Calcium is necessary to maintain healthy bones and teeth, as well
as a normal heart rhythm. This particular mineral also helps with
muscle contraction, nerves and relaxation. Most people can keep a
healthy level of calcium in their bodies by eating calcium-rich foods,
while others may find it necessary to introduce a calcium supplement.
Depending on your health needs, your doctor may advise you to start
taking calcium supplements.
What Does Calcium Do?
The National Institute of Health says that "calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body." While most of us know that calcium keeps bones and teeth healthy, you may not realize that it also helps regulate blood pressure and weight control. There are even some studies that are suggesting there may be a link between increased dietary calcium and that supplements may reduce the risks of breast and colon cancer.
Can Our Calcium Needs Change as We Age?
After age 35, bones begin to lose their density. This can be compounded if there was inadequate calcium intake in childhood or adulthood. Many times, osteoporosis develops, leading to porous, delicate bones that break easily. Other factors that can lead to bone loss are lack of exercise, smoking, hormonal imbalances, improper thyroid levels and corticosteroid use, and there has also been a link to seizure medicines. As we age, we may find that we need to add calcium supplements to our diet to maintain an acceptable level of the mineral.
What are the Types of Supplements?
Common calcium supplements may be labeled as calcium carbonate (40 percent elemental calcium), calcium citrate (21 percent elemental calcium), calcium gluconate (nine percent elemental calcium) and calcium lactate (13 percent elemental calcium). Sometimes, these supplements may be combined with other minerals and vitamins, such as Vitamin D. When choosing a supplement, take into consideration how well you tolerate the level and how well it will absorb into your system, as well as the availability and cost. Perhaps most importantly, make sure taking them will not interfere with any other prescriptions you are taking. A medical doctor should be able to advise you as to what supplement would be best for you.
Calcium is a very important mineral for your overall health; however, taking calcium supplements is not without its risks. There have been discussions concerning calcium contributing to certain heart conditions or prostate cancer. Too much calcium in your system can be dangerous, but ingesting the right amount can be beneficial to your health. Before adding calcium or a calcium supplement to your daily regime, it is best to visit your doctor and discuss everything with him or her.
What Does Calcium Do?
The National Institute of Health says that "calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body." While most of us know that calcium keeps bones and teeth healthy, you may not realize that it also helps regulate blood pressure and weight control. There are even some studies that are suggesting there may be a link between increased dietary calcium and that supplements may reduce the risks of breast and colon cancer.
Can Our Calcium Needs Change as We Age?
After age 35, bones begin to lose their density. This can be compounded if there was inadequate calcium intake in childhood or adulthood. Many times, osteoporosis develops, leading to porous, delicate bones that break easily. Other factors that can lead to bone loss are lack of exercise, smoking, hormonal imbalances, improper thyroid levels and corticosteroid use, and there has also been a link to seizure medicines. As we age, we may find that we need to add calcium supplements to our diet to maintain an acceptable level of the mineral.
What are the Types of Supplements?
Common calcium supplements may be labeled as calcium carbonate (40 percent elemental calcium), calcium citrate (21 percent elemental calcium), calcium gluconate (nine percent elemental calcium) and calcium lactate (13 percent elemental calcium). Sometimes, these supplements may be combined with other minerals and vitamins, such as Vitamin D. When choosing a supplement, take into consideration how well you tolerate the level and how well it will absorb into your system, as well as the availability and cost. Perhaps most importantly, make sure taking them will not interfere with any other prescriptions you are taking. A medical doctor should be able to advise you as to what supplement would be best for you.
Calcium is a very important mineral for your overall health; however, taking calcium supplements is not without its risks. There have been discussions concerning calcium contributing to certain heart conditions or prostate cancer. Too much calcium in your system can be dangerous, but ingesting the right amount can be beneficial to your health. Before adding calcium or a calcium supplement to your daily regime, it is best to visit your doctor and discuss everything with him or her.
Neville Street is the Administrative Director for Rodriquez MD, a bilingual medical practice in Lawrenceville, GA that provides health care to infants, children, adolescents and adults. Gwinnett doctors Deborah and Veronica Rodriguez are sisters with a combined 27 years of experience. The doctors are Board Certified in Family Medicine and Internal Medicine and both Gwinnett physicians have extensive experience working in private practice.
For more information visit: http://www.lawrenceville-doctors.com
