Calcium is an important metal for production and essential for human life.

Calcium is a vital macronutrient, in the presence of which more than 300 biochemical reactions occur in the human body.

The mineral plays a primary role in the construction and strengthening of bone tissue, participates in the processes of blood clotting, normalizing the contractility of the myocardium and skeletal muscles, restoring the balance between reactions of excitation and inhibition in the brain, and regulating the activity of certain enzymes.

The compound received its name from the word “Calx”, which translated from Latin means “Lime”.

What calcium to buy to strengthen bones.

October 12, 2022
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Content

• Forms of calcium
• How to choose a calcium supplement
• How to take calcium tablets
• Top 10 calcium supplements
• Calcium-D3 Nycomed Forte
• Now Foods, Calcium Hydroxyapatite
• Calcemin Advance
• Doppelhertz Active Magnesium+Calcium+D3
• Calcium D3 Ultra
• Solgar Calcium-Magnesium with Vitamin D3
• Calcium-Active Citrate
• Mountain calcium D3
• Complivit Calcium D3 Forte
• Calcium gluconate
• Foods High in Calcium

Calcium is a very important macronutrient, without which the body cannot function properly. Calcium is not only about strong bones and teeth. It is also responsible for muscle contraction, blood clotting, heart and vascular health, and the functioning of the nervous system.

To get your daily calcium requirement (about 1,000 mg) from food, you should drink a glass of milk, a glass of plain yogurt, and eat a block of cheddar cheese. But you can take a simpler route - and just buy calcium tablets. But here it is important to choose a drug that will be well absorbed by the body. These are the products on our list of the best calcium supplements.

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Forms of calcium

Calcium in preparations is presented in the form of various compounds. Let's talk about them in more detail.

1. Calcium citrate.
   Most often, such calcium costs an order of magnitude more than other calcium preparations. And all because calcium citrate is maximally absorbed by the body (even if there are problems with the gastrointestinal tract). This form of the drug is ideal for people over 60 years of age.
2. Calcium phosphate.
   This form of calcium has good bioavailability. Calcium phosphate, unlike other compounds, does not cause constipation. This calcium is usually prescribed to those who are prone to such problems.
3. Calcium chelate.
   This calcium is absorbed by the body by 90-98%, it is enriched with amino acids, is well tolerated, does not disturb the acid balance and is quickly absorbed by the body.
4. Calcium hydroxyapatite.
   This form of calcium is obtained from animal sources. Calcium hydroxyapatite is often enriched with collagen and phosphorus, making it ideal for strengthening bones and teeth.
5. Calcium carbonate.
   The cheapest and most common type of calcium. Its maximum digestibility is 22%. But if a person has low acidity, such calcium is not absorbed at all. Moreover, excess calcium can simply be deposited in the kidneys. Calcium carbonate has good bioavailability, plus the issue of price is important, so people often buy it.

Properties

Physical properties

Calcium metal exists in two allotropic modifications. Up to 443 °C, α-Ca with a cubic face-centered lattice (parameter a = 0.558 nm) is stable; β-Ca with a cubic body-centered lattice of the α-Fe type (parameter a = 0.448 nm) is more stable. Standard enthalpy ΔH

0 transition α → β is 0.93 kJ/mol.

Chemical properties

Calcium is a typical alkaline earth metal. The chemical activity of calcium is high, but lower than that of all other alkaline earth metals. It easily reacts with oxygen, carbon dioxide and moisture in the air, which is why the surface of calcium metal is usually dull gray, so in the laboratory calcium is usually stored, like other alkaline earth metals, in a tightly closed jar under a layer of kerosene or liquid paraffin.

In the series of standard potentials, calcium is located to the left of hydrogen. The standard electrode potential of the Ca2+/Ca0 pair is −2.84 V, so calcium reacts actively with water, but without ignition:

Ca + 2H2O = Ca(OH)2 + H2↑ + Q.

Calcium reacts with active non-metals (oxygen, chlorine, bromine) under normal conditions:

2Ca + O2 = 2CaO, Ca + Br2 = CaBr2.

When heated in air or oxygen, calcium ignites. Calcium reacts with less active non-metals (hydrogen, boron, carbon, silicon, nitrogen, phosphorus and others) when heated, for example:

Ca + H2 = CaH2, Ca + 6B = CaB6,

3Ca + N2 = Ca3N2, Ca + 2C = CaC2,

3Ca + 2P = Ca3P2 (calcium phosphide), calcium phosphides of the compositions CaP and CaP5 are also known;

2Ca + Si = Ca2Si (calcium silicide); calcium silicides of the compositions CaSi, Ca3Si4 and CaSi2 are also known.

The occurrence of the above reactions is usually accompanied by the release of a large amount of heat (that is, these reactions are exothermic). In all compounds with non-metals, the oxidation state of calcium is +2. Most of the calcium compounds with non-metals are easily decomposed by water, for example:

CaH2 + 2H2O = Ca(OH)2 + 2H2↑,

Ca3N2 + 3H2O = 3Ca(OH)2 + 2NH3↑.

The Ca2+ ion is colorless. When soluble calcium salts are added to the flame, the flame turns brick-red.

Calcium salts such as CaCl2 chloride, CaBr2 bromide, CaI2 iodide and Ca(NO3)2 nitrate are highly soluble in water. Insoluble in water are fluoride CaF2, carbonate CaCO3, sulfate CaSO4, orthophosphate Ca3(PO4)2, oxalate CaC2O4 and some others.

It is important that, unlike calcium carbonate CaCO3, acidic calcium carbonate (bicarbonate) Ca(HCO3)2 is soluble in water. In nature, this leads to the following processes. When cold rain or river water, saturated with carbon dioxide, penetrates underground and falls on limestone, their dissolution is observed:

CaCO3 + CO2 + H2O = Ca(HCO3)2.

