Do You Really Need a Calcium Supplement
How Much Calcium Do You Really Need?
Calcium is an important mineral for the development of strong bones and teeth. This mineral also helps with blood clotting and is beneficial to muscle and nerve function. The concern of losing bone mass due to osteoporosis as we age has led to the use of calcium supplements to prevent or reduce bone loss due to osteoporosis. But do you really need a calcium supplement?
An extensive assessment was performed by the Institute of Medicine to see just how much calcium is needed for health purposes. It was determined that the Recommended Dietary Allowance for calcium set by the USDA is more than adequate to fulfill the dietary needs of most individuals. It was also found that most people actually need a bit less calcium than the recommended guidelines.
Calcium is found naturally in many foods including most dairy products, salmon, sardines, certain nuts, broccoli and deep green leafy vegetables such as turnip greens. Calcium found naturally in foods is absorbed more readily in the body than that found in supplements.
Calcium supplements are not enough to treat osteoporosis once it has developed. Also, many medications can affect the absorption of calcium from supplements and these supplements should not be taken with certain medications or if you have certain health problems. These issues should be discussed with your doctor before taking calcium supplements.
Though calcium overdose is rare, it can cause kidney stones and other calcium deposits, constipation, fatigue and drowsiness, muscle and joint pains, high blood pressure and nerve problems. Consistent use or high doses of calcium supplements has also been linked to increased risk of heart attack and even stroke.
Speak with your doctor about your daily calcium needs and if these can be met through your diet or if you really need a calcium supplement.
FURTHER READING:
Jolynne M Hudnell; Calcium Supplements, Osteoporosis and Heart Attack; Yahoo! Contributor Network
SOURCES:
Institute of Medicine; Dietary Reference Intakes for Calcium and Vitamin D
Published by Jolynne M Hudnell
Jolynne is a part-time freelance writer and independently-published poet. Jolynne has knowledge and experience in a variety of topics. Jolynne enjoys singing and writing poetry. Her published work in... View profile
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