When choosing which calcium supplement or antacid is right for you look at the quantity and type of calcium compound that is present in the product. There are several types of calcium compounds used in vitamin supplements. Calcium carbonate and calcium citrate are the most common. Calcium aspartate, calcium phosphate and calcium lactate also appear. In the case of calcium carbonate, multiply by 40% to determine the amount of elemental calcium available to your system. Calcium citrate conversion is about 21% and is lower for other calcium compounds. For example, 500 mg (milligrams) of calcium carbonate yields 200 mg of elemental calcium. Calcium carbonate is the most common antacid and its breakdown in the stomach into its component parts, elemental calcium and carbonate, depend upon the acidic environment there.

Calcium plays an important part in your diet because it contributes to muscle function, and what most people think of regarding calcium, it helps prevent osteoporosis. If your body determines there isn’t enough calcium in the blood stream then it will be scavenged from the bones in the skeletal system leading to the osteoporosis condition.

An important consideration in your choice of a calcium supplement is whether it also contains any vitamin D. Vitamin D enhances the uptake of calcium. Remember, vitamin D is also known as the “sunshine vitamin” because you can ‘get’ some simply from being outside in the fresh air and sunlight so it’s not absolutely necessary that it be included in the ingredients list, but it does help.

Like many things in life, more is not always better. Over 2,500 mg of calcium is usually considered the threshold of “too much” and possibly as low as 1,200 mg. Too much calcium can lead to serious medical problems.

Sources of calcium include dairy products (like milk, cheese or yogurt), many vegetables (the green leafy kind, like spinach) and some nuts (like almonds). “Hard” water is also a source for calcium and other minerals. Seashells and eggshells are also natural calcium sources but other more palatable delivery forms are recommended. Another of the more famous sources of calcium is on the coast of England. The famous White Cliffs of Dover is an enormous geologic calcium carbonate formation but the Queen might object if you showed up and began eating away at the southern end of Britain.

By: Paul Buck

Calcium supplements are important for prevention of osteoporosis, which has also been associated with tooth loss. Calcium is needed for healthy bones, teeth, and muscle contraction.

It stands to reason that calcium would help not only osteoporosis but also preventing tooth loss through gum disease.

Pre and post menopausal women are among those that are at high risk for osteoporosis. Other situations that bring about gum disease and could lead to tooth loss include smoking or chewing tobacco, certain chronic illness such as diabetes, stress, poor oral hygiene, and heredity. Evidently, calcium is a good solution to help prevent gum disease, even if you were born with not the best dental genes.

You can get calcium from food or in supplement form. Calcium rich foods include milk, yogurt, and dark green vegetables. Women at risk of osteoporosis should take a minimum of 1200 mg of calcium per day.

What Type Of Calcium Should You Take?

There are several types of calcium that are sold in supplement form. The type you take is important since some dissolve and can be used by the body, while others require extra stomach acid for absorption, and may not be absorbed at all.

The different types of calcium include citrate, carbonate, dolomite, coral, gluconate and lactate.

Calcium citrate is the best and easiest to absorb. You can take it anytime including on an empty stomach since it doesn’t require high a mounts of stomach acid to dissolve. However, you may need more pills to get enough “elemental calcium”.

Some prefer the natural form through dolomite. However, you should know that this type can be hazardous. A study published from University of Alberta found it is insoluble in stomach acid and is eliminated before it can be absorbed and used by the body. Also, dolomite may contain toxin elements including lead.

Coral calcium should be avoided. Many health claims have been made about it, but not established as fact.

To prevent tooth loss, brush with toothpaste with baking soda to help neutralize acids in the mouth and take calcium supplements, preferably the citrate form. Eat a balanced diet rich in calcium and you’ll keep smiling with happy teeth.

By: Dr. Flora Stay