In the same places where water saturated with calcium bicarbonate comes to the surface of the earth and is heated by the sun's rays, a reverse reaction occurs:

Ca(HCO3)2 = CaCO3 + CO2↑ + H2O.

This is how large masses of substances are transferred in nature. As a result, huge gaps can form underground, and beautiful stone “icicles” - stalactites and stalagmites - form in caves.

The presence of dissolved calcium bicarbonate in water largely determines the temporary hardness of water. It is called temporary because when water boils, bicarbonate decomposes and CaCO3 precipitates. This phenomenon leads, for example, to the fact that scale forms in the kettle over time.

How to choose a calcium supplement

Many factors influence how calcium is absorbed in the body. Let's look at the main ones.

1. Associated health problems.
   If you are over 60 years old or have gastrointestinal diseases, we recommend choosing calcium citrate preparations. If a person has a tendency to constipation, it is better to buy calcium phosphate. For older people (especially if there is coronary heart disease or congestive heart failure), calcium enriched with magnesium and potassium is suitable (but first consult a doctor). For anemia, it is better to choose Calcemin Advance (it does not affect the absorption of iron, like other calcium preparations).
2. Lifestyle and nutritional habits.
   Most people today are deficient in vitamin D, which is produced by exposure to the sun and found in fish. This vitamin is necessary for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. Therefore, if you suspect you have a vitamin D deficiency, choose calcium supplements fortified with it.
3. Tendency to allergies.
   Before taking any vitamins and minerals (including calcium supplements), be sure to consult your doctor. An allergy can be either to the main component of the drug or to auxiliary components.
4. Age.
   Be sure to read the instructions before purchasing calcium to understand at what age a particular drug should be taken. By the way, many tablets cannot be broken, but taken only whole - this also needs to be taken into account.

IMPORTANT!

Any calcium supplements should not be taken with milk. Milk dissolves the tablet shell, and the active substance is quickly destroyed by stomach acid.

Being in nature

Due to its high chemical activity, calcium does not occur in free form in nature.

Calcium accounts for 3.38% of the mass of the earth's crust (5th most abundant after oxygen, silicon, aluminum and iron).

Isotopes

Calcium occurs in nature as a mixture of six isotopes: 40Ca, 42Ca, 43Ca, 44Ca, 46Ca and 48Ca, of which the most common, 40Ca, accounts for 96.97%.

Of the six natural isotopes of calcium, five are stable. The sixth isotope, 48Ca, the heaviest of the six and very rare (its isotopic abundance is only 0.187%), was recently discovered to undergo double beta decay with a half-life of 5.3 x 1019 years.

In rocks and minerals

Most of the calcium is contained in silicates and aluminosilicates of various rocks (granites, gneisses, etc.), especially in feldspar - anorthite Ca[Al2Si2O8].

In the form of sedimentary rocks, calcium compounds are represented by chalk and limestones, consisting mainly of the mineral calcite (CaCO3). The crystalline form of calcite - marble - is much less common in nature.

Calcium minerals such as calcite CaCO3, anhydrite CaSO4, alabaster CaSO4 0.5H2O and gypsum CaSO4 2H2O, fluorite CaF2, apatite Ca5(PO4)3(F,Cl,OH), dolomite MgCO3 CaCO3 are quite widespread. The presence of calcium and magnesium salts in natural water determines its hardness.

Calcium, vigorously migrating in the earth's crust and accumulating in various geochemical systems, forms 385 minerals (the fourth largest number of minerals).

Migration in the earth's crust

In the natural migration of calcium, a significant role is played by “carbonate equilibrium”, associated with the reversible reaction of the interaction of calcium carbonate with water and carbon dioxide with the formation of soluble bicarbonate:

CaCO3 + H2O + CO2 ↔ Ca (HCO3)2 ↔ Ca2+ + 2HCO3-

(equilibrium shifts to the left or right depending on the concentration of carbon dioxide).

Biogenic migration plays a huge role.

In the biosphere

Calcium compounds are found in almost all animal and plant tissues (see also below). A significant amount of calcium is found in living organisms. Thus, hydroxyapatite Ca5(PO4)3OH, or, in another entry, 3Ca3(PO4)2·Ca(OH)2, is the basis of the bone tissue of vertebrates, including humans; The shells and shells of many invertebrates, eggshells, etc. are made of calcium carbonate CaCO3. In living tissues of humans and animals there is 1.4-2% Ca (by mass fraction); In a human body weighing 70 kg, the calcium content is about 1.7 kg (mainly in the intercellular substance of bone tissue).

How to take calcium tablets

It is better to take calcium supplements with meals, since fats, proteins and bile acids are necessary for the absorption of the macroelement. It is also important to take into account circadian (daily) rhythms. The body has a hormone responsible for calcium metabolism - its maximum concentration is observed in the afternoon.

It is better to divide the daily calcium intake into two doses, because 600-1000 mg of calcium at one time will not be absorbed. You need to take calcium with enough water (one glass).

If you are taking antibiotics from the tetracycline group, the break between the antibiotic and calcium should be at least three hours, because they bind to each other and neutralize each other's effects.

If you are taking diuretics, monitor your blood creatinine and calcium levels at least once a month.

You should not take calcium if:

• tendency to thrombosis;
• severe atherosclerosis;
• hypercalciuria (metabolic problem when there is an excess of calcium in the urine);
• atrial fibrillation;
• sarcoidosis;
• multiple myeloma;
• metastases in the bones or spine;
• active form of tuberculosis;
• gout

Calcium supplements are prescribed very carefully to patients with uncontrolled hypertension, severe coronary heart disease, renal and liver failure.

Read also Top 5 non-hormonal drugs for menopause Non-hormonal drugs for menopause.

