| Common Forms: calcium citrate, calcium | | | | diet and exercising) is likely to be more beneficial |
| carbonate, calcium gluconate, calcium lactate, | | | | than trying to treat it by adding calcium once you |
| calcium chloride, calcium malate, calcium aspartate, | | | | already have elevated cholesterol. More research |
| calcium ascorbate Overview Calcium is the most | | | | in this area is needed. Stroke In a population |
| abundant mineral in the body. It is essential for | | | | based study (one in which large groups of people |
| the development and maintenance of strong | | | | are followed over time), women who take in |
| bones and teeth; roughly 99% of calcium in the | | | | more calcium, both through the diet and with |
| body is deposited in these two places. Calcium | | | | added supplements, were less likely to have a |
| also helps the heart, nerves, muscles, and other | | | | stroke over a 14 year time course. More |
| body systems work properly. To function | | | | research is needed to fully assess the strength of |
| correctly, calcium must be accompanied by | | | | the connection between calcium and risk of |
| several other nutrients including magnesium, | | | | stroke. Colon Cancer Although some studies are |
| phosphorous, and vitamins A, C, D, and K. The | | | | conflicting, mounting evidence suggests that |
| best sources of calcium are foods (see Dietary | | | | people who consume high amounts of calcium, |
| Sources), but supplements may be necessary for | | | | vitamin D, and milk in their diets are significantly |
| those who cannot meet their calcium needs | | | | less likely to develop colorectal cancer than those |
| through diet alone. In fact, according to the | | | | who consume low amounts of the same |
| National Institutes of Health, many Americans | | | | substances. Although it is best to obtain calcium |
| consume less than half the amount of calcium | | | | from the diet, the suggested amounts for the |
| recommended to build and maintain healthy bones. | | | | prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer |
| Heavy use of caffeine can diminish calcium levels; | | | | (namely, 800 IU/day of vitamin D and 1,800 mg |
| therefore, higher amounts of calcium may be | | | | day of calcium) will most likely require |
| needed if you drink a lot of coffee. Also, a diet | | | | supplementation. Obesity Both animal and human |
| high in protein can increase loss of calcium through | | | | studies have found that dietary calcium intake |
| the urine. Excessive intake of sodium, phosphates | | | | (from low-fat dairy products) may be associated |
| (from carbonated beverages) and alcohol, as well | | | | with a decrease in body weight. These effects |
| as the use of aluminum-containing antacids also | | | | cannot necessarily be attributed to calcium alone |
| contribute to increased excretion of calcium. | | | | since dairy sources of calcium contain other |
| Calcium deficiency can be found in people with | | | | nutrients (including magnesium and potassium) that |
| malabsorption problems, such as Crohn's disease, | | | | may be involved in the weight loss. A review of all |
| celiac disease, and surgical intestinal resection. | | | | studies up to the year 2000 did conclude, |
| Prolonged bed rest causes loss of calcium from | | | | however, that supplementation of 1,000 mg of |
| the bones and the elderly are less able to absorb | | | | calcium can facilitate as much as 8 kilograms (17.6 |
| calcium. Symptoms of calcium deficiency include | | | | pounds) of weight loss and 5 kilogram (11 pound) |
| muscle spasm or cramping, typically in hands or | | | | loss of fat. Dietary Sources The richest dietary |
| feet; hair loss (alopecia); dry skin and nails which | | | | sources of calcium include cheeses (such as |
| may also become misshapen; numbness, tingling, | | | | parmesan, romano, gruyere, cheddar, American, |
| or burning sensation around the mouth and | | | | mozzarella, and feta), wheat-soy flour, and |
| fingers; nausea and vomiting; headaches; yeast | | | | blackstrap molasses. Some other good sources of |
| infections (candidiasis); anxiety; convulsions | | | | calcium include almonds, brewer's yeast, bok choy, |
| seizures; and poor tooth and bone development. | | | | Brazil nuts, broccoli, cabbage, dried figs, kelp, dark |
| Uses Obtaining adequate calcium can help prevent | | | | leafy greens (dandelion, turnip, collard, mustard, |
| and/or treat the following conditions: Osteoporosis | | | | kale, Swiss chard), hazelnuts, ice cream, milk, |
| An inadequate supply of calcium over the lifetime | | | | oysters, sardines, canned salmon soybean flour, |
| is thought to play a significant role in contributing | | | | tahini, and yogurt. Foods that are fortified with |
| to the development of osteoporosis. Calcium is | | | | calcium, such as juices, soy milk, rice milk, tofu |
| necessary to help build and maintain healthy bones | | | | and cereals, are also good sources of this mineral. |
| and strong teeth. Studies have shown that | | | | Calcium may also be obtained from a variety of |
| calcium, particularly in combination with vitamin D, | | | | herbs, spices, and seaweeds. Examples include |
| can help prevent bone loss associated with | | | | basil, chervil, cinnamon, dill weed, fennel, |
| menopause, as well as the bone loss experienced | | | | fenugreek, ginseng, kelp, marjoram, oregano, |
| by elderly men. If adequate amounts of calcium | | | | parsley, poppy seed, sage, and savory. New Life |
| are not being obtained through the diet, calcium | | | | Health Centers has no means of independently |
| supplements are necessary. Premenstrual | | | | evaluating the safety or functionality of the |
| Syndrome (PMS) Calcium levels often measure | | | | products offered by their suppliers and affiliates |
| lower the week prior to one's menstrual period | | | | and thus can neither endorse nor recommend |
| compared to the week after. Studies suggest | | | | products. Information presented is of a general |
| that calcium supplementation helps relieve mood | | | | nature for educational and informational purposes |
| swings, food cravings, pain or tenderness, and | | | | only. Statements about products and health |
| bloating associated with premenstrual syndrome. | | | | conditions have not been evaluated by the US |
| High Cholesterol Preliminary studies in animals and | | | | Food and Drug Administration. Products and |
| people suggest that calcium supplements, in the | | | | information presented herein are not intended to |
| range of 1,500 to 2,000 mg per day, may help to | | | | diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. If you |
| lower cholesterol. The information available thus | | | | have any concerns about your own health, you |
| far suggests that keeping cholesterol levels normal | | | | should always consult with a physician or other |
| or even low by using calcium supplements (along | | | | healthcare professional. |
| with many other measures such as changing your | | | | |