Calcium supplements are well-known to support bone health and optimize skeletal strength.** Calcium supplements also assist in maintain peak bone mineral density in addition to:**
- Assisting with muscle contraction.**
- Promoting optimal nerve function.**
- Supporting colon health.**
What is Calcium?
One of the world's most abundant minerals, calcium is essential for life and commonly found in various forms of supplements. Dietary sources of calcium include milk, yogurt and cheese, as well as soymilk and various fruit juices, which are often fortified with the mineral.**
Calcium is a key mineral for overall health, but is especially critical for supporting healthy bones. According to The National Osteoporosis Foundation, “Calcium plays an important role in building stronger, denser bones early in life and keeping bones strong and healthy later in life.” Further, a qualified health claim on calcium is allowed as follows: “Adequate calcium as part of a healthful diet, along with physical activity, may reduce the risk of osteoporosis in later life.”**
Calcium is found in the human body more than any other mineral. About 99% of the body’s calcium is stored in bones and teeth. When the body doesn’t get enough dietary calcium, it draws it from its reserves, leaching calcium from bones and teeth. This leaching can negatively influence bone mineral density.**
As the major mineral component of bones and teeth, calcium is famous for optimizing the health of the skeletal system while promoting peak bone mass. This quality makes the mineral particularly crucial for older adults, since bone mass declines during the aging process. Calcium also supports the wellness of the cardiovascular system, muscles, nerves, and the colon.**
Calcium Supplements
Unfortunately, according to the National Institutes of Health, 78% of women and 55% of men fail to get enough calcium. That’s where calcium supplements come in. Calcium supplements often consist primarily of calcium citrate or calcium carbonate. The carbonate form found in calcium supplements is more affordable; citrate, on the other hand, is known for being more absorbable and easier on the stomach. Calcium supplements are available in tablet, capsule, softgel, chewable, liquid or powder form.**
Calcium supplements frequently include vitamin D, often in its highly bioavailable D3 (cholecalciferol) form, due to its ability to help the body absorb calcium. The combination of calcium and vitamin D is notably beneficial to seniors, who may lack optimal levels of both important compounds. Magnesium is another nutrient commonly found in calcium supplements that also aids in calcium absorption.**
Calcium Supplement Directions for Use
Talk to your physician before taking calcium supplements or starting any routine supplementation. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) of calcium varies based on age and gender. For all adults ages 19 to 50, the RDA is 1,000 mg. This amount is the same for men ages 51 to 70, but for women in that age range, the RDA is 1,200 mg. For all adults over age 70, the RDA is also 1,200 mg. Calcium supplements dosage is typically between 200 and 1,200 mg.**
