Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body. It is the mineral responsible for keeping the bones in your body and your teeth strong. The problem is that, a lot of us do not consume enough of this minerals which leads to illnesses such osteoporosis in women and brittle bones.
There are 8 common forms of calcium.
1. Calcium Carbonate
One of the most common forms of calcium is found in limestone, snails, eggshells, in the shells of marine animals and also, in pearls. It holds one of the highest amounts of elemental calcium—35-40%. But is there are two problems with this articular form of calcium:
1. It requires more stomach acid in order for it to be absorbed
2. It does not have enough calcium that can be assimilated by the digestive system. This is called bioavailability.
It is on of the cheapest and most readily available calcium supplement on the market right now. Do your best to avoid this form of calcium.
2. Calcium Citrate
Unlike the aforementioned form of calcium, this one requires less stomach acid production in order for it to be absorbed into the body because it has an acidic base but, it has a lower elemental calcium content, 20%.
3. Oyster Shell Calcium
Just because something is labeled “natural” doesn’t mean that it is safe for consumption and this one is definitely one of them; it contains levels of lead toxins and should therefore be avoided.
4. Calcium Gluconate
You will have to take high doses of this form of calcium in order to fulfill the daily intake of the mineral but even at that, its bioavailability is uncertain.
5. Calcium Lactate
This is the form of calcium that is form in aged cheese such as and baking powder and possesses medium bioavailability in the human body thereby making it is easier to absorb at different pH levels.
6. Calcium Phosphate
This is the form found in cow’s milk. And even though it is found in the enamel of our teeth along with our bones, it is still not the most absorbable form of calcium there is.
7. Calcium Citrate Malate
This particular form of calcium is water-soluble. It is made by mixing calcium salt from citric acid with malic acid to create a calcium form that has higher levels of bioavailability simply because it is soluble in water.
8. Calcium Orotate
Calcium Orotate is the most effective form of calcium which is created through the use of the mineral salts of orotic acid. This form of calcium is found in all living beings albeit in small amounts.
Both plants and animals use orotates to create DNA and RNA and can penetrate cell membranes thereby enabling the effective delivery of the calcium ion to the inner-most layers of the cellular mitochondria and nucleus.
Conclusion
Now that you know the best calcium supplement which is also the most easily absorbed by the body, you will no longer shop blindly when buying supplements.