Calcium-D3 Nycomed Forte

This calcium supplement can easily be called one of the most popular in Russia. “Calcium D3 Nycomed Forte” is sold in the form of chewable tablets (1 tablet contains 500 mg of pure calcium and 400 IU of vitamin D3). Doctors recommend taking 2-3 calcium tablets per day. At first glance, it may seem that Calcium D3 Nycomed Forte contains too much vitamin D (compared to other drugs), but the daily dose of this vitamin is from 800 to 1200 mg. Among the undeniable advantages of this drug are the high calcium content and the presence of vitamin D. There is one minus - the price is not entirely affordable.

Calcium-D3 Nycomed Forte

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, Japan

Calcium-D3 Nycomed Forte is a combination drug that regulates the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus.
Replenishes the lack of calcium and vitamin D3 in the body, which is required for the mineralization of teeth. Calcium takes part in the formation of bone tissue, mineralization of teeth, blood clotting, regulation of nerve conduction processes and muscle contractions, and maintaining stable nervous activity. from 5

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Natural springs

Considering that calcium is involved in the formation of bone, connective and nervous tissues, it is important to ensure a regular supply of the macronutrient with food.
Table No. 1 “Sources of calcium”

Calcium is found in small quantities in cereals, fruits, vegetables, berries, meat and honey. The content of the element in these products varies from 5 to 50 milligrams per 100 grams.

Now Foods, Calcium Hydroxyapatite

This is an American calcium preparation of animal origin, which means it is ideal for strengthening teeth (97% of our tooth enamel is calcium). Now Foods are powder capsules. This form of release allows you to protect calcium from the aggressive influence of the gastric environment, so calcium is absorbed almost completely. You can take Now Foods calcium from the age of 18, it reduces the amount of plaque on your teeth, makes them smoother, enamel defects become less noticeable, and the likelihood of developing caries is reduced.

Now Foods Calcium Hydroxyapatite

Now Foods, USA

Calcium hydroxyapatite contains macroelements, which is a balanced mixture of minerals necessary for the body.
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Calcemin Advance

Another calcium tablet made in the USA, which contains all the substances necessary for healthy bones. "Calcemin Advance" is suitable for women during menopause, the form of the drug is calcium citrate and calcium carbonate. Tablets are prescribed from the age of 12. This drug not only maintains the necessary level of calcium in the body, but also prevents it from being washed out of the bones. And all - thanks to the fact that it contains boron (it is this that inhibits the effect of the hormone that causes calcium loss). "Calcemin Advance" can be taken during breastfeeding and in case of chronic renal failure (as prescribed by a doctor). These calcium tablets do not cause the formation of kidney stones and are also compatible with iron supplements.

Calcemin Advance

Bayer AG, Germany; Contract Pharmacal Corporation, USA

Mineral and vitamin complex.
Calcium, which is part of the drug, is a building component for bone tissue, regulates the permeability of the vascular wall, is involved in the regulation of conductivity in synapses and neuromuscular junctions, is involved in the contractile activity of skeletal and smooth muscles, and is a necessary component for the blood clotting process. from 75

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Deficiency and overdose

Calcium is stored in the porous structure of long bones. In case of insufficient intake of the mineral from food, the body “goes” to mobilize the compound from bone tissue, as a result of which demineralization of the pelvic bones, spine and lower extremities occurs. Signs of calcium deficiency:

• pain in joints, bones, teeth;
• muscle weakness;
• brittle nails;
• increased calcium levels in the blood;
• skin rashes;
• rapid pulse;
• muscle spasms;
• convulsions;
• numbness of the limbs;
• the appearance of microcracks in tooth enamel;
• nervousness;
• fatigue;
• hypertension;
• pale face;
• insomnia;
• decreased mental abilities;
• lack of coordination;
• growth retardation, rickets (in children);
• spinal deformity, frequent bone fractures;
• tooth decay;
• allergic reactions;
• decreased blood clotting;
• heavy menstrual flow.

In 80% of cases, hypocalcemia is asymptomatic, which leads to the development of serious pathologies: osteoporosis, kidney stone formation, hypertension, osteochondrosis. To prevent these problems, it is important to identify and eliminate in advance the factors that provoke macronutrient deficiency in the body.

Causes of calcium deficiency:

• lack of foods containing a beneficial compound in the diet;
• impaired absorption of the element in the intestine due to dysbiosis or the absence of the lactase enzyme, which breaks down milk protein;
• excess lead, zinc, magnesium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, sodium in the body;
• chronic diseases of the digestive tract (pancreatitis, diabetes mellitus, renal failure, gastric or duodenal ulcers);
• diseases of the thyroid gland, in which the synthesis of the hormone calcitonin, which controls calcium metabolism, is impaired;
• increased consumption of “bone-forming” nutrients due to stressful situations, smoking, physical activity, pregnancy, breastfeeding;
• excessive consumption of drinks that inhibit the absorption of minerals in the intestines (coffee, alcohol, carbonated water, energy tonics);
• deficiency of vitamin D in the diet, especially when following vegetarianism or a raw food diet;
• long-term use of laxatives and diuretics, which “wash out” the building mineral from the body.

In addition, calcium metabolism is disrupted due to excessive excretion of the compound in the urine (idiopathic hypercalciuria), low absorption of the substance in the intestine (intestinal malabsorption), the formation of kidney stones (calcium nephrolithiasis), hyperfunction of the parathyroid glands, and hypertension.

To eliminate the symptoms of hypocalcemia, you need to enrich your daily diet with calcium-containing products or complex dietary supplements, the main active component of which is the missing macronutrient. When using medications, consult your doctor first.

In the process of drawing up a nutritional plan, keep in mind that daily consumption of more than 2500 milligrams of the mineral against the background of calcium metabolism disorders leads to intense calcification of bones, blood vessels and internal organs, as a result of which persistent hypercalcemia develops.

Symptoms of excess compound in the body:

• thirst;
• nausea;
• vomit;
• loss of appetite;
• weakness;
• frequent urination;
• decreased smooth muscle tone;
• arrhythmia;
• discomfort in the epigastric region;
• increased concentration of calcium in urine and blood;
• angina and bradycardia;
• decreased cognitive function;
• formation of stones in the kidneys and bladder;
• gout.

