Calcium supplements are salts of the raw element, made into various forms for consumption by people whose intake is insufficient or needing a boost. Benefits of taking these include (and are not limited to) helping with fat loss, helping to build strong bones and teeth, and lowering the risk of colon cancer. The raw element is naturally consumed via a varied diet, however those with conditions that lower its levels in the body use extra supplements, which can be bought over most counters.
As calcium is required for our diets, it can be bought easily over the counter in most pharmacies or supermarkets. However, as most things appear to be moving online it is also possible to acquire them this way. In fact, an assortment of and varieties of these supplements can be found, and you may be able to get cheaper deals for these online - just make sure to read the ingredients and double check the seller’s authenticity first.
From as early as 40,000 BC, the element’s uses range from a white pigmentation in paint and chalk as well as compounding to create limestone and marble, to its health and dietary requirements up-to-date. Its first medical uses came in the 19th Century, and there is no doubt of its benefits and necessities to a person’s health. It is named in the World Health Organisation’s List of Essential Medicines, showing that the supplement and element in general is important.
Currently, as a supplement it can be taken in the form of capsules, chews, liquids and powders, and there are two main types: carbonate and citrate. Citrate is more expensive and contains a smaller amount of the pure element than carbonate (21% compared to 40%), however citrate is less likely to cause side effects than its counterpart. Carbonate is the cheapest and most widely available, although due to its high content it is likely to cause side effects such as gas, bloating and constipation. It is also recommended to be taken with food.
Studies have shown that there are other possible side effects too. If a person’s intake is different to the recommended daily allowance, be that via diet or use of extra supplements, it can lead to an increased risk of kidney stones, hypercalcemia (characterised by nausea, memory loss, confusion, muscle weakness, increased urination, dehydration), rickets in children and osteomalacia/osteoporosis in adults, and more. In fact, the Telegraph includes a study that found the pills as causes for doubling the risk of heart attacks, meaning the supplement can be linked to an increased risk of heart disease. There have been mixed replies to this however, with a variety of findings.
Ultimately, it is important to remember that calcium is vital and in many ways beneficial to the body. Studies claim that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks, and it is worth considering if you are a vegan, have a high-protein or high-sodium diet, suffer from osteoporosis or any condition that limits the element’s absorption into the body, or if you are a postmenopausal woman.