Calcium is a well-known mineral for its importance in bone health. Calcium also aids in the proper functioning of the heart, muscles, and other bodily functions. Calcium is a popular supplement in the United States because of its health benefits.

In the United States, millions of women take calcium supplements, particularly after menopause, to boost their bone strength when the risk of fractures is increasing. Calcium supplements are also widely used by patients with rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.

Why is calcium supplement necessary?

Calcium is essential for the formation and growth of new bone and making the existing bone strong. Calcium supplements are widely used to treat and prevent osteoporosis (weak, easily broken bones) and osteopenia (the precursor to osteoporosis).

There are numerous health benefits of calcium. It’s used in antacids. It’s also used to regulate elevated blood levels of phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium. It has been shown to help to control high blood pressure. It can also help to alleviate PMS symptoms and protect against some cancers. Calcium combined with vitamin D can help to prevent breast cancer in premenopausal women. Calcium has also been investigated as a weight-loss supplement.

Calcium deficiency:

Calcium deficiency is also known as hypocalcemia when blood has low calcium levels. Dental changes, alterations in the brain, cataracts, and osteoporosis can result from long-term calcium deficiency. There are no early symptoms of a calcium deficiency. Normally it’s mild but can become life-threatening without treatment.

• Hypoparathyroidism,  persistent diarrhoea, vitamin D deficiency,  pregnancy and lactation, menopause, pancreatitis, sprue, renal failure, and hyperphosphatemia are all conditions linked to calcium deficiency.
• Certain medications (e.g., some diuretics, anticonvulsants) can cause hypocalcemia.
• People who are higher risk of calcium deficiency that consume vegan diets, have lactose intolerance, eat a lot of protein or sodium, on long-term corticosteroid therapy, or have certain bowel or digestive disorder. 

Type of calcium supplements

Carbonate and citrate are the two major forms of calcium supplements containing 40% and 21% elemental calcium. Other calcium salts are calcium lactate and calcium gluconate. The best calcium supplements are calcium carbonate and calcium citrate.

How can you Reach Your Daily Intake?

According to the recommended dietary allowance, the recommended daily calcium intake is 1000-1200 milligrams, but most adults get less than half. Daily calcium requirements are fulfilled by taking a calcium-rich diet at every meal. Organic milk, cheese, and yoghurt. Fatty fish and green leafy vegetables such as kale, collard green, and cabbage are healthy calcium sources.

Side Effects and Warnings

Even in the recommended amount, people experience side effects including gas, bloating, constipation or a combination. Calcium carbonate has been suggested to cause these symptoms more frequently than calcium citrate. Spreading calcium throughout the day and taking calcium with meals can minimise the symptoms.

Furthermore, it can lead to high blood calcium (hypercalcemia) when taking excessive calcium supplements. Hypercalcemia leads to kidney stones, soft and vascular tissue calcification and renal insufficiency.

Pearls of wisdom:

The Health Benefits of Calcium supplements from the vitamin shop make it a vital supplement for daily routine, but it is necessary to discuss with your physician first before starting calcium supplements.