Calcium is an essential mineral for bone health, and insufficient intake can lead to poor bone health and an increased risk of fractures from the weakening of the bones. Scientifically formulated to improve calcium absorption, calcium citrate also contains other important nutrients to improve overall bone health. Calcium is a mineral that is essential for your body to function properly and is stored in your bones. Your body needs vitamin D to absorb calcium. Lack of calcium in your diet can lead to brittle, fragile bones that are more prone to fractures and disease.
Sufficient calcium in the body includes certain benefits, such as helping to build bones and maintain healthy teeth, regulating muscle contractions, including heart rate, and ensuring normal blood clotting. A lack of calcium can lead to a condition called rickets in children and later in life, to osteomalacia or osteoporosis.
The best sources of calcium are dairy products, including milk, yogurt, cheese, and calcium-fortified beverages such as almond and soy milk. Calcium is also found in dark green leafy vegetables, dried peas, and beans, fish with bones and calcium-fortified juices and cereals.
Calcium is important for bone health throughout life. Although diet is the best way to get calcium, calcium supplements may be an option if your diet is deficient. Before considering calcium supplements, make sure you understand how much calcium you need, the pros and cons of calcium supplements, and what type of supplement to choose.
Calcium from Supplements
The amount of calcium you need from a dietary supplement depends on how much calcium you get from food. Calcium supplements and some calcium-containing antacids can help meet your calcium needs. Many multivitamin supplements contain limited amounts of calcium. Protein powders contain varying amounts of calcium. Elemental calcium is important because it is the actual amount of calcium in the supplement. It's what your body absorbs for bone growth and other health benefits.
Calcium supplements cause few, if any, side effects. However, side effects can sometimes occur, including gas, constipation, and bloating. In general, calcium carbonate causes the most constipation. You may need to try several different brands or types of calcium supplements to find the one you tolerate best.
Your body must be able to absorb calcium for it to be effective. All types of calcium supplements are better absorbed when taken in small doses (500 mg or less) with meals. Calcium citrate is equally well absorbed with or without food and is the recommended form for those with low stomach acid, inflammatory bowel disease or malabsorption.
Divine Nutrition's Products
Super Calcium is a comprehensive blend of Calcium Carbonate, Vitamin D2 and 5 Vital Nutrients & Herbs to improve bone health. Vitamin D, K2-7 & Selenium are essential in the absorption & retention of Calcium in our body and are deposited in bones efficiently.
CONCLUSION
Calcium supplements are not for everyone. For example, if you have a medical condition that causes excess calcium in the bloodstream (hypercalcemia), you should avoid calcium supplements. Dietary calcium is generally safe, but more is not necessarily better, and excess calcium does not provide extra bone protection.
If you take calcium supplements and eat calcium-fortified foods, you may be getting more calcium than you realize. Check food and supplement labels to track how much total calcium you're getting each day and whether you're meeting the RDA but not exceeding the recommended upper limit. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking calcium supplements.