Calcium plays an important role in bone health throughout life. There is a direct relationship between calcium intake and bone strength in the prevention of osteoporosis (debilitating bone loss). Although food is the absolute best source of calcium and most people are able to meet daily calcium needs through diet alone, some must rely on a combination of diet and calcium supplements. Coral calcium is one supplement option.
Background
Several companies began marketing coral calcium as a preventive treatment not only for osteoporosis but for cancer, heart disease, diabetes, lupus and multiple sclerosis. Manufacturers attributed the longevity of Okinawans in Japan to its use. When studies did not verify the claims, health care professionals raised concerns to the Food and Drug Administration. Following multiple citations, manufacturers were prohibited from making such claims in January 2004. Despite these actions, coral calcium is permitted to be marketed as a supplemental source of calcium.
Sources
Calcium is a compound in nature. The functioning structure, elemental calcium, is attached to other substances, such as carbonate, gluconate or citrate. Coral calcium is calcium carbonate. It is the same compound found in antacids. Because it is illegal to harvest coral directly, coral calcium is derived from above-ground limestone deposits that were once part of living coral reefs. It is important to know the elemental calcium content of coral calcium supplements to determine how much to take each day.
Requirements
The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) recommends healthy adults consume between 1,000 mg and 1,200 mg of elemental calcium in small doses of 500 mg each day. More specific recommendations are available online (see Resources). All calcium supplements contain varying amounts of elemental calcium. Forty percent of coral calcium is elemental calcium. If a product label states it contains 1,000 mg of coral calcium, the product contains 40 percent or 400 mg of elemental calcium. Individual doses are adjusted with this in mind.
Vitamin D
Calcium alone will not maintain good bone health. Vitamin D, magnesium, potassium and vitamin K are also needed. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and dairy products will provide appropriate amounts of magnesium, potassium and vitamin K. Vitamin D is a concern, particularly for African Americans and individuals with limited sun exposure. Some coral calcium manufacturers list magnesium and vitamin D as ingredients on the label. The Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) for vitamin D is 400 international units (IU) for healthy adults. Postmenopausal women who are at risk for fractures may need more. The Food and Nutrition Board is reviewing vitamin D and calcium requirements and will make new recommendations for all age groups in 2010.
Considerations
Concerns about lead content in coral calcium supplements were raised after Dr. A.A. Ramos reported high amounts of lead and mercury in Okinawan coral reefs in a 2004 "Marine Pollution Bulletin." Notably, in 2007, the Food and Drug Administration required all manufacturers of dietary supplements meet quality standards, including absence of contaminants (bacteria, lead, glass and pesticides) by June 2010. The U.S. Pharmacopoeia Verification Program (USP) already requires dietary supplements be lead free. Anyone taking coral calcium should look for the USP marking on the label to ensure purity. Additionally, persons with shellfish allergies should avoid coral calcium.
References
- "Journal of the American Dietetic Association"; Is coral calcium a safe and effective supplement?; Susan Blumberg; September 2004
- "Nutrition in Clinical Practice"; Calcium supplementation in clinical practice: A review of forms, doses, and indications; D. A. Straub; June 2007
- "Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Evidence Report/Technology Assessment Number158 "; Effectiveness and safety of vitamin D in relation to bone health; Anne Cranney, Tanya Horsley et. al.; August 2007
- National Osteoporosis Foundation: Frequently Asked Questions
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