The Effects of Calcium Carbonate Supplements on Your Body

The Effects of Calcium Carbonate Supplements on Your Body

One of the most common ways to make sure you get enough calcium, especially if your diet is lacking, is through these supplements. But they are not without their quirks, even if they can offer so many benefits. 


So, here is a rundown of what taking calcium carbonate supplements actually does to your body — the good, the bad, and everything in between — so you can decide whether taking them makes sense for you.


Calcium's Functionality in Your Body

First, let’s discuss the importance of calcium. Making up 70% of all mineral content in the body, it is necessary for your body to perform many functions. 


In addition to helping build strong bones and teeth, calcium is important for muscle contractions, nerve signaling, blood clotting and even keeping a steady heartbeat. Pretty impressive, right? Roughly 99% of the calcium in your body can be found in your bones and teeth; the other 1% underlies all these essential processes.


But if you are not consuming enough calcium in your diet, your body will extract what it needs from your bones. Over the long term, it can lead to diseases such as osteoporosis, where bones become fragile and porous. That is where calcium carbonate supplements can save the day.


What is Calcium Carbonate?

Calcium carbonate is a form of calcium salt commonly used in supplements. It is also the same compound that makes up limestone, marble, and even chalk — although, the stuff in your supplement is purified and safe to eat. 


It’s never been more popular among calcium carbonate buyers. Calcium carbonate is roughly 40% elemental calcium, making it a good option for obtaining your daily requirements in a single dose.


The thing to Consider: calcium carbonate requires stomach acid to be absorbed adequately. This means that it is better taken with food when your stomach is already churning up acid to digest your food.


Calcium Carbonate Supplements Benefits

Calcium carbonate has several benefits, particularly if you are not meeting your daily minimum dose through food. Here are some of the major benefits:


Stronger Bones and Teeth

This one’s a no-brainer. These supplements keep bones tense and teeth vibrant and healthy and bring your body enough calcium. This is especially critical as you get older since bone loss can start to snowball with aging.


Reduced Risk of Osteoporosis

Calcium carbonate can be a lifesaver for postmenopausal women and older adults. It’s commonly recommended as a component in a plan to prevent, or treat, osteoporosis by slowing the loss of bone.


Body Functions

Do you know that a paltry 1% of calcium is not stored in your bones? Calcium carbonate helps provide your body with adequate levels to keep your muscles, nerves, and blood vessels functioning properly as well. It can even help with muscle cramps and irregular heartbeats as well.


Possible Risks and Drawbacks

Calcium carbonate supplements do have their benefits but aren’t without drawbacks. Below are some potential drawbacks to be aware of.

Digestive Issues

Some people might produce bloating, gas, or constipation with calcium carbonate. Staying hydrated and taking your doses at intervals throughout the day can help.


Risk of Overconsumption

Too much calcium is not good. Too much calcium can cause kidney stones, block the absorption of other minerals (including magnesium and zinc), and induce a potentially dangerous condition called hypercalcemia.


Interactions with Medications

Calcium carbonate can interact with the effectiveness of some medications, including certain antibiotics and thyroid treatments. If you are taking medication, always consult your doctor.


Dependency on Stomach Acid

Calcium carbonate requires considerable stomach acid for absorption, so those with low stomach acid, which can be a problem for many of us as we age, probably won’t reap all of the benefits. In these instances, an alternate type of calcium supplement, such as calcium citrate, may be more effective.


How Much Calcium Do You Need?

How much calcium you need depends on your age, sex, and life stage. Here is a quick breakdown;

Note that these figures include calcium from food as well as supplements. Calcium-rich foods include dairy products such as milk, leafy greens, almonds, and fortified cereals. If your diet fills most of those, you might need only a small supplement — if that.


Conclusion 

So, for the ones whose diets don't have sufficient calcium, calcium carbonate supplements can be a great approach to support bone health and general well-being. But they are not a cure, either. It is important to think about your individual needs, side effects you may experience, and drug interactions. When in doubt, consult with a healthcare provider to determine what’s right for you.