In some cases, hypercalcemia occurs as a result of hereditary pathologies of the thyroid gland, in particular multiple endocrine neoplasia, and sometimes as a result of malignant neoplasms.

Doppelhertz Active Magnesium+Calcium+D3

This calcium preparation is presented in the form of carbonate, available in the form of effervescent tablets, and is prescribed from the age of 14. “Doppelhertz Active Magnesium + Calcium + D3” is suitable for adults and adolescents, improves overall well-being, and perfectly replenishes calcium deficiency in the body. Effervescent tablets are well absorbed and practically do not irritate the gastric mucosa. In addition to calcium, the complex contains vitamin D3, which is responsible for the absorption of macronutrients, as well as magnesium, a building material for bones, which also has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system. “Doppelhertz Active Magnesium + Calcium + D3” improves sleep, calms the nervous system, improves memory, gives a surge of energy and stimulates metabolism.

Doppelhertz Active Magnesium+Calcium+D3

Queisser Pharma, Germany

An additional source of vitamins D3, B2, magnesium, calcium.
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Calcium D3 Ultra

This calcium preparation (in the form of carbonate) improves metabolism, strengthens bones and teeth, and supports the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system. "Calcium D3 Ultra" are chewable tablets with various fruit flavors. The tablets are enriched with vitamin D3, which helps calcium to be well absorbed. The drug not only strengthens bone tissue and mineralizes teeth, but also improves muscle contractions and improves the transmission of nerve impulses. You need to take 3 tablets per day with meals. The course of treatment or prevention is at least a month. "Calcium D3 Ultra" is inexpensive and has a pleasant taste. The disadvantages of the drug are that one tablet contains a low concentration of essential substances, so you need to take several per day, which is not very convenient. Well, not every pharmacy has this calcium supplement.

Calcium D3 Ultra

INAT-Pharma, Russia

A combined drug that regulates the exchange of calcium and phosphorus in the body (in bones, teeth, nails, hair, muscles).
Reduces resorption (resorption) and increases bone density, replenishing the lack of calcium and vitamin D3 in the body, necessary for the mineralization of teeth. from 145

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Study of the clinical effectiveness of cosmetic creams containing xidifon

The use of creams containing bisphosphonate has a therapeutic and preventive effect, preventing calcium deposits in skin cells, which, in combination with the preventive effect of the nourishing base of the cream, suggests an increase in the anti-aging effect of cosmetics. In this regard, this part of the work is devoted to an experimental and clinical study of the biological activity of creams produced by the REPHARM Institute of Pharmaceutical Reagents. In the experiment, the following was carried out:

1. Histological examination of skin biopsies of white rats after 30 applications.
2. Studying the effect of creams on the state of the protective function of the skin of laboratory animals using the method of determining the time of alkali neutralization according to the Burghart method.
3. Clinical assessment of the state of functional indicators of the skin under the influence of the presented creams included:
   Study of the moisture-holding capacity of the skin;
4. Study of the state of lipid metabolism of the skin;
5. Study of skin elasticity;
6. Study of skin profile (width and depth of wrinkles).

The following results were obtained:

1. A histological study of animal skin preparations treated with REPHARM creams revealed their effect on water-electrolyte and protein metabolism in the skin, manifested in an increase in the hydration properties of the skin.
2. A study of the effect of creams on the state of the protective function of the skin showed that in group 1 of animals, i.e. in rats that received the cream, restoration of the initial time of neutralization of alkali by the skin (6 minutes) occurred after 2 days. After 3 days, this indicator decreased and amounted to 4 minutes, i.e. a prolonging effect of the drug was noted. In group 2 of animals, i.e. in rats on whose skin the cream was not applied, restoration of the initial time of alkali neutralization occurred only on the 7th day after cessation of exposure to alkali, i.e. almost 2.5 times slower than in rats of group 2. Thus, the results obtained indicated a pronounced positive effect of the cream on the condition of one of the main functions of the skin - protective.
3. The clinical trials involved 20 volunteers - clinically healthy women without a significant allergic history, aged 35 to 50 years. 11 patients were diagnosed with combination facial skin, 9 with dry skin complicated by hyperkeratosis. Clinically, this manifested itself in dry skin and the presence of a network of fine wrinkles. The cream was applied to previously cleansed skin of the face and body every day, 2 times a day for 3 weeks.

The study of the effect of creams on the moisture-holding capacity of the skin was carried out using the Moisture Meter device, Russia. 20 minutes after the first application of the cream, the moisture content in the skin increased by an average of 67.3% compared to the initial level, after 2 hours this figure was 51.5%, after 4 hours - 36.6%, after a course of use by 15 .6%.

The data obtained indicated a positive effect of the cream on water-electrolyte metabolism in the skin and a pronounced hydration effect of the drug.

When studying the effect of creams on the elastic properties of the skin, it was found that the stretching indicator as a result of a course of cream use increased by an average of 10.9% compared to the initial one.

When studying the skin profile (width and depth of wrinkles) using the Tester T-2000 device, it was found that as a result of 3 weeks of use of the cream, there was a decrease in the Rt tooth by 5.09%, Rmax by 6.7%, Rz-d by 6.3% compared to the initial level, i.e. a positive effect of the cream on indicators characterizing the skin profile was stated.

Based on the analysis of the formulation and the results of the research, we can conclude that REFARM cosmetic creams, which include a calcium metabolism regulator, are effective cosmetics, the use of which has a pronounced hydrating effect, improves the elasticity and tone of the skin, smoothes out a network of fine wrinkles, improves the protective function of the skin.

These cosmetics can be recommended for use in broad cosmetology practice to care for the body's skin as an effective means of preventing and correcting skin aging processes.

