Did you know that as we get older, we lose bone mass? Especially women who have gone through menopause. And I'm sure you've heard before that taking a calcium supplement as a precaution is important for keeping your bones healthy and strong, especially as you age. But please read the rest of this article before taking another calcium supplement. What you learn here could make a big difference in whether you're helping or hurting your health.
That’s because not all calcium supplements work the same or are readily absorbed by the body. And you could be doing yourself more harm than good if you take the wrong one. Calcium comes in various forms, and it doesn’t act on its own. It relies on a team of other nutrients for support. In this article, we'll dive into the importance of key supporting nutrients and why it's so crucial to use a plant-based calcium supplement that includes them.
So, let's get started!
Calcium Absorption Quells
You probably already know that calcium is what makes our bones and teeth strong. Calcium also plays an essential role in blood clotting, helps our muscles contract, and keeps our heart rhythms and nerves in check. You probably know that if you don’t get enough of it, you can have issues with your bones later in life. But did you know calcium supplements don't usually fully absorb into our bones?
When this happens, it goes into the soft tissues instead, causing problems like kidney stones, blood vessel blocks, and high blood levels of calcium, which have been linked to degenerative diseases like arthritis.
Most common forms of calcium are inorganic and made from rocks. Very little of this mineral absorbs into the bones, even less if you are low on magnesium, vitamin K, or vitamin D. These vitamins are essential to calcium absorption. If you don't have enough of these substances in your body, the calcium from your supplements won't make it into your bones.
Here are some important nutrients for calcium absorption:
K2 for Calcium Absorption – Vitamin K2 benefits calcium absorption by removing it from the soft tissues and placing it in the bones where it belongs. It helps the calcium adhere to the bones as well. It’s like the calcium director! MK-4 and MK-7 are the two main types of Vitamin K2 that can be taken as supplements. Both are types of vitamin K2, but MK-7 is better at making osteocalcin and lowering the risk of heart disease. The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of K2 is about 100 – 300 mcg for adults.
Foods containing K2 include organ meats, fermented foods, probiotics, egg yolks, fatty fish and dairy products.
Benefits of D3 with Calcium – Vitamin D and calcium work together in the body to make and keep bones strong. Your body can't take in calcium without vitamin D. Vitamin D is important to build and keep bones healthy. It's also good for your immune, brain, and musculoskeletal systems. The RDA is about 600 – 800 IUs per adult.
Foods that contain D3 are few—fish and fish liver oils. Even less can be found in beef liver, egg yolks, and cheese. However, the sun encourages the body to produce vitamin D.
Magnesium and calcium – create a harmonious balance and bone-fortifying synergy when taken together. Magnesium is a factor in increasing bone density. They need one another to be absorbed and excreted properly. Calcium ions require magnesium to pass through cell membranes. The proper functioning of your neurons, muscles, and heartbeat depends on this process, too. The RDA of magnesium is about 310 – 420 mg for adults.
Magnesium-rich foods include raw cacao, dark leafy greens, fatty fish, seeds, legumes, nuts, and avocados.
The trick is picking a calcium supplement that works for you—one that is bioavailable, organic, plant-based, and low in dose.
Benefits of Plant-Based Calcium
When rock forms of calcium are consumed, very little actually makes its way into your bones. This occurs because calcium alone, without the presence of other minerals is poorly absorbed. But a plant-based calcium, known as “Aquamin,” is derived from seaweed and known to be much better absorbed by the body and much more bioactive. The secret to its high absorption profile is the inclusion of 73 additional minerals most of which are in trace amounts.
Aguamin is a calcium and mineral complex extracted from the Icelandic algae Lithothamnion calcareum that is greatly enhanced by the addition of Vitamin D. Aquamin complex is found in top-of-the-line calcium supplements like Certified Naturals Calcium and Magnesium Supplement.
Ideally, we get all the vitamins and minerals we need from foods, but when this can’t or doesn’t happen, it’s a good idea to think about supplementing. The Certified Naturals Calcium and Magnesium Supplement provides the perfect ratio of calcium-supporting elements, so you never have to wonder if you're getting enough.
This supplement combines D3, K2, Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Potassium, and Boron, which help reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis. This supplement promotes healthy bones and teeth and helps maintain the proper functioning of muscles, including the heart.
The Takeaway
If you want to live a healthy, active life, it's important to make sure you're getting all the nutrients you need, and calcium and its fellow minerals are a big part of that. Discover the benefits of Certified Naturals Calcium and Magnesium Supplements today, and be on your way to a healthier, happier you!