Calcium Supplements for the Body

Calcium is needed in the cell physiology in living organisms for the cellular processes that takes place in our body. Calcium is needed in the body to gain strong and healthy bones and to have a healthy life. The storage of the 99 % of calcium is found in bones and in the teeth so we have to take care of the said storage areas. The other one percent of the calcium is circulating in the body to perform its function like in muscle contractility and the conduction process of the heart which makes the heart pump blood to be distributed in other parts of the body.

Calcium is mostly found in dairy food like milk and cheese. It is also found in broccoli, nuts and beans like almonds and sesame seeds,  and products which are known to be fortified like that of orange juices and soy milk.  Not only that we shoulk depend on the foods for the source of calcium. Another beat source of calcium is daily intake of calcium supplements. Physician recommends that daily intakeof calcium should be 600 mgs a day and should be taken with food for fast absorption. In all medications and supplements, there is always a therapeutic effect and as well as side effects. It is best to know also the calcium supplement side effects to guide you upon taking it. Knowing the side effects will signal you that it is time to change the brand of supplement you have or to reduce taking calcium supplements in a day. Here are some of the calcium supplements side effects.

1. Nausea and Vomiting. This results if the supplement is not accompanied with food upon taking it. It also means that calcium is indigested in the body thus not absorbing it well.
2. Stomach pain. Large dose of calcium is one source of stomach pain. The pain will be severe if food is not taken in to help the absorption of calcium. It is best to lower the dose in the morning and in the evening. If pain still persist, it is best to consult medical assistance for help.
3. Dry mouth. One of the causes of the intake of calcium supplements is dry mouth. There is decrease amount of saliva thus resulting to dry mouth. Dry mouth may lead to some digestive problems and reduce in taste. Seek medical advice and do not reduce the dose your self.
4. Loss of appetite. It is a result of the combination of the calcium supplement side effects and that is nausea, vomiting stomach pain and dry mouth. If all the side effects mention above will be treated, the person will regain his appetite.
5. Drug interaction. Calcium supplements are reacting to iron. So it is best not to take iron and calcium at the same time. Iron lessens the absorption of calcium leading to less calcium to be absorbed in the body.
6. Flatulence. Gas or flatus that came from the digestive system and came out via the rectum is one side effect if the person taking calcium supplements for the first time. It is because the body has not yet adjusted to the abrupt change or increase in the calcium in regular basis. If the body has adjusted throughout the day, then the flatulence will lessen and eventually will stop.
7. Heart problems. It is safe to say that you have to maintain a normal calcium level which is the normal values range from 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL. To know your calcium level, you have to submit yourself in a test called a comprehensive metabolic panel and the basic metabolic panel. These two tests will not only screen your nutrients in the body but it also tests the condition of the different parts of your body like the kidney, heart, liver and many more. High amounts of calcium in the blood may lead to hypercalcemia which may cause the fast contraction pumping of the heart and lower calcium may lead to hypocalcemia which may cause the slow contraction and pumping of the heart.

Calcium supplements may help the body but we cannot deny the fact that they body may experience side effects. Calcium supplement side effects are present because the body is still adjusting to the calcium intake. It is safe to have a normal calcium level. Too high and too low may be accompanied with serious disorders. We still have to eat some foods rich in calcium and not just to rely on supplements.