Getting the Most from Calcium Supplements

Although a balanced diet is the best way to consume vitamins and minerals, some people prefer to? Insurance? or two in the form of supplements. One thing is certain, there is no shortage of calcium on the market! Here are some helpful hints to reduce consumers' Your Choice:

VARIOUS TYPES OF CALCIUM SUPPLEMENTS

Calcium is the inexpensive and readily available option. It contains the highest level of elemental calcium (40%), so less pills may be required in order for your desired daily dose. This large quantity of calcium is usually accompanied by a large pill. The chewable tablets or liquid version can be used for those tablets too big to swallow. Calcium carbonate should be with meals or with an acidic beverages like orange juice. It is alkaline based and requires extra stomach acid for maximum absorption. For some people, intestinal diseases in the form of gas or constipation. If this is the case for you, try upping your fiber intake, and drink lots of water. If this doesn? T help, switch to calcium citrate.

calcium citrate is usually only costs slightly more than calcium carbonate, and is not quite so easy to find, but by and large, it is an excellent option. Calcium citrate is less elemental calcium (21%), but it is better absorbed than calcium carbonate. It is sour on the basis of, and may at any time in the day, even on an empty stomach! If the acid blockers for indigestion, acid reflux or other gastrointestinal conditions, calcium citrate may be the best choice from an absorption perspective.

calcium phosphate is rarely recommended. Although some types of calcium phosphate containing a high level of elemental calcium, the average diet contains too much phosphorus from processed foods.

Calcium lactate and calcium gluconate are generally well absorbed, but they have a very low rate of elemental calcium (13% and 9% respectively). Calcium lactate is lactic acid and should not be a problem for milk allergies or lactose intolerance.

Coral & Chelated Calcium are overpriced and over-hyped calcium supplements. They provide no advantage over one of the calcium compounds detected. It is best to avoid, as supplemented, the Dolomite, bone meal or Oyster Shell. These products may be associated with lead, mercury, and /or arsenic.

So what is this ELEMENTAL CALCIUM?

different calcium compounds are used in supplements such as calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate and calcium citrate. The elemental calcium is the actual amount or a percentage of calcium in the connection. It is important that the labels of calcium added to the sum of elemental calcium is available. What makes it so simple! On the nutrition /supplement facts label% of daily value is listed. This is based on a recommended 1000mg daily value for calcium. As a supplement with a 25% daily value for calcium is 250mg of elemental calcium. Also, clicking on the portion size that the number of tablets, pills, etc. that you need to do at this level of elemental calcium. When you add no more than 2500mg of elemental calcium per day (diet and supplements combined)!

ISN? T STUFF These regulated?

Calcium supplements are not currently covered by the FDA. However, when choosing a Calcium supplement the name for the acronym USP. This is a guarantee that the product with the U.S. Pharmacopeia'S voluntary standards for quality, purity (lead), and tablet disintegration. Since the application for the USP symbol is completely voluntarily, some excellent brands may not be appropriate, just to make things a little. In Canada, specific standards were used for lead content, quality, resolution and tablet. Products with a DIN (Drug Identification Number) or GP (General Product) number with these standards. If you want more confidence in your vitamins and minerals, check out www.ConsumerLab.com. They test and report on the different brands and types of supplements.

ABSORPTION TIMES INSURANCE

The body is easily absorb the most brand name calcium products. However, if in doubt whether the USP symbol, or try a simple test on a sample tablet. Put them in a glass of warm water or vinegar clear. Stir occasionally. If the tablet dissolves within 30 minutes, then the award will most likely dissolve in your stomach too. chewable tablets and liquid calcium supplements are a good alternative to ensure proper recording. As a rule of thumb, calcium, whether from food or supplements , is best absorbed consumed when the whole day in increments of less than 500 mg.

ATTENTION OF INTERACTIONS

If you use the medication, prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist before calcium in the mixture. Calcium has been shown to interfere with the absorption of iron supplements, Synthroid for hypothyroidism, bisphosphonate drugs for osteoporosis (ie Fosamax or Didrocal), and certain antibiotics such as tetracycline. A window of 2 hours or more between the medication and calcium supplementation to prevent an interaction.

OTHER BONE BUILDERS

Calcium supplements can be found in various combinations, often fortified with vitamins and minerals such as magnesium and vitamin D. For most healthy individuals, further additions of Magnesium is not required. Magnesium is abundant in vegetables and nuts, and our daily requirements can be met, that the good old? 5 servings of fruit and vegetables. Those who believe they may have a magnesium deficiency due to illness should consult a physician. On another note, sunscreen, age, and the indoor activities are degrading the level of vitamin D than we humans produce. This is what more recommendations for vitamin D supplementation. You can order calcium with vitamin D, which is great, but not an absolute must. Although vitamin D increases calcium absorption, it is taken, and in a unique way and in one other than calcium.