Solgar Calcium-Magnesium with Vitamin D3

Tablets made in the USA have a combined composition and completely cover the daily calcium requirement. The active ingredients in Solgar Calcium-Magnesium with Vitamin D3 vitamins are presented in the form of citrate. This drug is prescribed from the age of 18. The product not only strengthens bones and muscles, but also has a positive effect on the condition of hair and nails. “Solgar Calcium-Magnesium with Vitamin D3” helps the production of hormones, improves mood, is suitable for the prevention of osteoporosis, reduces cramps in the calf muscles, and strengthens the cardiovascular system. The positive effect of taking these calcium tablets is noticeable after 2 weeks.

Solgar Calcium-Magnesium with Vitamin D3

SOLGAR, USA

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Calcium-Active Citrate

This drug contains calcium citrate and vitamin D3. It is perfectly absorbed by the body, so it is suitable for people with gastrointestinal diseases (atrophic gastritis, surgical treatment of the digestive system). You can take “Calcium-Active Citrate” regardless of meals and stomach acidity. Therefore, doctors often prescribe this calcium to elderly patients and those with low acidity. The risks of kidney stones are minimal; it can be taken during pregnancy and lactation (in consultation with your doctor). "Calcium-Active Citrate" - inexpensive calcium tablets with high bioavailability. Among the disadvantages is that one package of the drug is not enough for the course.

Calcium-Active Citrate

DIODE, Russia

Calcium-Active Citrate is a biologically active food supplement containing calcium citrate (salt, which, according to scientific research, is the best source of calcium in terms of absorption and absence of adverse reactions) and the required daily dosage of vitamin D3.
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Mountain calcium D3

This is a complex preparation of calcium in the form of carbonate, enriched with vitamin D3 and mumiyo. “Mountain Calcium D3” from “Evalar” is perfectly absorbed, supplying the body with the daily requirement of necessary substances. Shilajit contains about 30 important elements that improve blood composition. The drug is prescribed from the age of 12, for pregnant and breastfeeding women - only after consultation with a doctor. “Mountain calcium D3” is maximally bioavailable, strengthens bones, teeth, hair and nails, is suitable for the prevention of osteoporosis, and is inexpensive. Among the disadvantages are the unpleasant taste and the large size of the tablets.

Mountain calcium D3

Evalar, Russia

The combination of tablets Mountain calcium D3 calcium, vitamin D3 and Altai mumiyo in 1 tablet 100% replenishes calcium deficiency in the body.
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Complivit Calcium D3 Forte

Calcium preparation in the form of chewable tablets (1 tablet contains 500 mg of calcium, 400 mg of vitamin D3). After a course of taking this drug, there is a thickening of bone tissue, mineralization of bones and teeth, and a stop in the process of leaching calcium from the body. Contraindications to the use of Complivit calcium D3 forte include pregnancy and breastfeeding. These calcium tablets with a high concentration of substances strengthen the immune system, stimulate the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus, serve as an excellent prevention of osteoporosis, have a pleasant taste, and are inexpensive. Among the disadvantages is the possible development of an allergic reaction.

Complivit Calcium D3

JSC Pharmstandard-UfaVITA, Russia

Regulates the exchange of calcium and phosphates, reduces resorption and increases bone density, compensates for the lack of calcium and vitamin D3 in the body, enhances the absorption of calcium in the intestines and the reabsorption of phosphates in the kidneys, promotes bone mineralization.
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Application

Applications of calcium metal

The main use of calcium metal is as a reducing agent in the production of metals, especially nickel, copper and stainless steel. Calcium and its hydride are also used to produce difficult-to-reduce metals such as chromium, thorium and uranium. Calcium-lead alloys are used in batteries and bearing alloys. Calcium granules are also used to remove traces of air from vacuum devices.

Metallothermy

Pure metallic calcium is widely used in metallothermy for the production of rare metals.

Alloying of alloys

Pure calcium is used to alloy lead used for the production of battery plates and maintenance-free starter lead-acid batteries with low self-discharge. Also, metallic calcium is used for the production of high-quality calcium babbits BKA.

Nuclear fusion

The 48Ca isotope is the most effective and commonly used material for the production of superheavy elements and the discovery of new elements on the periodic table. For example, in the case of using 48Ca ions to produce superheavy elements in accelerators, the nuclei of these elements are formed hundreds and thousands of times more efficiently than when using other “projectiles” (ions).

Application of calcium compounds

Calcium hydride

By heating calcium in a hydrogen atmosphere, CaH2 (calcium hydride) is obtained, which is used in metallurgy (metallothermy) and in the production of hydrogen in the field.

Optical and laser materials

Calcium fluoride (fluorite) is used in the form of single crystals in optics (astronomical objectives, lenses, prisms) and as a laser material. Calcium tungstate (scheelite) in the form of single crystals is used in laser technology and also as a scintillator.

Calcium carbide

Calcium carbide CaC2 is widely used for the production of acetylene and for the reduction of metals, as well as in the production of calcium cyanamide (by heating calcium carbide in nitrogen at 1200, the reaction is exothermic, carried out in cyanamide furnaces).

Chemical current sources

Calcium, as well as its alloys with aluminum and magnesium, are used in backup thermal electric batteries as an anode (for example, calcium-chromate element). Calcium chromate is used in such batteries as a cathode. The peculiarity of such batteries is an extremely long shelf life (decades) in a suitable condition, the ability to operate in any conditions (space, high pressures), and a high specific energy in terms of weight and volume. Disadvantage: short lifespan. Such batteries are used where it is necessary to create colossal electrical power for a short period of time (ballistic missiles, some spacecraft, etc.).

Fireproof materials

Calcium oxide, both in free form and as part of ceramic mixtures, is used in the production of refractory materials.

Medicines

Calcium compounds are widely used as an antihistamine.

Calcium chloride Calcium gluconate Calcium glycerophosphate

In addition, calcium compounds are included in drugs for the prevention of osteoporosis, in vitamin complexes for pregnant women and the elderly.-

Calcium gluconate

A cheap calcium supplement that is not as effective as the above remedies. Nevertheless, calcium gluconate is as safe as possible and is well absorbed by the body. This drug has a wide range of applications: it is prescribed for inflammation and allergies, it is approved for children, and is used to prevent osteoporosis.

