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Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body ... primarily found in the bones and teeth. In bone formation, calcium forms crystals that provide strength to maturing bone. Peak bone mass is usually achieved when people are in their 20s.
Calcium is needed for more than just healthy bones. It is also important for muscle contraction, blood vessel contraction and expansion, the secretion of hormones and enzymes, and sending messages through the nervous system. A meta-analysis of 56 clinical trials demonstrated a significant impact on heart health resulting from increasing calcium intake by 1,000 to 2,000 mg/day.11 In addition, recent evidence suggests that increased intake of calcium may help to maintain optimal weight as well.12-15
Calcium is an essential mineral that is often inadequately supplied, inefficiently absorbed, or excreted faster than it is being assimilated.61 The citrate salt of calcium has been documented to be well absorbed and utilized by the body.7-10 This is the form many doctors and nutritionists recommend. Calcium citrate dissolves easily even if one doesn’t have much stomach acid. Many people naturally produce less acid as they age, so calcium citrate is a good choice for older adults. The addition of vitamin D3 is also critically important because it stimulates calcium absorption and promotes healthy bone density.62 However, as people age, they often lose the ability to make vitamin D3.63 |