The Importance of Calcium Supplements for Your Health

Roughly one-fifth of hospitalized Americans have been found to have low levels of calcium, classified as hypocalcemia, in addition to other medical issues. Just because you aren’t in the hospital doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be aware of your current calcium levels. Some signs you may be experiencing a calcium deficiency are muscle cramps, brittle nails, heart rhythm problems, and fatigue.

A standard blood test from your physician can quickly tell you whether you need a calcium supplement or diet change. Making sure you’re getting appropriate levels of calcium in your diet is important, since adding calcium supplement to healthy dieting and exercise can reduce your risk for osteoporosis, improve your energy, and even help cosmetic issues such as dry skin. 

Finding the right supplement is where the real challenge lies. With so many calcium supplements and products flooding grocery stores, you may wonder which one has the right dosage and ingredients for you. Luckily, we have a must-read article for you that will answer all your questions regarding your next calcium supplement and how to get started with your purchase!

What Is Calcium?

Calcium is a mineral that is primarily stored in your bones and teeth. Approximately one percent of calcium circulates in your blood, muscles, and other cellular fluid. Along with developing strong bones, calcium is a necessary mineral for:

• Helping with muscle contraction
• Helping blood vessel contraction and expansion
• Secreting hormones
• Transmitting messages through your nervous system

Without calcium, you are at high risk of osteoporosis or reduced bone strength. It can also result in adverse changes in your teeth, memory, energy levels, skin, and more. 

Sources of Calcium

As you can imagine, it is crucial that you get enough calcium throughout your day. Calcium is not a naturally produced mineral, meaning you must reach your daily intake through supplements or foods. Here are some examples of calcium-rich foods you can start adding to your diet:

• Milk
• Yogurt
• Cheese
• Tofu
• Green Leafy Vegetables (e.g., Kale, Broccoli)
• Fortified Foods (e.g., Cereal, Soy Milk, Fruit Juice)
• Nuts and Seeds 
• Legumes

Be mindful that there are also foods, such as spinach, that have higher amounts of calcium with oxalic acid. Oxalic acid can make it more difficult for your body to absorb calcium, so be cognisant of how much of these foods you ingest. 

Daily Calcium Goals

As you can see, calcium and diet can go hand-in-hand, but what should you be aiming for each day? Daily calcium intake values change as you age, with post-menopausal, pregnant, or breastfeeding women needing more, on average. Here is a simple breakdown of how much daily calcium you need:

• Adults 19-50: 1,000 mg
• Females 51-70: 1,200 mg
• Males 51-70: 1,000 mg
• Adults 70+: 1,200 mg

For some, it is challenging to receive enough calcium from diet alone. That is where calcium supplement options come into play. However, finding the right calcium supplement provider that benefits your health and improves bone health can be difficult. 

How To Find a Calcium Supplement Provider

First, supplements are not regulated by the FDA like prescription drugs. They have softer restrictions, and some suppliers might not explicitly list every ingredient in their product. Here are some questions to ask as you work to find your next calcium supplement provider:

• Where do they manufacture their products?
• How do they ensure product safety?
• Are the products non-GMO, vegan, or gluten-free?

Since supplements cannot be FDA-approved, you should examine where these products are manufactured. The best supplements are manufactured in FDA-inspected facilities. These facilities follow Federal Good Manufacturing Practices to ensure you receive the highest quality products.

The Best Calcium Supplement

Many calcium supplements, ironically, do not provide enough calcium. If you purchase a calcium supplement at 500 mg, you are still below the daily recommended values of 1,000 and 1,200 mg. Instead, you need a calcium supplement that provides 1,000 mg or more of quality calcium per dose.

Uscriptives offers an advanced calcium supplement formula that also includes:

• L-lysine
• Magnesium
• Boron
• Bromelain
• Vitamin D3
• Zinc
• And more

These nutrients play a crucial role in increasing your body’s ability to absorb calcium, facilitating bone strength and health, and improving your vascular system. 

Improving Calcium Absorption

While you can boost your calcium intake, you simultaneously need to address how your body is absorbing calcium. Your body relies on vitamin D for calcium absorption, and often, lower levels of vitamin D can cause poor calcium absorption. You should also talk to your doctor about external factors that may be inhibiting your calcium absorption, such as prescription medications. 

If you lack sufficient vitamin D, you may be better suited for Uscriptives Bones and Joint Formula. This advanced formula helps protect your bones and joints against osteoporosis or arthritis, while also providing calcium. Some other key ingredients you receive from our Bones and Joint Formula are:

• Glucosamine
• Chondroitin
• Vitamin D3

This is a slightly different formula and doesn’t quite provide you with adequate daily calcium values, but you have the option of combining your calcium supplement with a vitamin D3 supplement to make up for this.

Vitamin D comes in two major forms: D2 and D3. Vitamin D2 is primarily found in plants, while D3 is in animal products. Experts found that vitamin D3 is more effective at raising vitamin D levels and is a better choice when choosing a supplement to increase your calcium absorption.

Find Your Next Calcium Supplement

In the vast world of supplements, there are several calcium supplement options you can choose from. Many don’t contain enough calcium or are loaded with ingredients and additives that can harm your health. The best calcium supplement will be healthy for you while providing adequate daily calcium values and vitamin D to improve absorption. 

At Uscriptives, we ensure that all our supplements follow strict manufacturing standards. This ensures that every product you receive is only composed of quality ingredients to improve your overall health. Check out our list of vitamins for bones and joint health and find your next calcium supplement today!