Calcium gluconate

CJSC "Moscow Pharmaceutical Factory", Russia

The calcium supplement replenishes the deficiency of calcium ions necessary for the transmission of nerve impulses, contraction of skeletal and smooth muscles, myocardial activity, bone tissue formation, and blood clotting.
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Calcium content in foods

Photos from open sources

Literature

1. VC. Bauman, “Biochemistry and physiology of vitamin D” Riga, Zinatye, 1989, 480 p.
2. Fleisch, Bisphosphonates in bone disease, 1997, London, 184p.
3. Feldman, D., and Mallon, P. J. and Gross, C. (1996). Vitamin D: metabolism and action.In Marcus, R., Feldman, D. and Kelsey, J. (eds) Osteoporosis, pp.205-35. (San Diego: Academic Press).
4. Bushinsky, D. A. and Krieger, N. S. (1992). Integration of calcium metabolism in the adult. In Coe, FL and Favus, MJ (eds.) Disorders of Bone and Mineral Metabolism, pp.417-32. (New York: Raven Press).
5. O.G.Arkhipova, E.A. Yuryeva, N.M. Dyatlova, “Prospects for the use of xydiphone”, J. Vses. chem. total them. DI. Mendeleeva, 1984, XXIX, 3, pp. 76-80.
6. T.A. Matkovskaya, N.P. Tatarnikova, etc. Pat. RF RU 2124881 C1.
7. E.A. Yuryeva, I.P. Dunaeva, G.I. Kulakova “The effectiveness of xydiphone depending on the method of its use”, In: New chelating agent xydiphone. Pharmacology, toxicology and therapy. Moscow, 1990, pp. 62-70.

(The article is abbreviated. The full text was published in the journal: Cosmetics and Medicine, 1999, No. 5/6, p. 71.)

Foods High in Calcium

You can compensate for the lack of calcium in the body through a properly balanced diet. To strengthen bones, teeth, hair and nails, include the following foods in your diet:

• almond;
• cheese;
• yogurt;
• milk
• tofu;
• greenery;
• soy;
• sardines;
• broccoli;
• bananas;
• salmon;
• pumpkin seeds;
• beans;
• lentils;
• figs;
• tuna;
• olive oil.

But remember that the body absorbs calcium only in combination with vitamin D and ascorbic acid, so do not forget about foods such as butter, egg yolk, fatty fish, and vegetables.

The presence of magnesium and phosphorus is also important for the absorption of calcium, and this is wholemeal bread, bran, nuts and the same fish. If this balance is not maintained, calcium from foods will simply be deposited in the form of stones in the kidneys or joints.

By the way, diuretics flush calcium from the body, so reduce the amount of drinks containing caffeine and alcohol.

Cause of osteoporosis

Calcium and phosphorus together form the mineral basis of the skeleton. In most cases, the cause of osteoporosis is a violation of calcium and phosphorus metabolism.

The most important link in providing the body with calcium is its sufficient absorption in the intestines, which is possible in the presence of at least three prerequisites: sufficient calcium in the diet; the body's supply of vitamin D, including its active metabolites; absence of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract with malabsorption. If there is a lack of calcium in the body, the latter is extracted from its own bone tissue. As a result, bone mass decreases and bones become brittle.

There are many factors for the development of osteoporosis. The division into primary and secondary osteoporosis is relative. Primary osteoporosis includes postmenopausal, senile (senile), and idiopathic osteoporosis. Secondary osteoporosis includes a decrease in bone mass as a result of genetic disorders, certain diseases of the endocrine system, rheumatism, circulatory system, kidneys, excessive alcohol intake, prolonged immobilization, taking medications, especially corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, as a result of mental disorders (anorexia nervosa) , as well as insufficient dietary intake or impaired absorption of certain nutrients in the intestine, primarily calcium and vitamin D.

The role of protein deficiency as an independent factor is debated. The most common causes of the development of osteoporosis are violations of the consumption of certain nutrients from foods, the postmenopausal period, senile syndrome, pathological metabolic disorders as a result of taking glucocorticosteroids, as well as excessive amounts of alcohol.

Recommended norms

Special studies have shown that women of all age groups consume significantly less calcium from food than recommended. Men of all ages consume more calcium than women, possibly due to their higher energy intake in general. Less than 15% of women under the age of 50 and less than 5% of women under the age of 70 consume foods with adequate calcium.

Low dietary calcium intake among adolescents is of particular concern because calcium deficiency coincides with a period of rapid skeletal growth. This is an opportune time to gain maximum peak bone mass and protect yourself from the future risk of osteoporosis. Approximately 90% of women's complete bone mineralization is achieved around age 17, 95% by age 20, and 99% by age 26. Consequently, the period for optimization of peak bone mass by calcium decreases rapidly after adolescence. It should be noted that current dietary recommendations for adequate calcium intake have been increased to 500 mg for children aged 1–3 years, 800 mg for children aged 4–8 years, 1300 mg for adolescents aged 9–18 years, 1000 mg for adults aged 18–60 years and 1200 mg for adults aged 60 years and older. Unfortunately, these dietary recommendations are not being followed.

Scientific evidence suggests that consuming adequate amounts of calcium or calcium-rich foods (milk and other dairy products) promotes peak bone mass before age 30 and earlier. This slows down age-related bone loss and reduces the risk of fractures later in life.

