Calcium is a vital mineral in the human body. Almost all of the calcium stored inside your body is embedded in your skeletal structure and bones. That is why you will experience weakened bones if your diet lacks adequate levels of calcium. Because of this, many people have been turning to calcium supplements as a potential solution. However, it is crucial to note that calcium supplements may not be necessary for everyone and that excessive calcium levels can cause health issues. For most people, the primary source of this mineral comes from your diet. There are multiple dietary sources of calcium whereby dairy and products are the standout supplies. You can get a healthy dose of the mineral from yogurt, cheese, and raw milk. If you want to skip animal products, green leafy veggies like broccoli, kale, and turnip are excellent alternatives. Additionally, legumes, grains, and other fortified cereals contain adequate calcium levels.
Usually, pregnant women need more calcium. Milk production requires a lot of calcium to sustain the developing baby. Furthermore, people who suffer from calcium, Vitamin D, and phosphate deficiencies must take supplements. Therefore, anorexics and menopausal women need supplemental calcium. Additionally, those with kidney failure, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and inflammatory bowel disease are prone to having low calcium levels.
Health Benefits of Calcium Supplements
Calcium supplements can provide people with many health benefits, but there are many risks present when people who do not need to take calcium supplements do so and take too much calcium.
Bones and Teeth
Your teeth and bones are significant stores of calcium in your body. Therefore, once you experience a deficiency, these will be the first to suffer. Osteoporosis is a condition whereby the structural integrity of your bones fails. There will be pores inside your bone as your body draws calcium for metabolic uses. Osteoporosis predisposes you to an increased risk of fracturing, and brittle bones will take ages to heal. Fortunately, adequate calcium paired with Vitamin D can reverse the situation. Vitamin D ensures maximum calcium absorption in your body. Women past menopause are at a higher risk of osteoporosis because of decreased estrogen levels, as estrogen improves bone density. Men with reduced testosterone hormone also risk having weaker bones.
Improves Muscles
Calcium has been shown to help support muscle function in a wide variety of ways. Calcium is released after a nerve stimulates muscle movement calcium pairs with proteins to facilitate muscle contractions. The fibers will relax after the release of the mineral. Calcium supports muscle growth and an equally robust skeletal frame. Therefore, if you are hitting the gym, calcium supplements could be useful for you.
Blood Pressure and Heart Health
Calcium relaxes smooth muscles outside blood vessels to maintain cardiac contractions in the heart muscles. Various studies have shown that a high calcium intake can result in low blood pressure. Harvard Health notes that calcium, magnesium and potassium are three minerals that play a key role in helping to lower your blood pressure. Additionally, the mineral is essential during blood clotting. The process requires multiple proteins, clotting factors, and minerals, including calcium. One very important thing to note is that excessive calcium can have a negative effect on your heart health.
Calcium supplements increase the amount of calcium circulating in your blood vessels that cause hypercalcemia. The result is heightened calcification which is a precursor to heart disease. Moreover, excess calcium can cause stiff blood vessels and unwanted blood coagulation.
Risks of Calcium Supplements
Hypercalcemia can also affect your renal system and cause hypercalciuria. This condition is characterized by excess calcium deposits in the urine. Furthermore, these deposits can crystalize in your kidneys and cause kidney stones.
Other side effects include gastrointestinal problems like bloating and constipation. Also, some researchers suggest that excess calcium can lead to prostate cancer. Most of these effects can be avoided by spreading your intake throughout the day. Additionally, you are most at risk of experiencing adverse side effects if you lack adequate Vitamin D. Therefore, the vitamin must accompany calcium intake to ensure optimum absorption. It is best to talk to your doctor before you take calcium supplements. This is especially true if you have a history of hypercalcemia, take diuretics, have ever had kidney stones, have had parathyroid issues, or have ever had any type of heart issue.
Takeaway
Calcium supplements are not a magic bullet against fragile bones. You still need to maintain a wholesome diet with plenty of vegetables and dairy products. Moreover, it is always easier to prolong the onset of osteoporosis than to manage the symptoms. Calcium supplements can be helpful for some people, but there is a much higher sense of urgency to talk to a doctor as there are many risks associated with taking too much calcium. Consider other additions such as potassium, Vitamin D and magnesium, as these all work well together with calcium to improve your health.
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