What is the most absorbable form of calcium? Natural vs non natural source?
I have osteoporosis. I have initially asked here what the best brand of coral calcium is. I got conflicting replies. Someone gave me tips about coral calcium, Intuition tells me indeed that if it’s from a once living source such as coral it’s better. But then someone said that this too is calcium carbonate. Someone suggested calcium citrate is the best.
Besides, are calcium and magnesium supplements friends or enemies?
At present I’m on calcium carbonate 2mg daily + one monthly vial of vitamin D + Fosamax, the regimen recommended by my doctor.
So what is the best among the three: coral calcium, calcium citrate or my current regimen? Any other suggestion?
Thanks for taking the time to read all this, and possibly respond! Any resources on the web?
1.Calcium Citrate –
Absorption: Calcium is best absorbed in an acidic environment, hence calcium citrate is the best absorbed supplemental form of calcium. It does not require extra stomach acid for absorption, hence we may take it anytime in a day, even on an empty stomach.
Calcium content: Calcium Citrate usually provides less elemental calcium per pill than Calcium Carbonate, therefore one may need to take a relatively more numbers of pills per day to meet the needs.
Pill Size: Calcium Citrate is usually small in capsule form.
If you suffer from acid stomach, it is best to avoid Calcium Citrate.
2.Calcium Carbonate e.g. Tums or Caltrate
Absorption: Calcium Carbonate is alkaline based, it requires extra stomach acid for better absorption, hence it is best taken right after meals or with a glass of acidic juice such as orange juice.
Calcium Content: Calcium Carbonate is the most prevalent calcium supplements in the market . It provides more elemental calcium than Calcium Citrate hence you may not need take as many pills.
Pill Size: Calcium Carbonate usually comes in a bigger tablet, some people may find it harder to swallow.
3.Coral calcium, indeed, is composed of mostly calcium carbonate, just like those you found in Tums or other calcium carbonate supplements from the stores! In addition, in June 2003, the Federal Trade Commission FTC has charged the marketers of Coral Calcium Supreme with making false and unsubstantiated claims about the product’s health benefits.
The Dietary Reference Intake DRI for calcium for adults is 1000mg -1300mg depending on age and gender.
Warning: do not consume more than 2500mg of elemental calcium daily.
NATURAL PRESCRIPTION FOR OSTEOPOROSIS
Increase foods containing calcium, including low-fat dairy products. You can add dry, powdered milk to certain recipes — puddings, meat loafs, muffins, and baked goods-to boost calcium content.
Reduce your protein intake (limit to 6 ounces daily) and your salt intake (avoid the salt shaker and use sparingly in cooking.
Eliminate caffeine, sugar, and alcohol from your diet. Stop smoking
Adopt a program of regular exercise.
TAKE –
Calcium: 1,200 mg of calcium citrate at bedtime.
Magnesium: 400 mg /day.
Boron: 2 mg/day.
Vitamin D: 400 IU /day.