The Bottom Line

Ignore the hype and sales pitches consumers when purchasing calcium supplements. The easiest and cheapest brands of calcium carbonate or calcium citrate is generally not the trick!

 

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Calcium and Women: For More Than Just Bones

For women, calcium is one of the most important nutrients, while all the

stages of life. It is essential for the health of our bones, teeth, skin, heart, muscle,

nerves and for proper blood clotting. Ages 12 to 35, the agency

collects most of the calcium is used to prevent bone loss in post --

women. During this time the recording should be 1000 to 1500

mg /day (adolescents and pregnant women, the most).

these requirements through our diet can be difficult. Vegetarians tend to

absorb calcium efficiently, therefore, their daily requirement may be lower.

factors such as a diet rich in phosphorus and refined sugar (pop, junk, and

Convenience Food) and a high protein intake on calcium depletion. Caffeine

prone, with absorption as well as hormonal changes, such as a drop in

estrogen in menopause.

during pregnancy, a woman's body ensures that the child receives an adequate

the amount of calcium. During weeks 20-40, the fetus is estimated at up to 28g

of calcium daily. Fortunately, the body develops the ability to provide greater amounts of

calcium from our diet as well as the uptake by the intestinal lining more.

known for preventing bone loss, this mineral also a relaxing effect on

muscle. Leg cramps, menstrual pain, and back problems will benefit from calcium.

Some studies show that it lowers blood pressure and helps the heart

Beat. It also strengthens the transmission of nerve impulses, and it can be foreground

in the treatment of stress-related disorders and nervous disorders. He has a very

calming effect and works well if they at bedtime for insomnia.

Good vegetarian sources of dietary calcium include broccoli, kale, almonds,

blackstrap molasses, sesame, seaweed and tofu. Non-vegetarian sources include

Dairy products, salmon (with bones) and sardines. Since milk can contain

residues of hormones and antibiotics, and the fish has a potential risk of severe

metal and toxic chemicals (PCBs, DDT) contamination, vegetarian sources are

recommended (especially during pregnancy).

Calcium supplements can protect against shortages. Looking for calcium citrate

on the label and avoid bone meal, dolomite, and oyster shell, as these may

high lead content. Liquid supplements are absorbed and are recommended when you

take calcium to prevent cramps and insomnia. Make sure it contains the same or half

the amount of magnesium. The addition of vitamin D is good, but not more than

thereof 400mg per day. For the best recording, divide doses of calcium throughout the

day and not more than 500 mg at a time for best absorption.

It is important to focus on good nutrition, the major part of everyday

, then add the rest. 1 cup broccoli, 1 /2 cup tofu, 1 /4

cup almonds, 1 tbls basil, plus a 600mg calcium supplement provides enough for the

, one day - and the body benefits from the many extra nutrients appetite

offers!

 

Stacelynn Caughlan is a Clinical Nutritionist and Certified Herbalist who specializes in pregnancy, birth and childhood. She is currently the editor of http://www.motherandchildhealth.com an online resource for women looking for information on natural health and healing for themselves and their families.

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How to Lower High Blood Pressure With Food Rich in Potassium and Calcium

hypertension or high blood pressure disease is sometimes referred to as the "silent killer" because often no symptoms until something bad happens. To prevent you from this disease, you should be aware of the foods you eat, and I recommend foods rich in potassium and calcium, because they help your blood pressure and gives you a better health. In this article I will try to lower the high blood pressure with foods rich in potassium and calcium.

When we talk about high blood pressure, first of all we should know about the types of hypertension, there are two types of hypertension, the first is what we called primary hypertension, the cause of primary hypertension is still unknown and no specific cause can be found to explain the condition of a patient. The second or secondary hypertension, the disease is caused by another condition, such as kidney disease or tumors, and it is sometimes reversible.

to the high blood pressure, you can eat foods rich in potassium and calcium. The potassium-rich foods for us are fruits and vegetables, including apples, oranges, bananas, spinach, sweet potatoes and broccoli. Potassium is a mineral, such as sodium and calcium, it is a mineral that is good for your heart and important that all the nerves and cells of the body to function normally. People who take medication for high blood pressure are usually advised to eat a food that is rich in potassium, because potassium can increase the amount of sodium from the body. As you know sodium intake can cause hypertension, and approximately one third of primary hypertension population, based on sodium intake.

Another important mineral is calcium lower blood pressure. This mineral is the top macro-mineral, when it comes to your bones. Calcium may also contribute to the prevention of hypertension. In several studies, Expectant mothers can to prevent potentially serious health problems such as hypertension, preeclampsia, and severe complications simply by increasing their daily calcium intake. There are different foods to eat, you can use to increase calcium intake, such as milk, cheese, yogurt, salmon and sardines with bones. But if you consider eating foods rich in potassium and calcium, you can consume broccoli, wheat germ, sunflower oil, and dark leafy vegetables.

