Calcium
What is Calcium?
Calcium is an important mineral that plays a key role in building and maintaining strong bones and teeth. But do you know where can we get calcium from?
Source of Calcium
| Source of Calcium | Cow's Milk | Seaweed | Calcium Carbonate | Calcium Citrate | Calcium Gluconate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | Cow | Red Algae | Extracted from natural sources such as limestone, chalk, marble, occasionally crushed oyster and egg shells | Combination of Calcium carbonate with citric acid | Combination of calcium carbonate with gluconic acid. |
| Bioavailability | Fast & easy absorption | Fast & easy absorption | Lower absorption as it relies on stomach acid | Better absorption as it does not rely on stomach acid | Better absorption compared to calcium carbonate |
| Benefits | Provides additional nutrients such as protein, vitamin D and phosphorus | Contains over 70 trace minerals thus enhancing calcium absorption and utilisation | High calcium content and cost effective | Gentle on the stomach, ideal for people with digestive issues | Used mainly in medical settings and nutritional applications |
Benefits of Calcium
- Bones: Calcium is the main component of bones, giving the structure density and strength, and is important for bone development and metabolism throughout life, prevent early onset of osteoporosis.
- Teeth: Calcium strengthens the hard outer shell of your tooth called enamel, which is your teeth’s defense against erosion and cavities.
- Muscle repair: Calcium is essential for repairing injured muscle fibers.
- Heart health: Calcium is crucial for heart health because the heart is made up of muscle cells that squeeze together to pump blood.
- Nerve signalling : Calcium responsibility in nerve signalling by helping to transmit electrical signals, release neurotransmitters, and regulate other neuronal processes
- Blood clotting: Calcium activates proteins that are essential for blood clotting.
Recommended Dosage
- Infants (<12 months): 200–260 mg
- Children (1-18 years): 700–1,000 mg
- Adults (19-50 years): 1,000 mg-1200mg
- Pregnant & Breastfeeding Women: 1,000–1,300 mg
