Which calcium supplement is best?
What do we know about calcium? Well, it’s supposed to be responsible for strong bones and healthy teeth, because 99% of calcium is in these organs. Macronutrient regulates cardiovascular and nervous systems, muscle contraction and blood coagulation. We need calcium constantly throughout our lives. However, in today’s world, with few exceptions, products are not able to meet the daily human need for calcium. That is why now are very popular biologically active additives of calcium.
Which affects calcium uptake
Whether it is food or calcium-containing drugs, bioavailability (assimilation) of calcium is affected by a number of factors:
Acidity of gastric juice. After 25-30 years, acidity decreases, so calcium is absorbed less.
Vitamin D. If the «solar vitamin» is missing, calcium cannot be fully absorbed into the intestine. Vitamin D is the main regulator of phosphorus-calcium metabolism and keeps calcium in the bones.
Vitamin K2. The discovery of its role in calcium exchange occurred recently. It has been found to regulate the interaction of calcium and vitamin D, to hold calcium in the bones and to prevent it from settling on the walls of vessels.
Calcium and magnesium balance. The ratio of calcium to magnesium 2:1 is considered optimal. Equally bad and deficiency and excess magnesium. We rarely encounter excess, but a lack of magnesium in the body - a frequent phenomenon.
Dose and time of ingestion. In one application can be absorbed approximately 400 mg of calcium, so it is better to divide the daily dose by 2-3 doses. The best
time to digest the drug is considered the second half of the day.
Different forms - different calcium assimilation
The presence of calcium in the preparation is not the key to successful prevention or treatment. The key point is the form of calcium.
It is important to bear in mind that not all forms of calcium present in the market for bioadditives are equally easily assimilated by the body. There are inorganic and organic forms. Let’s see how they differ.
Inorganic forms
The inorganic forms of calcium include: gluconate, carbonate, phosphate, etc. Almost one hundred percent of the time, they are in their natural crystalline chemical structure. Calcium in these forms is very poorly assimilated. It’s not just poorly absorbed, it’s also deposited where it’s not needed - in the kidneys, joints and vessels, causing their calcification. But, when calcium is used in an amorphous shape, it behaves differently, is absorbed much better, and does not deposit in the kidneys, joints, and vessels. Because it is amorphous, the human body can absorb it several times more than its crystalline form and use it for the essential needs of the body. In addition, inorganic calcium can cause nausea, constipation and diarrhea.
For example, calcium carbonate deposited on the walls of blood vessels contributes to the development of calcification and leads to fragility of vessels
and joints.
Organic forms
Organic forms of calcium are assimilated much better and without side effects. For example, these include chelates. The chelate form is the most readily available form of calcium today, which is a combination of mineral and amino acid. Chelate forms are the most close to our body. An example of such a form in the human body can be hemoglobin, and in nature - chlorophyll. In chelated form you take calcium, which is ready to quickly and easily digest and immediately rush to bring you benefit. Calcium chelate is well tolerated, spent on strengthening the bones, not deposited in the vessels, kidneys and joints. Calcium chelate, unlike carbonate, is well absorbed in the body even when the
stomach acidity is low.
Why calcium chelate is preferred:
provides maximum calcium absorptionmakes up for calcium deficiency quickly
supports normal bone tissue, teeth
improves the functional condition of the blood vessels and the heart
The simple formula of prevention of calcium deficiency in the body is the intake of dietary supplements with an effective form of calcium combined with a «support group» - magnesium and vitamins D and K2.