Calcium for Bone Health: why it is important

Why Calcium helps treat and prevent Osteoporosis:

Calcium is the main mineral that makes up the bones and teeth. It is essential for the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth and gives them the strength and hardness to be able to cope with the everyday activities.

Bones are constantly being remodeled throughout life, with old bone being removed and new bone being formed. Adequate calcium intake is necessary for this process to occur properly, as calcium is the building block of new bone. If the body does not get enough calcium from the diet, it will take calcium from the bones, which can weaken them and lead to osteoporosis.

How Calcium works for Osteoporosis and Bone Health:

When you consume calcium, it is absorbed into the bloodstream, where it is then transported to the bones. Once in the bones, it is incorporated into the bone matrix, a complex mixture of minerals and proteins that gives bones their strength and structure.

Calcium also works in tandem with other minerals such as phosphorus, magnesium, fluoride and Vitamin D to make bones strong.

Vitamin D, in particular, is crucial for calcium absorption and bone health. Without enough vitamin D, the body cannot absorb enough calcium from the diet, leading to weak bones.

Therefore, it's important to have a balanced diet and adequate sunlight exposure, which helps the body produce vitamin D, that is essential for the absorption of calcium and maintaining strong bones.

Calcium for Osteoporosis: use and dose

There's no official dose of calcium recommended for treating osteoporosis. However, some studies suggest taking 1200 mg of calcium (total of diet and supplement) and 800 international units of vitamin D daily for postmenopausal osteoporosis.

For osteoporosis prevention, it is suggested to take 1000 mg of calcium (total of diet and supplement) and 600 international units of vitamin D daily.

It is not advised to administer yearly high-dose, for example a 500,000 international units of vitamin D.

Calcium for Osteoporosis: precautions

Taking calcium to maintain bone health and treat osteoporosis is likely to be safe when taken by the mouth in recommended doses. However, you should avoid taking more than 1000-1200 mg of calcium from supplements daily unless prescribed by your doctor.

If you are taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, antibiotics, and diuretics, it's important to talk to your doctor before taking calcium because calcium supplements can interact with these medications.

Always consult with a healthcare professional before taking any supplement or starting any new diet or treatment.

Calcium for Osteoporosis: side effects

Taking calcium supplements to treat and prevent osteoporosis might cause some side effects. Some of these include:

- Constipation: Calcium can cause constipation by slowing down the movement of food through the intestines.

- Stomach upset: Calcium supplements can cause stomach upset, such as gas, bloating, and nausea.

- Kidney stones: In some people, high calcium intake from supplements may increase the risk of kidney stones.

- Risk for heart attack: Some studies suggest that high calcium intake from supplements may increase the risk of heart attack, particularly in men.

- Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to calcium supplements, which can cause symptoms such as itching, hives, and difficulty breathing.

It's important to note that most of these side effects are associated with high doses of calcium supplement and can be avoided by following the recommended dosage. It's also important to talk with your doctor before starting any calcium supplement, especially if you have a history of kidney stones or other health conditions.