Individualization of diet therapy

The pathogenetic principle of individualization of diet therapy at the preparatory stage of treatment is as follows:

1. Finding out the possible causes of impaired calcium absorption in the small intestine:
   malabsorption syndrome due to enteropathy (enteritis, involutional atrophy of the intestinal mucosa, chronic renal failure, etc.);
2. food supply with vitamins D, C;
3. the presence of acidic bases in food (citric, ascorbic, oxalic and some other acids);
4. analysis of the consistency of hormonal regulation of calcium metabolism (hormones that regulate Ca metabolism in the body: parathyroid hormone, calcitonin, glucocorticosteroids, thyroid hormones, growth hormone, insulin, estrogens).
5. Study of possible causes of excess calcium requirements in metabolic processes:
   arterial hypertension;
6. increased excretion of Ca from the body (with urine, bile);
7. diseases accompanied by an increased need for calcium (for example, colon tumors, hyperparathyroidism).

We should not forget that the etiopathogenetic variants of the development of osteoporosis are different. Therefore, approaches to drug therapy will also be different. This can be either hormone replacement therapy or treatment of the underlying disease. Diet therapy as an independent method of treatment is generally not used, but is used as a reliable support for drug therapy and for prevention.

Areas of diet therapy for calcium metabolism disorders:

1. Water mineralization.
2. Using foods rich in calcium.
3. Activation of calcium absorption in the body.
4. Dietary stimulation of gastric secretion, enzymatic activity of the pancreas.
5. Restoration of disturbances in the absorption function of the small intestine.
6. Prescribing diets taking into account possible enzymopathies (for example, lactase deficiency).
7. Dietary correction of food intolerance.

More about calcium

In dietary therapy for osteoporosis, the main role is played by calcium and vitamin D, the use of which can weaken the process of osteoporosis progression, although there are many nutritional factors that affect bone development (proteins, vitamins and other minerals).

Information about dietary sources of calcium and factors affecting its bioavailability is important.

Food Sources of Calcium

The population receives more than half of the amount of calcium consumed from dairy products. Other sources include some green vegetables (broccoli, cabbage), nuts, calcium-precipitated bean curd, bone meal.

Calcium-fortified foods (juices and flours) may make a significant contribution to calcium intake in some people. In food products, calcium is contained mainly in the form of sparingly soluble salts (phosphates, carbonates, oxalates, etc.). The bioavailability of calcium from a number of non-dairy sources is insufficient. The list of foods high in calcium is presented in Table 1

Food Components that Increase the Bioavailability of Calcium

Lactose increases calcium absorption. Absorption also increases after the addition of lactase, which can be explained by the fact that the most metabolized milk sugar increases calcium absorption. These data were obtained for infants. It is unclear whether lactose improves the absorption of calcium from dairy products in adults? The higher prevalence of osteoporosis in people with lactose intolerance is likely due to low dairy intake rather than to the effect of lactose on calcium absorption.

Food components that reduce the bioavailability of calcium

Dietary fiber reduces calcium absorption. Replacing white flour (22 grams of dietary fiber per day) with whole wheat flour (53 grams of dietary fiber per day) in a regular diet causes a negative calcium balance even at higher calcium intakes.

Dietary fiber from fruits and vegetables has a similar effect on calcium absorption. Several fiber constituents bind calcium. Uronic acids bind calcium strongly in vitro. This is probably why hemicellulose inhibits calcium absorption. 80% of pectin uronic acids are methylated and cannot bind calcium. Therefore, pectin does not affect calcium absorption. In theory, a typical vegetarian diet contains enough uronic acids to bind 360 mg of calcium, but most of these acids are digested in the distal intestine, so some calcium is still absorbed. A balanced diet that contains moderate amounts of various fibers does not likely affect calcium absorption.

Table 1. Food sources of calcium

*Foods rich in oxalic acid, which slows down absorption.

Phytic acid is another plant component that binds calcium. The high phytin content of wheat bran explains its adverse effects on calcium absorption. Interestingly, adding calcium to wheat dough reduces phytin degradation by 50% during fermentation and baking. Wheat bran interferes with calcium absorption to such an extent that it has been used therapeutically for hypercalciuria.

Dark green, leafy vegetables often have relatively high calcium content. But the absorption of calcium from most vegetables is prevented by oxalic acid. Spinach, beet tops, and rhubarb are rich in it. Foods low in oxalic acid (cabbage, broccoli, turnips) are good sources of calcium. For example, calcium absorption from cabbage is almost as high as from milk.

Sodium increases urinary calcium excretion, so dietary salt intake should be reduced.

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Caffeine and other drugs. Caffeine, found in coffee, tea, chocolate, cola and many over-the-counter medications, increases the amount of calcium lost in urine and feces. However, reasonable coffee consumption is a minor risk factor for osteoporosis. Up to 2 cups of black coffee per day may result in small urinary calcium excretion (up to 110 mg). This amount is easily covered by milk, which can be used with coffee, or calcium supplements.

The nicotine in tobacco reduces the body's ability to use calcium. Additionally, women who smoke tend to have lower estrogen levels and lower bone mass. It has been suggested that in smokers, estrogens are broken down more quickly in the liver and, as a result, fail to stimulate the secretion of enough calcitonin to prevent bone destruction.

Excessive alcohol consumption is a risk factor for osteoporosis and osteoporotic bone fractures. The development of osteoporosis is associated both with general metabolic disorders (malnutrition, liver cirrhosis, gastropathy, endocrine disorders) and with the direct effect of alcohol on bone tissue (a decrease in the volume of trabecular bone mass). Alcohol has been shown to have a direct toxic effect on osteocytes. Excessive alcohol consumption can also cause bone loss by impairing the absorption of calcium and vitamin D. Moderate alcohol consumption does not have a negative effect on bones.

Interaction between the absorption of calcium and other nutrients

Squirrels. The protein content in the diet of patients with osteoporosis should be at a physiological level, since protein deficiency leads to a negative nitrogen balance and a decrease in reparative processes. It is recommended to include in the diet specialized food products consisting of proteins with high biological value and digestibility (dry protein composite mixtures [GOST R 53861-2010]).