As you probably know now, to prevent and control high blood pressure, blood pressure, you should eat foods rich in potassium and calcium. This means you should eat more fruit and vegetables. As you know, that there is a method of diet DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), lower blood pressure less than two weeks. The DASH diet also pointed out the trailer to eat foods rich in potassium and calcium.

 

Johnny has got some great tips on High Blood Pressure Natural Remedies, he runs an informational websites that provides health tips, uncover the best knowledge for maintain health and fitness that you can apply now. To take advantage of this cool stuff and Subscribe to his Newsletter and Download his FREE "Healing Food Ebook" from his website. Only limited Free Copies available make sure you check out john's site at http://www.allnaturalnutrition.info

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Calcium Sources to Help Reduce the Risk of Osteoporosis

To reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis most physicians, the women to eat fat-free and low-fat dairy products. Dairy products are rich in calcium. In the disease of osteoporosis the bone loses calcium and becomes less dense, which may cause the bones easier to break.

To be sure, how much calcium does a woman should be represented by their doctor. In general, most women should aim to consumers from 1000 to 1200 milligrams of calcium per day.

Other good sources of calcium include fortified foods to eat vegetables like spinach, kale and broccoli, and some legumes and soy products.

The American Heart Association recommends:

? Selection 2-3 servings of fat-free or low-fat dairy products for adults


? Children should have two or more services from fat-free or low-fat dairy products


? Adolescents and older adults should be four of the fat-free or low-fat dairy products.

As a snack or dessert, choose ice milk, frozen fruit or low-fat or nonfat yogurt, sherbet, sorbet or low-fat puddings.

Other good sources of calcium foods are:

? Fat free /no fat, zero fat, no fat or nonfat milk


? ? -1% Low-fat milk or light


? Nonfat or low-fat dry milk powder


? Evaporated fat-free milk


? Fat-free buttermilk, or 1% fat milk


? Fat-free or low-fat yogurt


? Frozen fat-free or low-fat yogurt


? Beverages with fat-free or 1% fat, milk and cocoa (or other low-fat drink powders)


? Low-fat cheese (dry curd or low-fat cottage cheese, low-fat cheese or natural cheese crazy with nonfat or low-fat milk with no more than 3 grams of fat per ounce and more than 2 g saturated fat per ounce)


? Fat-free or low-fat ice cream (no more than 3 grams of fat per? Cup serving)

Currently, scientists do not have enough information to know whether or not calcium intake on the risk of developing cardiovascular disease .

Source: American Heart Association

Disclaimer: * These statements have not been by the Food and Drug Administration. The information in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. All health should be performed by a qualified health care professional.

This article is free to publish with the resource. (written 2-2007)

 

Author: Connie Limon. Visit http://smalldogs2.com/NutritionHealthHub and http://www.camelotarticles.com

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Why Calcium Is Vital For Far More Than Just Strong Bones

It is known that adequate calcium is important for maintaining strong, healthy bones and teeth, and actually, this is where some 99% of about 1.2 kg in the average adult human body can be found. But that is not in fact these vital minerals in the body most important function, because calcium is also present in the blood in very precise quantities to ensure that certain important physiological processes on undisturbed.

They include the narrowing and widening of blood vessels? essential for the establishment of an internal temperature control, the transmission of nerve impulses, release of energy for muscle contraction, the secretion of certain vital hormones like insulin, and the coagulation of blood.

as evidence for the importance of these functions, it is only necessary to note that the stripes of the body of calcium in the bones to make the necessary blood levels of the mineral should these be in danger too low because of inadequate nutrition. Since the bones, like the body of the structures are in a constant state of regeneration and repair, the potential consequences if such a deficiency is entitled to over time can be catastrophic.

In extreme cases, deficiency in children and adolescents can lead to weakness and characteristic malformation of the disease, rickets. In adults, especially older adults, the most obvious consequence is the loss of bone mass known as osteoporosis - a major cause for the greatly increased incidence of serious fractures, which are such a significant risk to the health of older people.

But there are other problems associated with the low intake of calcium.

There is good evidence to ensure low calcium intake as a risk factor for the development of hypertension in pregnancy (preeclampsia) in women who are susceptible to this potentially dangerous condition, and, interestingly, research has shown that supplementation with calcium to a daily dose of 1000? 1200 mg per day may also be effective in reducing blood pressure in the general population. A number of studies in connection with low calcium pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) and indicate that supplementation of May reduce the severity of symptoms.

There is already some evidence that low calcium intakes May tend to view the body to deposit more fat within existing fat cells. Although the relationship is not completely understood, it seems safe to say that a wide variety in the diet or supplemental calcium is important for success in the pursuit of a weight loss program.

