Calcium Supplements Can Reduce Your Risk for Osteoporosis

Calcium supplements are an important part of many people’s diets because we rarely get enough calcium in our diets. Some of the functions calcium is needed for are: regulation of heartbeat, hormone secretion stimulation, nerve impulse conduction, blood clotting, and skeletal maintenance.

The average adult male or female needs around 1000 to 1200 mg of calcium daily. Children need even more because their skeleton is still growing. The reason we need so much calcium is because we lose a large amount in flaking off skin, hair, nails and sweat. If the body has lost too much calcium it begins to take calcium from the bones, and this is one of the leading causes of osteoporosis, and high fracture rates. Taking calcium supplements especially by women over 50 and men over 65 can prevent osteoporosis.

Calcium supplements can be found in various forms such as liquid, chewable and tablet, as well as in combination with many vitamins and minerals. Science has found that vitamin D, magnesium and phosphorous are necessary for the absorption of calcium but, it is not necessary that they are in the supplement with the calcium because most people get enough vitamin D, magnesium, and phosphorous in their diet for correct absorption. Another way to increase absorption is by taking the supplements with a meal and by taking no more than 500 mg at a time.

The best advice if you are considering taking calcium supplements is to keep track of your diet for a couple of days so that you can get a good estimate of how much calcium you generally get through food. Most specialists say it is best to get nutrients such as vitamins and minerals from food sources. If you don’t get enough calcium the next best thing is calcium supplements.

There are other ways to reduce your risk for osteoporosis. Studies have shown that smokers, alcoholics, women suffering from estrogen deficiency, and people who are not active are at higher risk for osteoporosis.