Types of Calcium

By Alyssa Devan

Calcium is an element that is needed for stronger bones and teeth. The main structure of our body is our bone that is comparable to a car's chassis. If our bone is weak, it can result to several health problems. Our ability to move is affected if we have weak bones. Our teeth also need calcium to make them healthy and strong. Tooth decays and cavities can result from lack of calcium.

There are different types of calcium, though their differences are not exactly in their chemical components. The calcium types can have an added component making them different from one another. The main calcium structure's percentage is an issue in itself.

Calcium Citrate

This type of calcium is acquired by combining calcium with citric acid from citrus fruit. It helps the reduction of stomach acids to improve calcium absorption. It also helps enhance the flavor of food and is used as preservative or food additive.

Calcium Lactate

This type is used mainly as antacids and is derived from a combination of calcium carbonate and lactic acid. It can be found in aged cheese and is also used as baking powder. It can also be added to xylitol to regenerate the enamel of the tooth through the remineralization process.

Calcium Carbonate

This calcium is used as a supplement. This can be found in most calcium pills in the market. For better absorption, it's best taken after meals. It is also used as an antacid and in toothpaste production. One thing about this calcium is that it needs to be used in the right dosage to prevent harmful effects to the body such as hypercalcemia, vomiting and altered mental status.

Calcium Citrate Malate

It is the most absorbable calcium known and is a combination of calcium carbonate, citric acid and malic acid. This type of calcium can help women aged over 50 to address their bone problems. Aging women, and even men, can have bone problems as they grow old. One such problem is osteoporosis that can be prevented or cured by taking calcium supplements.

Calcium Phosphate

Calcium phosphate is used mainly for fertilizer production but, like the others, it can be used as a nutritional supplement and in cheese products.

Calcium Gluconate

It can be used as a nutritional supplement to help make bones stronger. However, it has little amount of elemental calcium so more pills should be taken to address calcium needs.

Various researches have proven the effectiveness of calcium in making bones and teeth stronger. We get our calcium needs from the food we eat as well as from calcium tablet supplements. For some, the taste of calcium pills may not be tolerable so calcium capsules can be taken instead.

There are different types of calcium and they vary based on their components so consult your doctor for calcium supplement that's right for you. - 17268

About the Author:

Alyssa Devan writes about the nutritional information of the different types of calcium.