GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Calcium is essential for the maintenance of
many body functions, including the transmission of nerve impulses, the regulation of muscle
contraction and relaxation, blood clotting, and various metabolic activities. It can be
found in milk, egg yolk, fish or sardines (eaten with
bones), yogurt, soybeans, green leafy vegetables (such as
turnip greens, mustard greens, broccoli and kale),
roots, tubers, seeds, soups and stews made from bones, blackstrap molasses, almonds, figs and
beans.
ROLE IN ANTI-AGING:
Calcium maintains acid-alkaline balance in
the body and normalizes contraction and relaxation of the heart muscles. Taken for strong
bones and teeth the mineral helps to protect against
osteoporosis, rickets, and osteomalacia. It also helps to
lower high blood pressure, lowers cholesterol, and aids
in preventing cardiovascular disease. Used with vitamin C it can help to offer relief from backaches, menstrual cramps and to sleep more soundly
(a natural tranquilizer). Calcium can also help to prevent
cancer, especially colorectal cancer.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:
Nervous spasms, facial twitching, weak feeling
muscles, cramps, rickets, slow growth in children, osteoporosis (porous and brittle bones),
osteomalacia (a bone-softening disease), heart palpitations
and slow pulse rate, height reduction, colon
cancer.
THERAPEUTIC DAILY AMOUNT:
1,000-1,500mg with half to equal parts of
magnesium. Some researchers say menopausal women need 1,500mg, with added boron and
magnesium. RDA is 1,000mg daily for adults aged 19 to 50,
1,200mg for adults aged 51 and upwards, and 1,200mg
during pregnancy and lactation. The EU RDA is 800mg daily.
MAXIMUM SAFE LEVEL:
The maximum safe level for calcium supplementation
is 1500mg (long term usage) 1900mg
(short term usage). It is not recommended to take more than
1500mg on a longterm basis
SIDE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Side effects are only associated with excessively
high dosages, they include: constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, increased thirst and frequency
of urination, persistent headache, loss of appetite,
metallic taste, nausea and vomiting, unusual fatigue.
Advanced symptoms of calcium overdose are: bone and muscle pain, irregular heartbeat, persistent itching, extreme drowsiness, and mental
changes. People taking thiazide diuretics or supplementary
vitamin D, and those suffering from kidney or thyroid
disease should consult their doctor before taking
calcium supplements. Note:
severe calcium toxicity may be fatal.
SOLUBILITY: Soluble in
solvents such as alcohol and other dilute
acids.
