Are Calcium Supplements Necessary?

Mind is All

Everyone knows that calcium is needed for the development of strong bones and teeth, but do you need to take calcium supplements? Learn how your body uses calcium and what the best sources of calcium are.

What health benefits are attributed to calcium? In addition to strengthening teeth and bones, calcium is responsible for a healthy heart and muscles. Every day your body takes calcium from its stores – which happen to be your bones and teeth—and then replaces the calcium in those stores with the calcium you eat. If your calcium intake is low, your bones and teeth get weaker and weaker as time goes by, since the body keeps making withdrawals from your bones and teeth, regardless of how much or little calcium you are restoring. You need to keep your calcium intake up to protect your teeth and bones.

Where can you get your daily amount of calcium? You can get plenty of calcium from milk products and shrimp, salmon, and sardines. You can also get calcium from leafy greens and soy products, although some scientists caution that the oxalate in these products may counteract the absorption of the calcium.

What is your recommended daily calcium intake? Kids need at least 400 mg, teens and adults need at least 800 mg, and pregant and lactating moms need at least 1200 mg a day. If you are a grown woman, you can't go wrong by taking 1500 mg each day.

Are you getting enough calcium from your diet, or would you benefit from calcium supplements? If you are adult and female, you should take calcium supplements because females are most vulnerable to osteoporosis, the weakening of the bones. Vegans will definitely want to take calcium supplements since they don't eat fish or dairy products. Calcium citrate is considered the best supplement. Take three 500 mg tablets a day, one with each meal, since your body can only absorb 500 mg at a time. Vitamin D faciliatates the absorption of calcium, so take one of these a day as well.

Calcium supplements create strong bones and teeth, which is built-in insurance against osteoporosis!