Calcium

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body, on average every adult has between 2 and 3 pounds of calcium in their body. The majority of calcium is (of course) stored in our bones and teeth, however trace amounts of calcium are located in the blood stream.

The calcium in the blood stream plays a key role in the production of hormones and enzymes which are required to regulate energy release, digestion, and metabolism. Calcium is also important for maintaining healthy bones, relieving back pain, treating high blood pressure, reducing the risk of colon cancer, easing symptoms of PMS, fighting insomnia, reducing heartburn, and preventing migraines. As well calcium aids muscle contraction, promotes blood clotting, and helps nerve cells communicate normally. Calcium may also positively influence mood and behavior.

Unfortunately very few Americans consume enough calcium in their diets, and when the body doesn't get enough calcium from dietary sources it simply robs as much as it needs from the bones. If insufficient levels of calcium continue over a long period of time this could result in porous and brittle bones, prone to breaking and at risk of early osteoporosis.

Good dietary sources of calcium include diary products, calcium fortified beverages, and green vegetables such as broccoli, kale, and bok choy. There are also many supplemental forms of calcium, including calcium citrate, calcium carbonate, calcium lactate, and calcium gluconate, just to name a few. The calcium supplement which is best absorbed by our bodies is calcium citrate.

Calcium deficiency is difficult to detect early on because our body's simply make up for any calcium deficit by taking what it needs from our bones. However over time the bones may get thinner which can result in osteoporosis.

Calcium & Weight Loss

Preliminary research is showing that calcium supplementation may increase the efficiency of weight loss.

A 2000 study presented at the Experimental Biology 2000 meeting showed that calcium from supplements and low-fat dairy sources may promote weight loss. The study took four groups of obese mice, the first three groups where given calcium in either supplement form (calcium carbonate) or as low-fat dry milk, and the last group was given no calcium supplement at all. All groups were put on a restricted calorie diet. The study found the mice given calcium, either through supplements or low-fat dry milk experienced a 42% to 69% decrease in body fat, while the mice which where given no added calcium experienced only an 8% decrease in body fat. The researchers who conducted this study believe the calcium stored in fat cells plays a key role in fat storage and breakdown.

Is Calcium Safe?

When supplementing with calcium it's best to take a formulation which includes vitamin D and magnesium. Vitamin D helps with calcium absorption and extra magnesium is needed because calcium may inhibit the efficiency of magnesium absorption, hence the additional magnesium.

The recommended daily dose of calcium ranges from 1,000 to 1,200mg depending largely on age; as we age our requirement for calcium increases, as does our risk for osteoporosis. The upper intake level for calcium is 2,500mg per day but any dosage over 1,500mg per day shows little added benefit. For reference a glass of milk contains approximately 300mg of calcium.

High doses of calcium, such as 2,500mg per day may pose an increased risk of kidney stones apparently because of dehydration. To reduce the risk of developing kidney stones be sure to drink plenty of water when supplementing with calcium.

There are few side effects when supplementing with calcium, however some forms of the supplement may cause gas and constipation in rare cases.

Diet Pills Containing Calcium

Diet Pill Ingredients

Caffeine - Powerful metabolic stimulant and appetite suppressant.
Calcium - May play a key role in fat storage and breakdown.
Chromium - May help to maintain blood sugar levels & suppress appetite.
Garcinia Cambogia - Rich in hydroxycitric acid, a natural carbohydrate inhibitor.
Green Tea - Packed full of potent anti-oxidants for optimum health.
Guarana - Potent source of caffeine and natural stimulant.
Hoodia Gordonii - The slimming cactus.
L-Tyrosine - Mood enhancing & metabolism boosting amino acid.
L-Carnitine - Essential for increased fat oxidation.
Niacin - Vitamin B3, lowers LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Scutellaria Root - Drought hardy perennial native to southwest China.
Thiamin - Vitamin B1, the "brain energizer" vitamin.
White Willow Bark - Traditional pain reliever and anti-inflammatory.
Yerba Mate - A medium sized evergreen plant native to South America.