Our bodies need so many things to stay healthy. We need exercise, sleep, fiber, potassium, and the list goes on and on. An essential one to remember, though? Calcium, of course. Calcium is one of the most important minerals in our bodies. Our entire body requires calcium and many bodily functions require this mineral to function and operate properly. Our bones, heart, muscles, brains, and nervous system require calcium and without the necessary levels, our bodily systems suffer.
Calcium also plays a role in hormonal regulation and is extremely important for bone health. Our bones store calcium and provide support for proper bone health. Our calcium levels also dictate proper communication between the brain and other parts of the body, aid in muscular movement, and support our cardiovascular health. Calcium is additionally crucial for lowering both blood pressure and cholesterol levels in the body. So, what are the best calcium supplements?
The Different Forms Of Calcium
There are different forms of supplemental calcium available on the market. There are calcium carbonate supplements and calcium citrate supplements. Calcium carbonate requires stomach acid for proper absorption so it should be taken with meals, whereas calcium citrate can be taken on an empty stomach as it does not require stomach acid for proper absorption. Calcium carbonate has more calcium, but some have found it to be constipating.
You should also try to either incorporate more dietary sources of Vitamin D or a Vitamin D supplement as this vitamin enhances the absorption of supplemental calcium in the body.
Do I Need Calcium Supplements?
Although supplemental calcium is not necessarily required due to dietary and body sources, calcium as a whole is extremely beneficial in the body. It aids in the proper functioning of many systems in our bodies and promotes strong bone health, hormonal health, cardiovascular health, and neurological health. Without calcium, much of our capacity to do things like moving our muscles and lifting objects would be reduced.
Benefits Of Calcium Supplements
- Proper muscle contraction
- Hormone regulation
- Preventing bone loss
- Preventing bone disorders like osteopenia and osteoporosis
- Proper menstruation and other hormone-related processes
- Good heart health
- Allows the heart muscle to pump blood efficiently
- Plays a role in blood clotting
- Lower cholesterol
- Lower blood pressure
- Proper neurological communication with parts of the body
- Sufficient bone strength
Should I Take Calcium Supplements?
Age plays a large role in whether or not calcium supplements are necessary. It becomes more difficult for our bodies to absorb dietary calcium as we grow older so we draw on calcium reserves from our bones, which can cause disorders like osteopenia and osteoporosis. Thus, those who are older are more at risk and thus are more commonly the demographic supplementing with calcium.
However, supplemental calcium is definitely not a requirement unless necessary based on dietary restrictions or bone-related disorders. It is essential to consult with a doctor if you are looking to incorporate supplemental calcium.
Do Calcium Supplements Work?
Calcium is a crucial mineral in our bodies and is essential for our overall health and functioning. However, just because it is essential, doesn’t mean you should run to the store and buy calcium pills to become stronger. It doesn’t work that way when it comes to supplemental calcium, and in fact, research shows that supplemental calcium may not be functioning the same way bodily and dietary calcium does.
However, there are certain groups that require supplemental calcium because they don’t get it through their diets, or due to their age, their calcium stores are depleting. Calcium then becomes beneficial as it is the only source of calcium these individuals would be receiving. With a mineral as essential as calcium, any calcium is better than no calcium and is thus instrumental in these certain individuals’ lives.
Best Calcium Supplements
AlgaeCal Plus
This supplement comes highly ranked among calcium products. It is entirely plant-based and is specially catered to women suffering from osteoporosis. It also contains Vitamin D3, Vitamin K2, Boron, and Vitamin C. It does, however, contain magnesium which is debated by researchers due to its impact on the absorption of calcium.
GET THE BEST PRICE ON ALGAECAL PLUSNature Made Calcium
This supplement is more affordable and more readily available. It contains 600 mg of calcium as well as Vitamin D, which enhances the absorption of supplemental calcium in the body. This brand is the #1 pharmacist-recommended vitamin and supplement brand.
GET THE BEST PRICE ON NATURE MADE CALCIUMNew Chapter Bone Strength Take Care
Bone Strength Take Care is a product from New Chapter, the same company that produces New Chapter All-Flora Probiotics. This product contains calcium from red marine algae and also includes Vitamin D3, Vitamin K2, and magnesium (again, a debated point). This product contains more calcium at 770 mg and is very highly reviewed among the community.
GET THE BEST PRICE ON NEW CHAPTER BONE STRENGTH TAKE CAREAlternatives To Calcium Supplements
Calcium is not often required for supplemental purposes if you are able to get the recommended amount in your diet. In fact, although supplementation may be required for individuals with osteoporosis or those who do not consume calcium-rich foods, research shows that our bodies do not absorb supplemental calcium the same way it is absorbed through dietary sources.
The following are great sources of dietary calcium:
- Almonds
- Oranges
- Soy products
- Fortified dairy products
- Yogurt
- Kale
- Spinach
- Chickpeas
- Pinto beans
- Cheese
- Figs
- Broccoli
- Amaranth
In addition, the bone-related benefits of supplemental calcium and calcium altogether can be achieved through bodyweight exercise. Exercising frequently, especially with weight-bearing exercises like walking and using lightweights, helps to strengthen bones and prevent bone loss.
Should You Take Calcium Supplements Alongside Anything?
Calcium is a very important mineral in our body and is sometimes required for supplementation. Calcium should be taken with Vitamin D as it helps the body absorb calcium more effectively. Vitamin D can come in supplement form or through our diets with things like fish and certain dairy products.
Magnesium supplements, such as EASE Magnesium, also fall onto a lot of people’s radars. It is important to note, although calcium and magnesium often operate in the same arena, they can compete for absorption so it’s not necessary to take them concurrently or at the same time. You should really wait at least an hour in between taking these supplements.
Calcium And Your Overall Health
As explained, calcium is a crucial mineral for your body’s overall health and functioning. Incorporating dietary sources of calcium is ideal, but for those who are not able to get sufficient calcium, supplementation is beneficial. Calcium supplements are also instrumental for the health of aging populations, and especially those who suffer from osteoporosis.
Maintaining proper calcium levels in the body allows you to perform all of the daily tasks you’re accustomed to, while also allowing your body to function internally. From proper neurological function to a beating heart, calcium truly keeps you alive.
