Calcium

See the link between Bruxism and Magnesium.

Calcium promotes the contraction of the gut muscles and reduces the amount of water in the intestines, which contributes to better-formed stools.  It is important to note that there are two types of supplemental calcium, which for IBS can have either a laxative or constipating effect: Calcium carbonate contains no magnesium and can help with diarrhea in those with IBS-D; Calcium citrate contains magnesium and can therefore cause diarrhea, so it is recommended for those with constipation (IBS-C).

It has been observed that the ingestion of calcium, vitamin C or vitamin D, individually, is effective in protection from fluoride toxicity to a certain extent.

A double blind control trial was conducted to examine the effect of a combination of calcium, vitamin D3 and ascorbic acid supplementation in fluorosis-affected children.  25 children were selected from an area consuming water containing 4.5ppm of fluoride.  All the children were in the age group 6-12 years and weighed 18-30kg.  They were graded for clinical, radiological and dental fluorosis and relevant biochemical parameters.  Grade I skeletal fluorosis and all grades of the manifestation of dental and clinical fluorosis were observed.

The children were given ascorbic acid, calcium and vitamin D3 well below the toxic dosages in a double blind manner using lactose as a placebo.  Follow up revealed a significant improvement in dental, clinical and skeletal fluorosis and relevant biochemical parameters in these children.  Thus, the study indicated that fluorosis can be reversed, at least in children, by a therapeutic regimen that is fairly cheap, simple and easily available and without any side-effects.

Children of mothers who took calcium during pregnancy were still reaping the benefits seven years later in one Argentinian study.  Blood pressure was lower in these youngsters – especially among overweight children – than those in the non-supplement-taking group. [Belizan JM, et al. Brit Med J 1997;315(7103): pp.281-5]  Taking calcium may also decrease a woman's chance of developing pre-eclampsia, pregnancy-related hypertension. [Moutquin HM, et al. Can Med Assoc J 1997;157(7): pp.907-19]

A growing baby acquires most of its calcium during the last trimester of pregnancy; an additional amount is needed during breastfeeding.  This translates into a greater need for calcium during and after pregnancy.  A pregnant woman who fails to consume adequate calcium -1,200mg per day is recommended – increases her risk of developing osteoporosis later in life, especially if she becomes pregnant again. [Vandecandelaere M, et al. Rev Med Interne 1997;18(7): pp.571-4]

Vitamins B3 and B6, as well as calcium and magnesium support the production of melatonin.

Calcium is essential for healthy bones.

As you age, the need for absorbable calcium, in conjunction with other essential minerals and vitamins, can be increased.  One study found that a supplement containing calcium, manganese, zinc and copper prevented bone loss in postmenopausal women, whereas calcium alone was ineffective.  Calcium supplements for osteoporosis should contain other minerals as well, or the form of calcium used should have been proven to be of benefit.

Intake of supplemental calcium (1000mg per day or more) and vitamin D was associated with reduced tooth loss (due to bone loss) over a five year period in a study of 145 healthy subjects aged 65 years and older who completed a 3-year trial of the effect of calcium and vitamin D supplementation on bone loss from the hip, as well as a 2-year follow-up study after discontinuation of the study supplements. [Am J Med 2001;111(6): pp.452-6]

There are products using compounds of calcium which have been proven to reverse osteoporosis.  One such is AdvaCAL®.

Calcium supplements are best taken between meals, ideally right before bed.  Since you can only absorb about 500mg at a time, you may want to use divided doses.  Drink a full glass of water or juice with them.  The form of calcium does not really matter – calcium carbonate or calcium citrate – just don't use the dolomite form, which may be contaminated with lead.  Some people simply take generic TUMS, which is fine.  Studies show that calcium carbonate works just as well as the high profit margin supplements that you can buy.

NOTE: Calcium supplements may interfere with prescription medications or other supplements that you are taking, so try to avoid taking them within a few hours of any other pills.

High levels of urinary calcium, due to an excess of non-absorbable calcium being consumed, can cause crystallization and subsequent stone formation.  Those with a tendency to form calcium stones are advised to abstain from taking non-prescribed calcium pill supplements.

See the link between Prostate Cancer and Vitamin D.

One study showed a 30% to 35% reduction in ischemic heart disease risk in women with a high intake of supplemental calcium.  Dietary calcium achieved no significant change in heart attack risk, the researchers noted.