Should You Take Calcium Supplements?

Most of us are aware that calcium builds bones and teeth, but are calcium supplements important? This simple primer will help you determine if you are getting enough calcium and how to get the adequate amount.

Why do you need calcium? Calcium is essential for building healthy bones, teeth, and proper heart and muscle function. It's important to feed your body calcium each day since your body takes calcium from your calcium bank--teeth and bones--and then replenishes that calcium bank with whatever calcium you've taken in that day. If you don’t consume enough calcium, your bones and teeth become depleted, which causes weakness. You need to keep your calcium intake up to protect your teeth and bones.

What should you do to get enough calcium? Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, ice milk), salmon, sardines, and shrimp are all excellent sources of calcium. There is a lot of calcium available in leafy greens and soybean products, but some people are wary of these two sources because of the presence of oxalate, which might drain calcium from the body.

How much calcium do you need in a day? 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 an adult female, you will benefit from taking 1500 mg a day.

Should you take calcium supplements? Most adult females don't get enough calcium from their diets, and they are most vulnerable to osteoporosis, also called brittle bones. Vegans will definitely want to take calcium supplements since they don't eat fish or dairy products. Most doctors recommend calcium citrate supplements since they don't contain lead and are easily absorbed. Take three 500 mg tablets a day, one with each meal, since your body can only absorb 500 mg at a time. You'll want to take vitamin D to help your body absorb as much calcium as possible.

Calcium supplements ensure strong bones and teeth, which means a strong you!