Finding the Best Calcium Supplement

Finding the Best Calcium Supplement Calcium Citrate When you are looking for a calcium supplement, the best option is calcium citrate. It has a USP (United States Pharmacopeia) designation indicating that it will be absorbed by the body. Calcium is needed for strong bones but can be difficult to get from diet alone. If you do not eat a calcium-rich diet, you may be at risk for developing osteoporosis or other bone-related conditions. A calcium supplement can be an affordable way to fill in the gap in your calcium intake. While calcium supplements can provide you with much-needed calcium, they also have some downsides. One of the most common is constipation. To help you avoid this, itҳ important to take the correct dosage and choose a form that works best for you. Choosing the right calcium supplement for your needs can be a tricky process. First, you will need to decide how much calcium you need. Most adults need 1000 milligrams a day, although there are some exceptions. You should consult with your doctor or health professional to find the right level for you. Taking more than this amount may not be safe or effective. You can also get calcium from fortified foods. This includes yogurt, milk, and orange juice. The United States Department of Health and Human Services recommends that you consume at least 600 milligrams of calcium daily. But the exact amount you need depends on your age, diet, and other factors. However, the majority of adults do not reach this recommended amount, so taking a supplement is often necessary. There are two primary types of calcium supplements: calcium carbonate and calcium citrate. The former has a higher concentration of elemental calcium than the latter. Carbonate is cheaper than citrate and is often found in over-the-counter antacids. Unlike carbonate, however, calcium citrate is less likely to cause constipation. Another advantage of calcium citrate is its ability to chelate unwanted metal ions. Metal ions can be a source of heartburn or other digestive problems, so calcium citrate is a good choice for individuals who have these problems. Depending on your personal situation, your doctor may also prescribe calcium citrate with vitamin D. In addition to calcium and magnesium, many calcium supplements contain additional vitamins, minerals, and other additives. While they are usually safe, they can also interact with other medications and have side effects. Always talk with your physician before taking a calcium supplement to make sure you donҴ experience any negative side effects. You can take calcium supplements on an empty or full stomach, but itҳ best to take them with a meal. Itҳ also best to split your doses in half, with the morning dosage in the morning and the evening dosage in the evening. Do not exceed the upper limit of your doses. Compared to other calcium supplements, calcium citrate is the most bioavailable. Itҳ easier to absorb than calcium carbonate, which means youҬl get more benefits from the extra calcium. On the other hand, itҳ a bit more expensive. As a result, many people prefer calcium carbonate, especially older adults who donҴ have much stomach acid. Calcium carbonate One of the more common calcium supplements is calcium carbonate. Calcium carbonate is a form of calcium that is absorbed in the small intestines. It is also a component of antacids. These antacids are cheap and effective and can be found over the counter. Calcium carbonate is a good calcium supplement because it is relatively inexpensive and it is a source of 40% elemental calcium. However, it can be harmful to use too much. For that reason, it is best to discuss your use of calcium carbonate with your physician. You should take calcium supplements with food. They are absorbed most effectively when taken with meals. In addition to this, it is best to avoid taking calcium supplements if you are taking a magnesium-containing drug or if you are taking any other vitamin or mineral supplements. Also, calcium carbonate can interact with prescription medications. This may lead to gastrointestinal side effects, so it is best to check with your physician before introducing a new supplement. There are many reasons why you might need to take a calcium supplement. If you donҴ get enough calcium in your diet, you can have problems with bone health. Moreover, some people may need a calcium supplement for a condition such as a low phosphate balance. A calcium supplement can be found in many forms. It can be a compound, such as a supplement made from calcium citrate, or it can be a food derivative, such as whey protein. Most calcium supplements contain vitamin D for optimal absorption. Typically, they are formulated with calcium carbonate, as well as magnesium and other vitamins or minerals. Calcium supplements are available in two main forms, calcium carbonate, and calcium citrate. Both forms of calcium have varying levels of absorption. To maximize the benefit of your calcium supplement, you should take it with food and in the evening. Another type of calcium is calcium gluconate. Calcium gluconate is a much less popular form of calcium and is usually used by physicians intravenously. The calcium in gluconate is less than that in carbonate. Calcium carbonate and calcium citrate are the most popular calcium supplements. Although they both contain equal amounts of elemental calcium, the latter is more absorbable than the former. Some studies have shown that the risk of nephrolithiasis is lower with calcium citrate than with calcium carbonate. Furthermore, the latter is less constipating than carbonate. While it is cheaper and more convenient to take than calcium gluconate, it is not the most popular form of calcium. Calcium carbonate is an inorganic salt or an antacid. It is used to treat several conditions, such as heartburn and acid indigestion. It also helps to prevent negative calcium balance. But it can also be dangerous to use too much of it. Other side effects include gas, constipation, and upset stomach. Because of its negative side effects, it is best to avoid calcium carbonate if you have any of the following: hypersensitivity, elevated serum calcium, a history of hyperphosphatemia, hypothyroidism, or suspected digoxin toxicity.