Coral calcium, made from ocean coral, contains calcium carbonate, a form of calcium your body readily uses. To obtain coral calcium, manufacturers mine coral reefs for the skeletons of the tiny sea creatures that built the reefs. Your body uses calcium to build bones. Getting adequate calcium in your diet is one way to prevent osteoporosis. Calcium also plays an important role in regulating blood pressure and heart rate.
Claims
Marketers of coral calcium claimed this natural form of calcium was absorbed more readily by the body and that taking coral calcium could not only protect against bone loss, but could help you lose weight, lower your blood pressure and even prevent cancer. In 2003 the United States Federal Trade Commission prohibited sellers of coral calcium from making these claims. According to MayoClinic.com, scientific evidence does not support that coral calcium is any better than any other form of calcium. The calcium in coral calcium, calcium carbonate, is the same form of calcium found in antacids and many over the counter calcium supplements.
Dangers
One thing some coral calcium supplements contain that other calcium supplements do not is high amounts of lead, arsenic and other heavy metals. The coral in these supplements is mined in countries where the United States has no regulatory controls. Because of this high contamination, many doctors, including those with the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, advise against taking coral calcium supplements. If you're allergic to shellfish, you should never take coral calcium supplements, since the supplements could trigger a dangerous allergic reaction.
How Much Calcium?
The National Academy of Sciences, which establishes Dietary Reference Intakes, or recommended daily amounts of nutrients, recommends adults 19 to 50 years old get 1000 mg of calcium daily. Adults over 50 need 1200 mg daily. Along with calcium, you need 400 to 600 International Units of vitamin D daily. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium.
Sources of Calcium
Dairy products, dark leafy greens and fortified juice supply calcium in your diet. If you need a supplement to ensure an adequate amount of calcium, calcium carbonate is usually the cheapest form. Your doctor may even suggest you take an over the counter chewable antacid that contains calcium carbonate as a calcium supplement. Some older people and anyone taking an acid blocker regularly should take calcium citrate. This form of calcium doesn't need stomach acid to help your body absorb it.
References
- Alabama Cooperative Extension: Beware of Coral Calcium Claims
- NetWellness: How Do I Know What Kind of Calcium Supplement to Take?
- MayoClinic.com: Coral Calcium --- Safe for People With Shellfish Allergies?
- Federal Trade Commission: Marketers of Coral Calcium Products Are Prohibited From Making Disease Treatment and Cure Claims in Advertising
- New York State Department of Health: Commonly Asked Questions About Calcium Supplements
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