Calcium

Calcium is commonly found in our daily diet or in other commercially manufactured health supplements. It exists as salt form, from that calcium must be released for best absorption. Sufficient amount of hydrochloric acid levels are necessary to make soluble, mostly calcium ions, while any calcium that are not absorbed entering the higher pH of small intestine’s environment is more likely rendered insoluble.

Calcium is best absorbed by the body if taken together with Vitamin D. The higher the level of Vitamin D, the higher the calcium absorption will be. Though the small intestine is the main absorption site for calcium, large intestine however, does absorb calcium but in a lesser amount.

Take note that calcium absorption in the body will mostly be influenced by other foods present in the gastrointestinal tract. For instance minerals that potentially compromise calcium absorption include unabsorbed dietary fatty acids, all high-fiber food types, oxalates and phytates while substance that enhances calcium absorption include lactose, sugar, protein and vitamin D.

Anatomically speaking, 99% of calcium is located inside the bones while the remaining goes in the teeth and body fluids. However, calcium can be excreted in the urine, or in the form of sweat and feces. It is regulated by hormones called Parathyroid hormone (PTH), vitamin D and Calcium. These hormones determine the excretion or kidney retention, level of absorption and bone mineralization.

Food Sources:

Good dietary sources include:

• Black strap molasses
• Bok choy
• Clams
• Collard greens, broccoli, tofu
• Dairy products
• Fish bone: sardines and salmon
• Mustard greens

Deficiency Signs and Symptoms:

There are many health situations and conditions in which the risk of hypocalcaemia may be increased.

• Altered heart rate.
• Ambulatory developmental delays in children.
• Bone pain and deformity.
• Hypertension.
• Increased neuromuscular irritability.
• Increased risk of colon cancer.
• Increased risk of pre-eclampsia.
• Osteomalacia.
• Osteoporosis and increased risk of fractures.
• Rickets.
• Tetany: muscle pain, spasms and paresthesias.
• Tooth discoloration and increased decay

Primary Deficiency:

Main cause: inadequate dietary intake

At risks: children, adolescents, pregnant and lactating women, postmenopausal women taking hormone replacement therapy, rapid weight loss, total parenteral nutrition

Secondary Deficiency:

Calcium absorption is impaired in individuals having diagnosed of malabsorption disorder, achlorhydria and intestinal inflammation accompanied by steatorrhea.

At risk: person taking high fiber, high protein and in fat malabsorption, having diagnosed of hypoparathyroidism, as there is a calcium production deficiency and absorption, renal tubular disease, renal failure, low protein in the blood, acute pancreatitis and septic shock. Certain medications have also been associated to deplete calcium in the body which includes anticonvulsants such as Phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampin and both inhaled and oral corticosteroid, altering vitamin D metabolism.

What are the health benefits of Calcium?

Main Actions:

Calcium is a vital nutrient needed by the human body. It plays a significant role in muscle contraction, nerve conduction, heartbeat, blood coagulation, energy production, hormone release and maintenance of immune function.

• Altered cell membrane functions
• Blood clotting
• Bone and teeth mineralization
• Muscle contraction

Other Action:

• Regulates enzyme used for protein metabolism, fat digestion and muscle contraction

Known Uses:

Many individuals use calcium supplements because their body lacks these essential nutrients while other use high-dose calcium supplements as a therapeutic agent.

• Calcium deficiency
• rickets and osteomalacia
• Bone mineral density and osteoporosis prevention
• Postmenopausal women
• Elderly; Dyspepsia
• Hypertension; Kidney stones
• Premenstrual syndrome; Weight loss
• Prevention of colon cancer
• Steroids-induced osteoporosis
• Supplementation during pregnancy and lactation
• prevention of preeclampsia, leg cramps, good fetal growth, prevents lead toxicity and maximum fetus benefits

Other uses:

• Excessive lipids in the body
• Dry eyes
• Fluorosis

Dosage Range:

• Infants
• 1–3 years: 500 mg/day; 4–8 years: 700 mg/day.
• Children
• 9–11 years: 1000 mg/day; 12–18 years: 1300 mg/day.
• Adults
• <70 years: 1000 mg/day; >70 years: 1300 mg/day.
• Pregnancy: 1000–1300 mg/day.
• Lactation: 1000–1300 mg/day.

Adverse Reactions:

Inappropriate oral intake of calcium supplements can result to gastrointestinal upset, flatulence and constipation.

• Hypercalcemia

Significant Interactions:

• Alendronate; Etidronate
• Calcium channel blockers
• Cardiac glycosides
• Corticosteroids; Phosphorus
• Estrogen and Progesterone
• Excess dietary fat
• Excess fiber including Guar gum
• Levothyroxine; Lysine
• Tetracyclines; Caffeine
• Thiazide diuretic;
• Zinc; Magnesium

Contraindications and Precautions:

Person having diagnosed of hyperparathyroidism or chronic kidney disease should only take calcium supplements under medical supervision. Take note not to take calcium supplements as it is contraindicated with hypercalcemia, worsening the health condition.

Pregnancy Use:

It is safe to use up to 2000 mg of supplements daily in pregnant women.

Supplement Reference:

• Calcium is an important nutrient needed by the body in proper functioning including maintenance of the immune system, energy production, blood coagulation, hormone release, heartbeat, nerve conduction and moderate muscle contraction.
• Calcium can definitely interact with different drugs and should used with caution by individual diagnosed of having hyperparathyroid and renal disease. Traditionally calcium supplementation is historically used to prevent osteoporosis, premenstrual syndrome and pre-eclampsia.
• Deficiency of calcium inside the body is associated with the occurrence of pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, hypertension, type 1 and 2 osteoporosis, and colorectal cancer.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Are there any health safety issues do I need to consider?

• If taken in high doses, calcium supplements can cause several side-effects that include constipation. However, calcium in general is considered very safe and has a wide range of therapeutic benefits.

What will this health supplement do for my body?

• Calcium is vital for health and wellness. It is primarily used to treat calcium deficiency. However, several studies also found beneficial effects in a lot of diseases such as hypertension, pre-eclampsia, and treatment of premenstrual syndrome, lead toxicity and maintenance of normal fetal growth as it is considered an essential nutrient in pregnancy

When can I expect full health benefits of Calcium?

• It will actually depend on its uses, whether as a treatment or merely as a health supplements. For some, calcium is used for months or years.