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Specific
Vitamins: Calcium
Calcium
is an essential nutrient for health, fitness and wellbeing, but
sufficient amounts of calcium are difficult to obtain from the
diet alone, especially for women of all ages. Deficiencies of
calcium contribute to osteoporosis, a condition where bones become
porous and brittle.
What
are the differences in various calcium supplements?
Studies
have shown little difference in the absorption of calcium between
different types of supplements. The absorption rate varies between
30-40% with calcium carbonate being close to the bottom and calcium
bis-glycinate being near the top. However, since calcium carbonate
is far cheaper, it is more cost effective simply to take a little
more of it. We suggest that you avoid both dolomite and bone meal
supplements because they often contain large amounts of impurities,
including lead.
Which
kind of calcium is best for post menopausal women?
More
important than selecting a particular calcium supplement is
to take all the additional things that help calcium be absorbed
and are also crucial to the maintenance of healthy bones and
teeth. The most important of these are: magnesium, vitamin
D3, zinc, copper, manganese, boron, silica, and vitamin K.
When
should calcium be taken?
Calcium
and these other supplements can be taken with or without meals.
However, the oil soluble vitamins D and K are better absorbed
if taken with meals.
The
following interactions affect bioavailability of calcium:
-
A
high protein diet or high coffee consumption increases
calcium excretion -- and therefore you need more calcium.
-
Fiber,
oxalates (in
rhubarb, spinach, beets, celery, greens, berries, nuts,
tea, cocoa), and high zinc decrease absorption -- and
therefore you need more calcium.
-
Lactose,
other sugars, and protein increase absorption of calcium.
Sources:
Paul Wakfer (was Tom Matthews)
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