Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human and what keeps your bones strong. 99% of calcium in your body is stored in your teeth and bones while the remaining is located in your blood and soft tissue. If you didn’t have the 1% in your blood and soft tissue, your blood would not clot and your nerves wouldn’t carry messages. Many people do not know this, but calcium is plays an important role in nerve impulses, which trigger muscle contractions and maintains a positive mineral / electrolyte balance. This helps prevent muscle cramping.
You can get calcium from the foods you eat, ex: dairy foods, dark green vegetables, nuts, grains, and even sardines. If you do not get enough of these nutrients in your body, your body will break down your bones to ensure that your body functions correctly. If this happens for several years however, you can get osteoporosis, which is a disease that will make your bones very brittle.
Calcium improves joint health and enhances muscle recovery. It has been shown to promote healthy cholesterol levels to help control blood pressure.
Calcium citrate has been shown to be the most readily absorbed form of calcium and is recommended if you are supplementing. Calcium is best taken three times daily in amounts of 500 to 1500mg. In higher amounts, (over 2500mg) calcium may lead to constipation, bloating, or gas.
If you have encountered kidney stones, hyperparathyroidism, or kidney disease in the past, you should consult your doctor. A person should use caution when on antibiotics because they will both compete for absorption and may lower the effectiveness of the drug.
