Calcium
Why calcium is not created equal and its chemical form is also important.
What you already knew about calcium or probably not
- Of all minerals that can be found in the human body, calcium overweighs in terms of quantity
- About 99% are sequested along with phosphorus in the bones and teeth and care for their solidity
- In addition, calcium has to perform other versatile tasks, e.g. as part of the signal transduction between cells and the transmission of neuronal stimuli, muscle contraction including cardiac activity and blood coagulation
- Calcium is essential for the body, meaning that it cannot be produced by itself and therefore must be supplied through the daily diet
- Especially during growth, a regular supply of calcium is essential to avoid premature bone resorption in adulthood
- In order for the body to optimally resorb and store calcium, it requires important trace elements and vitamins such as copper, zinc, vitamin B and C
- Many products for prevention of calcium deficiency contain calcium carbonate; this anorganic compound is less soluble in water which is why the body cannot optimally utilize the mineral
- Organically-bound calcium in the form of calcium citrate exhibits a better bioavailability; calcium citrate dissolves in water and additionally serves as an alkaline which works against the over acidification of the body
- Calcium is often combined with magnesium; due to the fact that both minerals are in close interaction referring to bioavailability. Regarding this, the optimal ratio for the body is 2:1.
- Magnesium is also a part of bones and teeth and, a.o., important for muscle contraction
- The combination of calcium and magnesium is recommended especially for athletes; the average losses of calcium and magnesium through body sweat exhibit the aforementioned ratio of 2:1; 40 mg of calcium, 20 mg of magnesium
- Regarding bioavailability of magnesium, studies suggest organically-bound magnesium citrate