Coral Calcium Dosage

You may choose over-the-counter supplements in place of, or in addition to, conventional medicine for various reasons. Perhaps you believe in home remedies and want to avoid the possible side effects of prescription medications. Coral calcium is one such supplement, and its dosage depends on a number of factors, such as your age, the reason for taking it, and any medical conditions you may have. Speak with your doctor before using coral calcium, or altering the dose you take.

Understanding Coral Calcium

Coral calcium is a form of calcium, and its supplements are made from limestone, a form of calcium carbonate. A majority of all calcium supplements are made from calcium carbonate, the least expensive type. Although calcium itself is important for bone health and may help prevent colon cancer, ConsumerAffairs.com reports that Robert R. Barefoot, an avid promoter of coral calcium, claims that coral calcium can help cure "over 200 degenerative diseases caused by calcium deficiency." Barefoot states that coral calcium is a derivative of living coral. This is not possible, since coral reefs are protected by law. Instead, this form of calcium is produced by grinding limestone that has no health properties.

General Uses

Calcium itself serves many important uses in your body. Aside from strengthening your bones, treating heartburn and indigestion, and treating or preventing osteoporosis, it may also help relieve the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Other claims of its efficacy abound, including that it can lower LDL, or bad, cholesterol, and increase HDL, or good, cholesterol; decrease blood pressure; prevent strokes in some women; and prevent colorectal cancer. Further studies are necessary to prove calcium's ability to help with these conditions. The website eMedTV reports that coral calcium is effective for some conditions, but no more than average calcium supplements, in spite of the claims made by its proponents.

Dosage

Dosing is known as the recommended adequate intake, or AI, and it varies by age. Infants up to 6 months old should get no more than 210 mg per day, while those 7 to 12 months should not exceed 270 mg. Toddlers between 1 and 3 can safely take 500 mg, those 4 to 8 can consume 800 mg, and older children between 9 and 18 can consume 1,300 mg. As you age, the dosage begins to decrease. Adults between 19 and 50 can safely take 1,000 mg, but those 51 and older require 1,200 mg, as they are at greater risk of bone loss.

Natural Sources

Since the efficacy of coral calcium versus natural calcium is questionable, you might find it easier to receive all the calcium you require through the foods you eat. Some natural sources include yogurt, cheese, milk, tofu, pudding, kale, spinach, bread, calcium-fortified cereal or breakfast drinks, ice cream, tortillas, spinach and cabbage. Your doctor may recommend a calcium supplement if you do not get enough calcium in your diet.

Considerations

If your doctor prescribes coral calcium, take it exactly as directed. You can take it with or without food, and you should take it regularly to receive the greatest benefit. Although most people tolerate this supplement well, you may experience a small amount of bloating or constipation until your body adjusts.