Calcium is a major mineral essential for healthy bones and teeth. There are several minerals known to be essential to the human body and which must be obtained from food. The major minerals (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, chloride and potassium) are needed in the greatest quantities or are present in large amounts in the body. The three main functions of minerals are as constituents of the skeleton, as soluble salts which help control the composition of the body fluids, and as essential adjuncts to the action of many enzymes and other proteins.

Saturday, February 28, 2009

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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