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Calcium is the most abundant and essential mineral in the body. It Calcium 2 Canadian Academy of Sports Nutrition caasnconstitutes approximately 1.5 – 2% of the total body weight. About 98% of calcium is in the bones, 1% in the teeth, and 1% in other tissues and blood circulation. A normal calcium level is important for an optimal health.

Absorption and Blood Level of Calcium:

 

Total calcium concentration in the blood is 2.2 – 2.6 mmol/dl (8.5 – 10.5 mg/dl). Out of that amount, about 50% is in ionized form and the rest is bound to proteins or complexed with phosphate, citrate, sulfate or other anions.

Despite large changes in daily dietary calcium intake, the daily net calcium absorption from the intestine is relatively constant, which is 5 – 7.5 mmol (200 – 400 mg) per day. Approximately 8 – 10 grams of calcium is filtered by the kidneys every day, of which about 97 – 98% is reabsorbed and only 2 – 3% appears in the urine.

There are many factors that could affect Calcium 3 Canadian Academy of Sports Nutrition caasnthe absorption of calcium from the GI system.

Factors that increase the absorption of calcium:

  1. Vitamin D.
  2. Vitamin A.
  3. Vitamin C.
  4. Exercise.
  5. Enough protein.
  6. Amino acids: lysine and glycine.

Factors that decrease the absorption of calcium:

  1. Vitamin D deficiency.
  2. Stress.
  3. Lack of exercise.
  4. Excessive protein intake.
  5. High fat intake.
  6. High phosphorous intake.
  7. Decreased stomach acid.
  8. Oxalate rich foods (such as spinach, Swiss chard, rhubarb, and beet greens).
  9. Phytate rich foods (grains and legumes).
  10. Pancreatic insufficiency.
  11. Biliary insufficiency.

 

Food Sources of Calcium:

 

Calcium is found in many foods, and dairy products are considered good sources. Though many foods contain calcium, the foods with highest amounts have been listed in the following table.Calcium 1 Canadian Academy of Sports Nutrition caasn

Foods

Serving Size

Calcium (mg)

Swiss cheese

2 oz

540

Cheddar cheese

2oz

410

Other cheeses

2 oz

350 - 400

Yogurt

1 cup

400

Sardines

3 oz

340

Milk

1 cup

300

Collard greens

1 cup

270

Spinach

1 cup

250

Salmon

3 oz

230

 

Functions and Benefits of Calcium:

 

Being considered an essential mineral, calcium has many life – supporting functions in the body.

  1. Muscle contraction.
  2. Heart function.
  3. Development of bones and teeth.
  4. Acid – base balance.
  5. Nervous system function.
  6. Production of neurotransmitters.
  7. Blood clotting.
  8. Regulating blood pressure.

The following conditions may benefit from calcium supplementation:Calcium 4 Canadian Academy of Sports Nutrition caasn

  1. Osteoporosis.
  2. Hyperkalemia (increased blood level of potassium): calcium is given intravenously.
  3. Pregnancy – induced hypertension.
  4. Rickets.
  5. Osteomalacia.
  6. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
  7. Painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea).
  8. Celiac disease.
  9. Weight management.
  10. Colon cancer.
  11. Peptic ulcer (as calcium carbonate).
  12. Migraine.
  13. Malabsorption syndromes.

Daily Needs and Dosage:

 

The recommended daily need of calcium depends on age and other factors (see the table below).

 

Calcium Daily Requirements:

Age Groups

Daily need (mg/day)

0 – 6 months

210

7 – 12 months

270

1 – 3 years old

500

4 – 8 years old

800

9 – 19 years old

1300

20 – 50 years old

1000

51 – 70 years old (women)

1200

51 – 70 years old (men)

1000

Over 70 years old

1000

Postmenopausal

1500

Pregnancy and breastfeeding, under 18 years

1300

Pregnancy and breastfeeding, over 18 years

1000

 

Calcium supplements are available as bicarbonate, citrate, lactate, and gluconate in the Calcium 5 Canadian Academy of Sports Nutrition caasnforms of 500 mg, 600 mg, and 1000 mg. When taking orally, they have different rates of absorption.

Types of Calcium

Rate of Absorption

Carbonate

40%

Citrate

21%

Lactate

13%

Gluconate

9%

 

Side Effects and Interactions:

 

Calcium is considered safe in recommended doses. However, higher doses of calcium could cause minor gastrointestinal disturbances, such as constipation, bloating, belching, and gas. Excessive intake of alcohol, protein, caffeine, sodium, and phosphorous increases calcium loss though urine.

Calcium supplementation should be avoided in the following conditions:

  1. Prostate cancer.
  2. Kidney stone, oxalate type.
  3. Hyperparathyroidism.
  4. Chronic renal failure.

Calcium has interactions with the following medications:

  1. Ceftriaxone: simultaneous intravenous administration of calcium and ceftriaxone should be avoided, as it could lead to dangerous reactions.
  2. Antibiotics: quinolones (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, norfloxacin and ofloxacin) and tetracyclines (tetracycline, doxycycline, and minocycline): calcium interferes with the absorption of these antibiotics. So, calcium supplements should be taken 2 – 4 hours before or after these antibiotics.
  3. Bisphosphonates (alendronate, etidronate, risedronate, and tiludronate): calcium interferes with the absorption of these medications and can decrease their effectiveness. Calcium should be taken at least 2 hours before or after them.
  4. Levothyroxine: calcium decreases its absorption and they should be taken at least 4 hours apart.
  5. Cholesterol-lowering medications (cholestyramine, colestipol, and colesevelam): they decrease calcium absorption.
  6. Digoxin: calcium may increase its effects and risk of digoxin toxicity.
  7. Corticosteroids: you may need to increase your calcium intake.
  8. Anti-seizure medications (phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbitol, and primidone): they may decrease blood levels of calcium. And also calcium should be taken at least 2 hours before or after taking them.
  9. Birth control pills: they contain estrogen that can increase absorption of calcium and its effectiveness.
  10. Diuretics (water pills):
    1. Thiazides: they increase blood levels of calcium.
    2. Loop diuretics (furosmide and bumetanide): they decrease blood levels of calcium.