Why Calcium?

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 What is calcium? What is the advantage of calcium carbonate?

Calcium is a natural element that plays a role in bone health, as well as a variety of other physiological functions such as monitoring blood pressure, blood clotting, normal heart beat and nerve circulation. Calcium can be found in milk and other dairy products, in broccoli, kale and other dark green vegetables and in salmon and sardines.

Calcium supplements are available in different forms, including calcium carbonate, citrate, gluconate, lactate, dolomite and coral calcium. Most supplements are made with either calcium carbonate or calcium citrate. Supplements containing calcium carbonate contain twice as much elemental calcium by weight as supplements containing calcium citrate, so there are fewer pills to take. Calcium carbonate supplements are generally the least expensive and the most commonly used.

Why is calcium important?

Calcium is an essential nutrient that helps build healthy teeth and bones and plays a role in muscle contraction, blood clotting and nerve function. Calcium's most notable role is in helping to reduce the risk of osteoporosis, a disease that's characterized by a decrease in bone mass. When your body doesn't get enough calcium, it takes it from your bones, which can weaken them. That's why it is important to get enough calcium every day and to build and maintain bone throughout your life. Recent scientific research has determined that even postmenopausal women can benefit from greater calcium intake.

It is also highly recommended that men take calcium supplements. 1 in 8 men will sustain an osteoporosis-related fracture in his lifetime. Moreover, one recent study showed that Caltrate may reduce the risk of recurrence of colon polyps, precursors of colon cancer. Current data indicate that men do not obtain sufficient calcium in their diet.

Calcium is also very important for children. Adequate calcium intake during bone growth may reduce the risk of osteoporosis in later years. As with all products intended for adults, do not give this product to children except under the advice of a physician.

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis, often called the "brittle bone disease," is a disease in which the bones become fragile and more likely to break. Clinical studies indicate that calcium supplements can retard the progression of bone loss in postmenopausal women. While women have a smaller bone mass than men, osteoporosis does occur in older men. This can develop from the long-term damage done to your bones through a lack of calcium or because of the use of some medications. While most of the body's calcium is stored in your bones, a small percentage is used for functions such as muscle contraction and blood clotting. When you don't take in enough calcium for these functions, your body takes what it needs from your bones. Over time this can leave the bones pitted, porous and brittle, and may lead to fractures.

What are the signs and symptoms of osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis can be a silent condition and may not be detected until severe problems begin to occur, such as fracture.

What is the recommended daily intake of calcium for women?

The daily calcium needs for women are 1000 - 1200 mg, depending on age.

Daily Calcium Needs

Age*	Adequate Intake of Elemental Calcium**
19 to 30	1,000 mg
31 to 50	1,000 mg
51 to 70	1,200 mg
Over 70	1,200 mg
Pregnancy and Lactation	1,000 - 1,300 mg

* For females and males
** The chart contains the most recent daily calcium recommendations which have been revised by a panel of experts from Canada and the U.S.

What is the recommended daily intake of calcium for men?

The daily calcium needs for men are 1000 - 1200 mg, depending on age.

Daily Calcium Needs

Age*	Adequate Intake of Elemental Calcium**
19 to 30	1,000 mg
31 to 50	1,000 mg
51 to 70	1,200 mg
Over 70	1,200 mg

* For females and males
** The chart contains the most recent daily calcium recommendations which have been revised by a panel of experts from Canada and the U.S.

What is the recommended daily intake of calcium for children?

The Dietary Reference Intakes recommended by the National Academy of Sciences for children are:

Age*	Adequate Intake of Elemental Calcium**
1 - 3 years	500 mg
4 - 8 years	800 mg
9 - 18 years	1,300 mg

Do women who take estrogen still need to take a calcium supplement?

Yes, women experiencing menopause generally need greater amounts of calcium due to lower estrogen levels. Estrogen protects the skeletal system by promoting the deposit of calcium in bones. Generally, those taking estrogen still require calcium. Estrogen is not a substitute for calcium. More specific questions or concerns about estrogen should be directed to your physician.