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Calcium Supplements: The Basics

The human body has the capability to do great things, but it needs good care. At worst, it might not be be able to do even normal functions because the skeletal system has become weak.

This is where calcium supplements come in. There has been evidence that they aid bone development early in a person’s life and reduce the odds of osteoporosis developing. Bone loss tends to occur from the mid-twenties onward. The higher the bone density, however, the less that bone loss occurs.

Vitamin D, phosphorus and calcium play an important role in bone growth. Bone loss or degeneration may start at around twenty-seven, but that doesn’t mean that the human body stops growing new bone elements.

But that’s the time when you should start considering taking a calcium supplement. It so happens that the new bone growth does not come up to the amount of bone lost.

Calcium and the Average Person's Diet

There usually isn’t enough calcium in the average American diet. That comes from many reasons. People don’t consume enough foods of the calcium variety. When was the last time you drank milk or ate leafy vegetables? Occasionally, bone loss can be aggravated by the metabolic issue where the human body doesn't readily absorb calcium.

For people who lack in daily calcium consumption, a calcium supplement is the logical answer. What you need to consider in a calcium supplements is the elemental calcium count. This is because elemental calcium is the daily amount of calcium that the human body can absorb.

Try not to confuse the weight of the calcium supplement with the elemental calcium. All calcium supplements have other ingredients such as citrate, lactate and carbonate. Just look for the amount of elemental calcium on the label. It might be written as “Percent Daily Value” which is the true calcium in one capsule or pill.

As a rule, you’re looking for somewhere around a thousand mg of calcium per day. But this may differ depending on your diet and situation.

Be Aware Of A Potential Calcium Overdose

Before you run out and get your very own calcium supplements, make sure you have a good grasp of how much calcium you’re actually getting each day. Like Vitamin A, too much calcium can damage the kidneys. Kidney stones and other kidney complications can arise from a high calcium intake.

The United States Pharmacopeia symbol is present on calcium supplements that are pure. Supplements that have the Pharmacopeia symbol will dissolve after consumption. Acid blockers for the stomach, however, work better as calcium citrate rather than normal calcium supplements.

For greater calcium intake, you can also simply go with a better diet when you consume dairy products such as cheese, milk and yogurt. There’s also calcium fortified orange juice for OJ lovers.

The previous article is on Amino Acids.

Always consult with your doctor or a certified professional trainer before undertaking any exercises, treatments, or dietary supplements.

Other wiki resources:  herbal supplements; amino acid; raw food supplements; prenatal vitamins