subject: Taking Your Health A Step Further [print this page] We all know that calcium is the mineral that is responsible for healthy bones and strong teeth, but what we may not know is that it is also vital in aiding in the proper functioning of the heart, contracting of the muscles and clotting of the blood.
Receiving the proper dose of calcium in the daily diet is important in order to reap the many rewards of this amazing mineral. Because finding the proper combinations of foods to gain the much needed calcium can be difficult, supplementation through calcium tablets can help greatly in this regard.
The exact need of calcium in each individual is based upon the amount of tissue and bone growth during each phase of life. Adequate amounts of calcium are important to the body in many ways; it is needed to strengthen the nerves and muscles and also aids in the proper clotting of blood. Not only is it vital to the systems and functions of the body, but it is also the cellular concrete that holds the bones together and fortifies the structure that enables us to walk, move and perform our daily routines.
Depending upon the stage of life calcium needs will differ. Infants and babies age six months and under will need about 210 milligrams a day and at 7 to 12 months that will increase to 270 milligrams. Children between the ages of one and ten years need much more; the amount jumps to 800 milligrams to compensate for the huge growth and body development during this time of life. Even more calcium is needed during the pre-teen and teenage years as the growth rate increases dramatically; these children require about 1500 milligrams daily.
The average adult will need approximately 1000 milligrams daily in order to maintain proper function and bone density and those over fifty years old should have a bit more, about 1300 milligrams. Pregnant or lactating women should increase their daily amount to about 1500 to 2000 milligrams daily to compensate for the needs of their growing babies.
As it may be difficult to get the amount of calcium in the proper dosage through the foods you eat, supplementation through calcium tablets may be the best option. There are a few different things to consider when choosing your supplement, though. There are tablets available as calcium citrate, calcium gluconate, calcium carbonate and calcium lactate; there are only certain parts of the calcium that your body will be able to use.
The two main types of calcium supplements are calcium carbonate and calcium citrate. There are a few differences between the two that will aid in your decision for the best choice of supplementation.
Calcium carbonate is not recommended for those who need to take medication to decrease stomach acid or for those who need to use an antacid on a daily basis as it requires stomach acid for absorption. It is best taken with food and it could cause bloating, gas and constipation. Calcium citrate can be taken at any time and it is much gentler; this form of calcium does not require stomach acid for absorption.
