What to Look for in Calcium Supplements

Calcium is essential for many functions in the body, including:

• Regulating the heartbeat 
• Conducting nerve impulses 
• Stimulating hormone secretions 
• Clotting of blood 
• Building and maintaining healthy bones

Calcium is a mineral found in many foods. Getting enough of this nutrient is important because the human body cannot make it. Even after you are fully grown, adequate calcium intake is important because the body loses calcium every day through the skin, nails, hair, and sweat, as well as through urine and feces.

his lost calcium must be replaced daily through the diet. Otherwise, the body takes calcium out of the bones to perform other functions, which makes the bones weaker and more likely to break over time.

Experts recommend that adults get 1,000 to 1,200 mg (milligrams) of calcium each day. Although food is the best source of calcium, most Americans do not get enough of it from food sources. Calcium-fortified foods (like orange juice, bread, cereals, and many others on your grocer's shelves) and calcium supplements can fill the gap by ensuring that your loved one meets her daily calcium requirement.

What to Look for in a Calcium Supplement

Calcium exists in nature only in combination with other substances. These substances are called compounds. Several different calcium compounds are used in supplements, including:

• Calcium carbonate 
• Calcium phosphate 
• Calcium citrate

These compounds contain different amounts of elemental calcium, which is the actual amount of calcium in the supplement. It is important to read the label carefully to determine how much elemental calcium is in the supplement and how many doses or pills to take.

Calcium supplements are available without a prescription in a wide range of preparations and strengths, which can make selecting one a confusing experience. Many people ask which calcium supplement they should take. The "best" supplement is the one that meets your needs. Ask these questions:

• How well does my loved one's body tolerate this kind of supplement? Does it cause any side effects (like gas or constipation)? If so, you may want to try another kind or a different brand. 
• Is this kind of supplement convenient? Can my loved one remember to take it as often as recommended each day? 
• Is the cost of this supplement within my loved one's budget? 
• Is it widely available? Can my loved one buy it at a store near her?