According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, calcium is an essential mineral that plays an important role in numerous body functions such as building strong bones and regulating muscle contraction. Even though calcium is found naturally in various foods such as milk and dairy products, three out of four Americans are believed to not consume enough calcium. As a result, vitamin companies offer calcium chews that can be used to supplement an adequate intake of calcium.
Types
Calcium chews are available in a variety of flavors and forms. Common flavors are fruity such as raspberry orange or strawberry. Forms are typically in a circular chew or a gummy vitamin and the size of the chew determines the amount of calcium per serving.
Size
Calcium chews will generally provide about 30 percent to 50 percent of the daily recommended intake of calcium. Viactiv and Nutrition Now calcium chews, for example, provide 500 mg per serving for 50 percent of the daily recommended intake. One calcium chew is one serving and a typical suggested dosage is one chew up to two times daily.
Features
Along with calcium, calcium chews contain additional ingredients, vitamins and minerals. Other ingredients can include glucose syrup, sucrose and natural flavors. As a result of the glucose syrup and sucrose, calcium chews may contain small amounts -- 3 g or less -- of carbohydrates and sugars. Most companies will avoid using preservatives, artificial colors, flavors or milk in calcium chews. While some calcium chews contain soy, calcium chews are commonly dairy-free and vegetarian.
Identification
According to Nutrition Now, vitamin D and vitamin K play an important role in the absorption and utilization of calcium. To allow the body to properly absorb the calcium, calcium chews will be fortified with significant amounts of vitamin D and vitamin K. One serving will commonly provide about 50 percent of the daily recommended intake of each vitamin.
Benefits
While most Americans aren't consuming sufficient amounts of calcium, calcium chews can fill the gap left by nutrition. Providing 500 mg of calcium, vitamin D and vitamin K, calcium chews can be consumed by anyone needing additional calcium, especially the elderly and children. Fat-free and dairy-free varieties make calcium chews a low-calorie supplement that can be consumed by someone with specific dietary needs.
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