Essential Calcium Supplements for Addressing Deficiency
This article highlights the importance of calcium for health, common symptoms of deficiency, and presents top supplement choices including calcium carbonate and citrate options. It emphasizes the necessity of proper intake to prevent conditions like osteoporosis and cardiovascular issues, offering trusted supplement brands for effective calcium management across age groups.
Essential Calcium Supplements for Addressing Deficiency
Calcium is a critical nutrient vital for maintaining healthy teeth and bones, supporting muscle contractions, regulating blood vessel functions, facilitating nerve signals, and aiding hormonal processes. Most calcium in the body is stored in bones and teeth to provide strength and structure, while about 1% circulates in the bloodstream and body fluids, supporting various metabolic activities.
The Institute of Medicine recommends specific daily calcium intakes based on age groups:
- 200 mg for infants up to 6 months,
- 260 mg for infants 7-12 months,
- 700 mg for ages 1-3 years,
- 1000 mg for children aged 4-8,
- 1300 mg for 9-13 years,
- 1000 mg for adults,
- 1200 mg for women over 50 years.
A deficiency in calcium occurs when intake falls short over time, influenced also by insufficient vitamin D, phosphorus, or magnesium, which aid calcium absorption. Symptoms include fatigue, muscle cramps, dry skin, brittle nails, delayed puberty, cavities, fractures, and insomnia.
Solgar Calcium & Magnesium with Vitamin D3
This supplement combines calcium (1000 mg as calcium citrate), magnesium (500 mg as magnesium oxide and citrate), and vitamin D3 (400 IU) to support overall health. Solgar, founded in 1947, is renowned for its nutritional products.
Rainbow Light Calcium Citrate
Offering 800 mg of calcium citrate per dose along with 800 IU of vitamin D3, spirulina, and horsetail, this gentle formula suits sensitive stomachs. Based in Santa Cruz, California, Rainbow Light has been producing supplements for over 30 years.
BlueBonnet Calcium Citrate, Magnesium, & D3
This product provides 1000 mg calcium (citrate), 400 mg magnesium (as magnesium aspartate), and 800 IU vitamin D3, manufactured by BlueBonnet Nutrition since 1991.
GNC Calcium Plus 1000
Contains 1000 mg calcium, 500 mg magnesium, and 800 IU vitamin D3 to promote bone health. GNC is a well-known health supplement retailer.
Kirkland Signature Calcium Citrate, Magnesium, & Zinc
Each serving includes 500 mg calcium citrate, 80 mg magnesium oxide, 800 IU vitamin D3, along with zinc, vitamin B6, copper, manganese, and boron in small amounts.
Solaray Calcium, Magnesium & Zinc
Manufactured by Solaray, this supplement combines 1000 mg calcium from various forms, 500 mg magnesium, and 25 mg zinc per dose.
Swanson Calcium Citrate & D3
With 630 mg calcium citrate and 400 IU vitamin D, this supplement offers high absorption due to its bioavailable formula. It provides a moderate calcium dose with efficient uptake.
Citracal Calcium Plus D3 Slow Release
Produced by Bayer, it delivers 1200 mg calcium and 1000 IU vitamin D3. Its slow-release design ensures gradual nutrient absorption for better efficacy.
