Calcium

The mineral calcium is well-known for its key role in bone health. Calcium also helps maintain heart rhythm, muscle function, and more. Because of its health benefits, calcium is one of the best-selling supplements in the U.S.

Calcium Uses

Calcium is crucial in growing new bone and maintaining bone strength. Calcium supplements are standard for treating and preventing osteoporosis -- weak and easily broken bones -- and its precursor, osteopenia.

Calcium is used for many other conditions. It's an ingredient in many antacids. Doctors also use calcium to control high levels of magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium in the blood. There's good evidence that calcium can help prevent or control high blood pressure. It also may reduce PMS symptoms. While calcium has been looked at for other uses -- like preventing cancer or improving weight loss -- these studies have been inconclusive.

The people at highest risk of a calcium deficiency are postmenopausal women. Since dairy products are one of the most common sources of calcium, people who are lactose intolerant or vegan are also at increased risk of calcium deficiency.

Calcium Dose and Instructions for Use

The Institute of Medicine has set an adequate intake (AI) for calcium. Getting this amount from diet, with or without supplements, may be enough to keep your bones healthy. Doctors may recommend higher doses.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding do not need extra calcium.

The tolerable upper intake levels (UL) of a supplement are the highest amount that most people can take safely. For calcium, it's 2,500 mg/day for adults and children over 1 year.

In general, it's best to take calcium supplements with food. For better absorption, don't take more than 500 milligrams at one time. Split up larger doses over the course of the day. For the body to make use of calcium to properly, you also need to get enough vitamin D.

Calcium Food Sources

Good sources of calcium include:

• Milk
• Cheese
• Yogurt
• Broccoli, kale, and Chinese cabbage
• Fortified cereals, juices, and other foods

Experts say that most adults in the U.S. don't get enough calcium. While improving one's diet will help, many people do need to take calcium supplements as well. 

Calcium Supplement Information

Calcium is sold in tablets, chewables, and liquids. It's standard in multivitamins. Like any supplement, keep calcium in a cool, dry place, away from humidity and direct sunlight. Doctors may give calcium intravenously in some cases.

Calcium supplements are sold in different forms, like calcium carbonate and calcium citrate. Either form of calcium is usually fine. Still, ask your doctor if one type of calcium is preferable in your case.