calcium supplements

Pregnant and breastfeeding women, postmenopausal women and vegans may benefit from supplements. Some research shows that taking calcium supplements later in life can slow the bone loss associated with osteoporosis. Some studies have shown that calcium supplements support normal blood pressure in mildly hypertensive patients although the results are controversial. It is possible that supplements can be mainly of benefit in cases where calcium intake is insufficient, which may be relatively common. Increasing calcium intake may increase the excretion of sodium thus normalizing blood pressure. Different calcium supplements contain different amounts of calcium. Calcium carbonatecontains 40% and calcium citrate contain 21% calcium. Calcium gluconate and calcium lactate, the two most soluble forms contain 9% and 13% respectively. Bonemeal and dolomite are common sources of calcium supplements but they may contain lead and cadmium which can be toxic. Antacids are also good sources of calcium but those containing aluminum or sodium should be avoided as aluminum inhibits calcium absorption and sodium can raise blood pressure.Calcium citrate is an acidified form and may be absorbed better in older people who often have low stomach acid.Calcium carbonate, can be taken in divided doses with meals in order to avoid side effects such as nausea, gas and constipation. Absorption of calcium carbonate may be increased with food while other supplements may be best absorbed if taken between meals as there may be some reduction in absorption due to the presence in food of certain fats and fiber.Another form of calcium supplement, calcium hydroxyapatite, is a naturally occurring calcium phosphorus protein bonded matrix of bone and is the actual protein calcium matrix found in bone. Some calcium supplements can interfere with iron absorption and iron and calcium supplements should be taken at different times although calcium citrate and calcium ascorbate may enhance iron absorption as they are acidic. When taken with magnesium supplements the ratio should be 2:1 calcium to magnesium. As bone loses calcium at night some experts recommend taking supplements then to maintain blood calcium levels.