Coral calcium

Coral calcium is obtained from the salt of calcium found on fossilized coral reefs. They are often retrieved from above ground limestone deposits that at one point were a part of living coral reefs. Because coral reefs are endangered, getting the coral calcium directly from them is illegal. Coral calcium is often marketed as a dietary supplement.

Coral calcium is often sold and marketed with various health benefits claimed. However, multiple studies show that these claims are baseless and that the only benefit that coral calcium has is providing a calcium supplement. That does not mean that the product is bad and should not be used, calcium has various benefits in itself that can make it worthwhile.

Calcium is an important part in maintaining bone health and preventing osteoporosis in older people, especially females. Over 55% of people over age 50 have some form of osteoporosis. It’s effects can be damaging and make things harder on you. The recommended intake for calcium is 1000-1200 mg per day for adults, however studies show that most adults don’t even achieve half of the daily recommended intake, that is why it is recommended to use supplements to achieve the desired result.

Maintaining bone health isn’t the only benefit that calcium has. It helps in nerve conduction, the clotting of blood, and even cell membrane function. When calcium levels become too low to carry out these and other functions, the body gets calcium from bones to help carry out these functions. This in turn leads to osteoporosis.

Taking in too much calcium can also be hazardous to your health. Hypercalcemia, or elevated blood calcium levels, is caused when more then the daily recommended amount is consumed, around 3000 mg. If phosphorous is low and calcium is high, it can lead to soft tissue calcification. This causes unwanted calcium in cells other than bones.

There are two main types of calcium supplements available, calcium carbonate and calcium citrate. Calcium carbonate provides a much larger amount of elemental calcium, however may not be absorbed as readily if the person doesn’t have a normal level of acid within the digestive system. Calcium carbonate is the most inexpensive form of calcium supplement and since acid reacts with it, it can also help reduce heartburn as it neutralizes the stomach acid. For those with gastric reflux disease who are on regular acid reducing medications, calcium citrate will be absorbed more readily since it doesn’t need the acid to break it down.

Being a calcium carbonate supplement is the only good thing about coral calcium, however because of all of the claims it has, it often comes at a larger price tag. With this larger price tag, you are paying for these claims which have no merit. Almost all of the claims about calcium have been dismissed by the FDA and have no scientific basis at all.

Certain brands of coral calcium have made completely outlandish claims that the calcium obtained from coral was somehow able to cure or prevent various diseases. It has even been claimed to help cure cancer by one particularly deceptive marketer, a claim which the FDA denied and put on the “List of Fake Cancer Cures Consumers Should Avoid.” Several people have been prosecuted by the Federal Trade Commission over phony claims about cures that coral calcium supposedly provides. A consumer advisory has also been issued in regards to false claims that coral calcium provides various benefits.

All in all, coral calcium is a good supplement for calcium. However, the prices for coral calcium tend to be higher than than normal calcium supplements. So it is recommended that you just purchase normal calcium supplements and save yourself the money because coral calcium doesn’t provide any more health benefits than any other calcium supplement.

Last updated on Feb 26th, 2010 and filed under Vitamins and Minerals. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

Comments are closed