Calcium is an essential mineral found in foods and dietary supplements. Its best-known benefit is building and maintaining strong bones, and slowing bone loss. But it plays a critical role in heart health, nerve transmission, and muscle contraction. <\/p>\n
Which calcium supplements are the best, most effective, and budget-friendly? <\/p>\n
A new review published by ConsumerLab.com a leading provider of consumer information and independent evaluations of products that affect health and nutrition aims to answer those questions by ranking the best available supplements on the market. <\/p>\n
The organizations Calcium Supplements Review rates 27 products evaluated by the group. <\/p>\n
Among the findings: <\/p>\n
Based on the organizations research findings, the reviews authors identified a Top Pick for each of nine categories. To be a Top Pick, a supplement had to pass ConsumerLabs tests of quality, provide calcium at a reasonable price, contain a reasonable dose, and offer a convenient formulation. <\/p>\n
Two of the Top Picks are: <\/p>\n
Overall Top Pick. GNC Calcium Citrate, which provides 500 mg of calcium per two-caplet serving at a cost of 9 cents. This supplement is also the Top Pick in the Calcium Only category. <\/p>\n
Calcium and Vitamin D. Bayer Citracal Petites, which provide 400 mg of calcium and 500 IU of vitamin D per two-capsule serving for 11 cents. <\/p>\n
Because you may already be getting that amount from food alone, supplementation may be unnecessary. Rich dietary sources of calcium include dairy products, beans, and green-leafy vegetables. For example, just one cup of milk or yogurt provides a whopping 300-400 mg of calcium. <\/p>\n
If youre not getting the recommended amount of calcium from your diet, supplements can help. Multiple studies show that 1,000-2,000 mg per day of calcium (usually as calcium citrate) in combination with 400-800 IU per of vitamin D can slow bone loss in postmenopausal women. Research shows that supplementation may be especially useful in in postmenopausal women who have been prescribed hormonal therapy after undergoing a hysterectomy. <\/p>\n
The official tolerable upper limits for calcium are 2,500 mg per day for children ages 1-8, 3,000 mg for those ages 8-18, which falls to 2,000 mg for those over 50. But much lower amounts, usually from supplements, have been associated with risks for adults. <\/p>\n
Its rare to get toxic amounts of calcium from food alone. In fact, a high dietary intake of calcium is associated with many good effects. But excess calcium from supplements is associated with a wide range of ill effects. <\/p>\n
Be careful! the authors write. Calcium from supplements may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease if you get too much from supplements [over 1,000 mg per day] or if you already get enough calcium from your diet. <\/p>\n
A high calcium intake from supplements also may increase the risk of: <\/p>\n
Calcium supplements also may impair the absorption of thyroid hormone and antibiotics in the fluoroquinolone class. <\/p>\n
If you take calcium supplements, the researchers offer these tips. <\/p>\n
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Calcium Supplements: Are You Getting What You Pay For? - Newsmax<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Calcium is an essential mineral found in foods and dietary supplements. Its best-known benefit is building and maintaining strong bones, and slowing bone loss Continue reading