Given the importance of calcium in all these ways, it is alarming to note that the average intake for most people in the developed world are known to be far below the levels proposed, and the numbers are particularly serious for young people whose growing bones, the greatest need. Perhaps as much as 75% of boys and 90% of girls in this age group may be calcium deficient.

Dairy products are by far the best sources of dietary calcium and an 8 oz serving of milk or yogurt, or 1? oz cheese, about 300 mg of calcium. Green vegetables, except spinach, are also a useful source, although you must servings 3 a.m. to 4 p.m., for example, broccoli or kale, to match the calcium from a single standard glass of milk. It should also ensure that the consumption of diets high in protein and salt, that is the property of the wealthy western world, is known to the excretion of calcium and thus the risk of shortages and the problems associated with bone strength and health.

This and a number of other possible variables, the individual need for dietary calcium, the Food and Nutrition Board has the numbers for an adequate intake (AI) of the mineral, instead of Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), the it is often the case for vitamins and other important nutrients. Infants and young children should begin with an intake of about 200 mg per day, up to 800 mg at the age of eight years. Of nine children and more young people whose bones still growing, the over 50-year-olds, and pregnant or breastfeeding women have higher standards and should consume 1200? 1300 mg calcium per day.

in order to preserve the health and bone density of the fully formed adults from 20 to 50 should consume 1000 mg calcium daily, through a combination of diet and supplements. In all cases, the combination of supplementation with at least 400 IU vitamin D is clearly in the introduction of necessary calcium.

Calcium supplements should also always be taken with food, the recommended safe upper limit for the total calcium intake to 2500 mg, in which there should be no problems. However, since high calcium intake may negatively affect the absorption of other important minerals, especially magnesium, zinc and iron, it is recommended that additional calcium should always be regarded as part of a comprehensive multi-mineral supplement.

 

Steve Smith is a freelance copywriter specialising in direct marketing and with a particular interest in health products. Find out more at http://www.sisyphuspublicationsonline.com/LiquidNutrition/Information.htm

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Stress Fractures - Calcium and Vitamin D

What is stress fracture? It is sometimes called "hairline fracture" is a physical reaction to danger from the outside world, which is fundamentally different type of incomplete fractures in bones. Fatigue fracture is a contrast to the other types of fractures, which are strangely characterized by a lonely, critical impact. On the basis of the study, the cause for this type of fracture is approaching from odd or repetitive stress.

study that more than half the cases of these fractures are associated with athletics, that is why it is a common sports injuries. This is could be described as a very small splinter or crack in the skeleton part, which usually occurs in skeletal load-bearing components, such as the tibia (bone of the tibia) and Metatarsalia (bone of the foot).

Based on the study described at the 53rd Annual Orthopedic Research Society meeting in San Diego, CA. The way to the stress fractures were discovered could complement that of calcium and vitamin D, even over a short period, can significantly reduce the stress fractures.

The selected and double-blind study, funded by the U.S. Department of Defense, 5201 women studied, U.S. Navy, that the newly recruited and found everywhere in eight weeks of basic training from 2002 to 2006. All women, ages 17 to 35, were divided into two groups with one group receiving daily pill supplements of 2000 mg calcium and 800 IU vitamin D, and the other group receiving placebo pills. The advantages are Calcium supports bone formation and repair, while vitamin D assists the body absorbs the calcium.

In the study, 170 new recruits in the placebo group experienced stress fractures, about 25% more than in the group, the calcium /vitamin D supplements. "What we really surprising is that calcium /vitamin D supplements, a significant difference in such a short time." Frankly, we were sure we would not see any statistically significant results in only eight weeks, "said project leader Joan Lappe, Ph.D., RN, professor of nursing and medicine at Creighton University.

Lappe documented that The study may also have implications for the civilian population. "It appears that supplementation with calcium and vitamin D provides a health-promoting, easy and inexpensive intervention that does not interfere with career goals," she said.

port this topic, stress fractures are usually associated with a narrow list of symptoms, and it can be used as a general field of pain, tenderness and pain with weight bear. Generally, when a stress fracture causes severe pain in the beginning of the execution, moderate pain in the middle of the barrel and strong pain at the end and after the flight.

In a certain cornerstones only questioning and examination by the doctor are necessary for those fractures, the mean stress, it is not essential be investigated. Further information is that X-rays are not reliable, to see no evidence that it really is generally not the detection of stress fractures. On the other hand, scan, MRI or 3-phase bone Scan can be effective in unclear cases.

 

Swanson Health Products is a proud member of the Natural Products Association (formerly NNFA), an organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of nutritional vitamins and minerals products. Swanson also is proud to be a GMP-certified company, working only in conjunction with other GMP-compliant manufacturing partners.

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