Coral calcium is often marketed as a natural calcium supplement. You might take coral calcium for a variety of health purposes, such as to correct a calcium deficiency or to prevent osteoporosis. Because there are certain health dangers and unsubstantiated claims by manufacturers associated with coral calcium, you should talk with your doctor before taking the supplement.
Description
Coral calcium is made from coral reefs in the oceans, according to the Mayo Clinic. Manufacturers typically make coral calcium supplements from the Goniopora and Porites coral species. The coral particles that float away from the reefs are harvested from the sea bottom, explains the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Coral calcium supplements are often much more expensive than other types of calcium supplements. The coral contains about 20 percent calcium and 10 percent magnesium, a combination that helps your body absorb the calcium. Specifically, coral calcium contains calcium carbonate, says the University of Michigan Health System.
Uses
Coral calcium is typically used to correct a calcium deficiency and as a magnesium supplement, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. Additionally, coral calcium may have the potential to help treat or prevent osteoporosis. Coral calcium could also help in treating fatigue, diabetes and arthritis, as well as in preventing cancer, notes the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
Considerations
Although manufacturers claim that coral calcium is better absorbed in the body than other forms of calcium carbonate and other types of calcium like calcium citrate or malate, no conclusive scientific evidence supports this claim, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Whatever type of calcium supplement you choose, you should take it with meals for best absorption. In fact, taking calcium supplements like coral calcium with meals can potentially reduce your risk for kidney stones, whereas taking the supplements between meals could increase the risk. Taking the supplement in the evening can improve the calcium's effects in preventing osteoporosis. Also, beware of manufacturers' unproven claims about health benefits relating to coral calcium. The Federal Trade Commission and the FDA have both issued warnings regarding manufacturers' unsubstantiated health benefit claims about coral calcium in their marketing of the supplements, notes the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Other than the improved calcium absorption due to the magnesium content in coral calcium, there are no other special benefits of the supplement that other types of calcium fail to provide.
Dangers
Coral calcium and other types of natural calcium supplements may contain high levels of lead, warns the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Lead contamination is a main concern that's specific to coral calcium, but most other dangers associated with the supplements are the same as those linked to all types of calcium supplements. For example, taking calcium supplements can pose health risks for people who have low blood-phosphate or high blood-calcium levels. Discuss coral calcium or other types of calcium supplements with your doctor before taking them if you have a chronic medical condition like kidney disease or if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, cautions the University of Maryland Medical Center. Keep in mind that even natural supplements can interact negatively with other medications and supplements. Additionally, taking coral calcium could cause a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction if you have an allergy to shellfish, the Mayo Clinic says.
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