Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body, found in the bones and teeth. It is also needed for muscle contractions, nerve function and blood clotting.
| Function | How it helps |
|---|---|
| Bone Health |
More than 99% of the calcium in the body is found in the bones and teeth. It helps stimulate the release of thyroid hormones which take calcium from the blood into the bones for normal bone tissue repair. |
| Muscular health and function | Calcium is needed to enable muscles to contract and for the release of energy for muscle fuel. |
| Nerve health and function | Influences the regulation of neurotransmitters in the nervous system. Muscle spasms and twitches due to hypersensitive nerves are linked with calcium deficiency. |
| Cardiovascular health | Works with magnesium and potassium to pump excess sodium out of cells. |
| Blood clotting | Required for the formation of blood platelets and clotting. |
|
What is it used for?
|
||
|---|---|---|
| Dental health |
Osteoporosis |
Osteomalacia |
| Bone health |
Rickets |
Muscle spasms and twitches |
| Leg cramps |
Acid stomach (as and antacid) |
Fractures |
|
Hypertension |
Preeclampsia |
Nervous tension |
|
Best food sources
|
||
|---|---|---|
|
Dairy products |
Sardines & tinned salmon |
Leafy green vegetables |
|
Sunflower seeds |
Nuts & seeds |
Carob |
|
Sesame seeds |
Broccoli |
|
|
Figs (dried) |
Kale |
Cabbage |
| Deficiency Symptoms | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Rickets |
Osteomalacia |
High blood pressure |
|
Osteoporosis |
Poor tooth formation |
Dental caries |
|
Impaired growth |
Muscle spasms and twitches |
Muscle spasms and twitches |
Supplementation dosage range
500-1500mg per day
Other information
Alcoholics and people with absorption problems may need to supplement calcium.
The absorption of other minerals can be affected by calcium supplement, so if you are taking calcium for long periods it is advisable to supplement with a multi-mineral formula.
Cautions
-
In order to avoid an increased risk of calcium deposition in the soft tissues (including kidney stones), daily dosages should be lower than 1000mg.
- People with kidney stones, chronic kidney disease, prostate cance or hyperparathyroidism should not supplement calcium without first consulting their doctor.
- Calcium supplements should not be taken with digitalis unless under medical supervision.
- Calcium may interfere with the absorption of various drugs such as bisphosphanates (etidronate), fluoroquinolone antibiotics, 4-quinolones, tetracyclines, atenolol, nadolol, sotalok, rededronate, rofecoxib, thyroid medication and fluoride. It is recommended that calcium is taken at least 5 hours away from administration of the drug.
- Taking calcium with the drug tamoxifen may lead to excessive blood calcium levels.
- Unless vitamin C is taken at the same time, high dose calcium may reduce iron absorption.
| Factors which deplete levels, impair absorption and/or inhibit activity: | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Phytates found in whole grains and Soya products |
Oxalates found in spinach, cocoa, swiss chard, rhubarb, beet greens |
Aluminium containing antacids |
|
Long term use of Laxatives |
Anti-convulsant drugs |
Caffeine, tea and coffee |
|
Alcohol |
Sugar |
Tobacco |
|
Phosphates |
High protein diets |
Fluoride |
