Calcium is one of the most essential minerals in the body, especially for women. Most of the calcium in your body is needed to build and maintain strong bones, with a small amount needed for proper functioning of the heart, muscles and other systems. You can obtain calcium through food sources such as dairy products and leafy green vegetables, but some individuals may benefit from supplementing with calcium citrate wafers.
Who Needs To Supplement
Post-menopausal women have the greatest risk of developing osteoporosis and should consider taking a calcium supplement to help prevent further bone loss. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, people who consume large amounts of caffeine, alcohol or soda, or take corticosteroid medications may need calcium supplements. Additionally, individuals with malabsorption problems, Crohn's disease, celiac disease and surgical intestinal resection may have a calcium deficiency that would require a calcium supplement.
Calcium Citrate
The body easily absorbs and digests calcium citrate wafers; this is valuable for elderly individuals supplementing calcium. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, however, calcium citrate contains smaller amounts of the elemental calcium that your body absorbs than you find in less expensive calcium carbonate supplements.
Recommendations
The National Institutes of Health suggests that an adequate daily intake amount of calcium is 1000 mg for adults between 19 and 50 years of age. Males and females over the age of 50 should increase their calcium consumption to 1200 mg per day.
Side Effects
Calcium citrate wafer supplements are generally well tolerated, but calcium citrate can interfere with the absorption of other drugs, and should not be taken within two hours of your other medications. University of Maryland Medical Center states side effects associated with high doses of calcium -- over 2500 mg per day -- include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, increased urination, kidney toxicity, confusion and irregular heart rhythm. If you suspect an overdose of calcium, contact your doctor or poison control immediately.
Warning
Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before supplementing with calcium, due to possible drug interactions associated with calcium citrate. Pharmacy Health states consuming large amounts of bran or whole-grain cereals and breads, alcohol, caffeine or smoking tobacco may interfere with the absorption of calcium citrate. Check with your doctor if you have stomach problems, parathyroid disease, lung disease, kidney stones or kidney disease taking calcium citrate. While calcium is essential for women who are pregnant or nursing, women should always check with their doctor prior to use.
Member Comments