Calcium & Bone Health

Why is Calcium important?

Bone is largely comprised of calcium. Your body needs calcium in the blood continuously to support the heart, brain, and muscles. When the calcium absorbed from food or supplements is inadequate, your body takes calcium from bone, weakening it. If you rob too much calcium from your bones, they become depleted.

The human body cannot produce calcium on its own. It is therefore important to take in and absorb enough calcium through the food we eat or supplements we take, through out life. The FDA recommends intakes of 1000 mg daily of calcium; 1200 mg daily for women 50+. There are many types of calcium available in supplements and foods. However, not all calciums are equally well absorbed nor do they all equally benefit bone. Some calcium supplements can also contain a high level of lead.

Can the Calcium you take make a difference?

Yes. there are many different types of calcium salts. Some examples are calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, calcium hydroxide/calcium oxide (AdvaCAL). The pure (or elemental) calcium is identical in each type but the salt (e.g. carbon, citrate) to which the calcium is attached varies. These different combinations can dramatically affect absorption of calcium. Less calcium absorbed means less bone-building. Calcium carbonate, the calcium form found in rocks, oyster shell, and sea algae is poorly absorbed under certain conditions and can create stomach gas. Hydroxyapatite (from calf bone) is even less soluble than calcium carbonate. Calcium citrate is bulky, resulting in large pill size.