Calcium

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body, most adults get about half the calcium they need each day. Eating enough calcium rich diets may be difficult, but you can prevent a deficiency by taking supplements.

A wide array of products is available. The most common are calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, calcium hydroxyapatite, calcium gluconate, calcium phosphate and calcium lactate. A supplement's elemental  -or pure- calcium depends on its accompanying compound.

Calcium carbonate, which is a useful antacids to relieve heartburn provides 40% elemental calcium, while calcium gluconate supplies 9%. The lower the calcium content, the more pills you may need to meet recommended amounts.

Uses of Calcium

Majority of the body calcium's is stored in the bones and teeth, where it provides strength and structure. The small amount circulating in the bloodstream helps move nutrients across cell membranes and plays a role in producing the hormones and enzymes that regulate digestion and metabolism.

Calcium too is needed for the normal communication along nerve cells, for blood clotting, for wound healing and for muscle contraction. To have enough of this mineral available in the blood to perform many functions, the body will 'steal'it from the bones. Over time, many calcium 'withdrawals' leave bones porous and fragile. Therefore it is very important to have enough supply of this mineral.

 Calcium

- Maintains bones and teeth
- Helps to prevent progressive bone loss and osteoporosis
- Facilitates hear and muscle contraction, nerve impulses and blood clotting.
- May help to lower blood pressure in hypertensive people
- Eases heartburn

Deficiency

A prolonged calcium deficiency can lead to bone abnormalities, such as osteoporosis. Muscle spasms and cramps also can result from low levels of calcium in the blood

Too much calcium

leads to body's impaired absorption of the minerals zinc, iron and magnesium. Very high doses of calcium form supplements might lead to kidney stones. Calcium carbonates may cause wind or constipation and if this persists switch to calcium citrate.

Sources of Calcium:

Pills and Supplements
Dairy products (low fat)
Canned salmon and sardines (soft bones eaten)
broccoli
almonds