Everything you need to know about calcium: why it’s important for your body and how to make sure you get enough

What is calcium?

Calcium is an essential mineral that is important to our bodies. It plays a crucial role in building and maintaining strong bones and teeth, muscle function, nerve function and much more. Unfortunately, many people do not get enough calcium in their diet.

In this blog, we will delve into everything you need to know about calcium. We will discuss why it is so important to the body, how much calcium you need and how to make sure you get enough. We will also discuss different types of calcium supplements and when they may be needed.

Topics covered in this blog:

• What is Calcium?
• Calcium deficiency: what are the consequences?
• What types of calcium supplements are there?
• Questions?

Calcium deficiency: what are the consequences?

Calcium is one of the most important minerals for our bodies, and it plays a crucial role in many body functions. A calcium deficiency can lead to a number of health problems, due to legislation we cannot go into further detail here. A calcium deficiency can manifest itself in the body in several ways. Calcium plays an important role in building and maintaining strong bones. If the body does not have enough calcium, it will take calcium from the bones to meet other body functions. It is important to have enough calcium in your diet to prevent calcium deficiency. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for calcium varies depending on a person’s age and gender, but generally it is recommended that you consume between 1,000 and 1,300 milligrams of calcium daily. Good sources of calcium include dairy products, green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds, and fish. Although the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for calcium is generally sufficient for most people, there are certain situations in which a person may need more calcium to avoid a calcium deficiency. One of these situations is during pregnancy and breastfeeding because the baby needs calcium for bone and tooth development. Another is in people at high risk for osteoporosis, such as postmenopausal women. In these cases, a doctor may recommend a higher daily dose of calcium to ensure that the person gets enough calcium and prevents a calcium deficiency.

What types of calcium supplements are there?

There are several types of calcium supplements available, including calcium carbonate, calcium citrate and calcium gluconate. Calcium carbonate is the most common form of calcium supplement and is also the least expensive. Calcium citrate is often recommended for people with decreased stomach acid production, while calcium gluconate is used for people with low blood calcium levels. Although calcium supplements can be helpful in preventing calcium deficiency, they are not always necessary. In fact, taking too many calcium supplements can lead to excessive calcium intake, which can lead to kidney stones and other health problems. Choose a supplement with the right dosage and form of calcium that best suits your needs. In addition, it is important to check that the supplement has been tested by a third party and that it meets quality standards. Also look for supplements that are produced by reputable companies and do not contain unnecessary additives, such as fillers and artificial colors. In short, calcium supplements can be useful for getting enough calcium and preventing calcium deficiency, but they are not always necessary. Talk to a doctor before you start taking supplements and choose the right supplement that fits your needs and quality standards.

Still have questions about calcium supplements?

After reading this blog about calcium, do you still have questions about this mineral? Then give us a call at (+31) (0)70 345-0290, or send us an email at info@kalahealth.eu.

Sources used:

1. National Institutes of Health. (2020, February 14). Accessed April 26, 2023, from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-HealthProfessional/
2. Harvard Health Publishing. (2018, August). Calcium and calcium supplements: Achieving the right balance. Accessed April 26, 2023, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/calcium-and-calcium-supplements-achieving-the-right-balance
3. Mayo Clinic. (2021, September 10). Calcium supplements: Do they interfere with blood pressure drugs? Accessed April 26, 2023, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/expert-answers/calcium-supplements/faq-20058263
4. (2022, February 15). Calcium supplements. Accessed April 26, 2023, from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601027.html
5. (2022, February 23). Calcium Supplements: Benefits, Types, Dosage, and Side Effects. Accessed April 26, 2023, from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/calcium-supplements#types