Calcium (Ca)

Calcium exists in nature only in combination with other substances. These substances are called compounds.

Several different calcium compounds are used in supplements, including:

  • Calcium carbonate
  • Calcium phosphate
  • Calcium citrate

Calcium is a silver-white divalent metallic element that is an alkaline earth metal, occurs most commonly in sedimentary rocks in the minerals calcite, dolomite, and gypsum, and is an essential constituent of most plants and animals.

Home Remedies using Calcium:

Benefits and Uses of Calcium:

Calcium is essential for many bodily functions, including:

  • Regulating heartbeat
  • Conducting nerve impulses
  • Stimulating hormone secretions
  • Blood Clotting
  • Building and maintaining healthy bones.

Calcium is found in many foods. Getting enough calcium is important, because the human body cannot make it.

Even after you’re fully grown, adequate calcium intake is important, because the body loses calcium every day through the skin, nails, hair, and sweat, as well as through urine and feces.

This lost calcium must be replaced daily, because if you don’t have enough calcium in your body, it will take calcium out of the bones and teeth to perform other functions, which makes the bones weaker and more likely to break over time.

Although food is the best source of calcium, most Americans don’t get enough of it from food.

Calcium-fortified foods (orange juice, bread, cereals, etc.) and calcium supplements can fill the gap by ensuring that you get enough calcium.

Calcium is absorbed best by the body when it is taken several times a day in amounts of 500 mg or less, but taking it all at once is better than not taking it at all.

Calcium carbonate is absorbed best when taken with food. Calcium citrate can be taken anytime.

Side Effects of Calcium:

Some calcium supplements may cause side effects such as gas or constipation in some people.

If simple measures (such as increasing your intake of fluids and high-fiber foods) don’t solve the problem, try another form of calcium.

It’s important to increase the dose gradually: take just 500 mg a day for a week, and then slowly add more calcium. Don’t take more than recommended without your doctor’s approval.

Calcium Interactions: It is important to talk with a medical health professional about possible interactions between your over-the-counter and prescription medications, and calcium supplements.

Recent studies suggest that calcium supplementation without additional Vitamin D may increase the risk of heart attack.

Certain drugs, such as the antibiotic tetracycline should not be taken with any form of calcium. Calcium also interferes with iron absorption.