, in some individuals, calcium supplementation can produce digestive disturbances, such as gas or constipation. Also, an overabundance of calcium in the bloodstream can result in arrhythmia, toxicity in the kidneys, nausea and vomiting and a loss of appetite. Overconsumption of the mineral can decrease the body’s absorption of minerals too. When taken in supplement form, the mineral, in some cases, can prevent or lower the absorption rate of iron and certain antibiotics in the blood.