With an adequate amount of protein in the diet, about 15% of calcium is absorbed, with a low protein content - about 5%. Excessive dietary protein (especially purified amino acids) increases urinary calcium loss and causes a negative calcium balance; surprisingly, it does not result in a compensatory increase in the efficiency of intestinal calcium absorption. A pure vegetarian diet fails due to insufficient amounts of calcium and other nutrients. Adding dairy products to a vegetarian diet improves bone health in postmenopausal women.

If you have excess fat, you need to increase the calcium content in your diet. In the presence of fat malabsorption (steatorrhea), calcium precipitates with fatty acids, forming insoluble soaps in the intestinal lumen. A lack of fat in the diet can lead to a deficiency of fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamin D, which is necessary for the absorption of calcium.

Long-term, continuous dietary intake of large amounts of phosphorus leads to hyperparathyroidism and secondary bone resorption.

Since both calcium and iron are commonly recommended for women, the interactions between these supplements are interesting. In one study, calcium carbonate and hydroxyapatite supplementation reduced iron absorption by approximately 50% in postmenopausal women. In another study, milk calcium inhibited iron absorption by 30%. When taken additionally with food, calcium inhibits the absorption of iron from its preparations (ferrous sulfate), dietary non-heme and heme iron. But if calcium carbonate was taken without food, even in high doses it did not inhibit the absorption of iron from ferrous sulfate. Thus, the use of dietary calcium supplements significantly affects iron absorption. Calcium likely affects intracellular iron transfer by the enterocyte.

Essential calcium salts

In terms of content and completeness of absorption, the best sources of calcium are milk and dairy products. 100 mg of calcium is contained in 85–90 g of milk and fermented milk drinks (kefir, yogurt, etc.), 70–80 g of cottage cheese, 10–15 g of hard cheese, 20–25 g of processed cheese, 110–115 g of sour cream or cream, 70–75 g milk or cream ice cream. Thus, if the daily diet includes 0.5 liters of milk and fermented milk drinks, 50 g of cottage cheese and 10 g of hard cheese, then this provides more than half of the recommended calcium intake, and in an easily digestible form.

The calcium content in the green mass of plants is significantly lower than the content in dairy products. Therefore, dairy products are the main ones. But the daily amount of calcium is difficult to cover with food alone. In this regard, calcium salts are used for medicinal purposes. The calcium content in its various salts is presented in Table 2. According to some data, it is best to add calcium carbonate to food in small doses, according to others, it is preferable to take it in the evening or at night. Persons with achlorhydria are prescribed calcium citrate, which is better absorbed when gastric secretory activity is low.

It has been shown that additional use of calcium supplements in the diet leads to a decrease in bone loss in older women. The greatest effect was observed in those who consumed little calcium in their diet.

Calcium supplementation to women early after the onset of menopause slightly reduced bone loss at the radius and femoral neck, but not at the spine. An analysis of prospective studies of postmenopausal women found that adequate vitamin D intake reduced the risk of hip fractures associated with osteoporosis, and milk consumption and a high calcium diet did not affect the incidence of hip fractures. The authors emphasize the need for supplemental vitamin D or increased consumption of fatty fish.

Table 2. Calcium content (Ca) in its various salts (Smolyansky B.L., Liflyandsky V.G., 2004)

You can't do without vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency in the diet or disorders of its metabolism are of great importance in the pathogenesis of many forms of osteoporosis, but especially senile osteoporosis. Vitamin D is necessary for the absorption of calcium in the intestines, as well as for its absorption by cells, including bone cells.

In medical practice, active metabolites of vitamin D3 (calcitriol, alpha-calcidol) are more often used. It is these metabolites that are widely used in the treatment of osteoporosis.

The best sources of vitamin D in the diet are fatty fish, liver, fish roe, milk fats, and eggs. Vitamin D deficiency is easily prevented by eating these foods and/or taking small doses of vitamin D supplements.

Both in the treatment of osteoporosis and for preventive purposes, all women after menopause and people of both sexes after 65 years are prescribed calcium supplements in combination with vitamin D. These recommendations are especially important for people who consume little or no dairy products due to personal tastes, diseases (lactase deficiency, food allergies, etc.), strictly vegetarian diet. These drugs are often considered as dietary supplements - nutraceuticals.

Table 3. Sample menu rich in calcium content (Bergman D., 1999)

Other vitamins for osteoporosis

In recent years, soy products have been widely used in the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis. It is known that soy proteins contain isoflavones, which have estrogen-like effects. A number of studies have shown that the inclusion of soy products in postmenopausal women leads to a reduction in the incidence of bone fractures.

Experiments on animals revealed a negative effect on bone tissue from a deficiency of a number of vitamins (C, group B) and microelements (phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese, boron, silicon, strontium, fluorine). But a direct connection between the development of osteoporosis and a deficiency of these elements has not been found.

It has been established that vitamin K affects osteocalcin, which, being a modulator of osteoblasts, is involved in protein synthesis in bones. Low vitamin K intake is associated with low bone mineral density and an increased risk of hip fractures in women, but not in men. Therefore, taking vitamin K for osteoporosis may be important in cases of severe deficiency in the diet.

Prevent disease

Prevention of the development of osteoporosis should be carried out before the full bone mass is formed, and treatment - from the moment bone loss begins to be detected.

Early prevention should be carried out by adequate calcium supplementation, exercise and prevention of risk factors (smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, etc.). This is especially important in adolescence, when the bone gains mass. Individuals who have developed osteoporosis usually must rely on pharmacological interventions to maintain or improve bone health. Treatment of osteoporosis currently includes taking calcium supplements with vitamin D, estrogen, and calcitonin. Treatment in any case is carried out against the background of diet therapy.

Thus, all patients with osteoporosis who are not burdened with diseases requiring special dietary therapy should receive a rational, balanced diet with a physiological protein content in the diet, but with an increased content of calcium and vitamin D, including through special nutritional supplements and medications .

D. Bergman (1999) proposed a version of such a diet that supplies more than 1000 mg of calcium per day, and also meets the needs for other important minerals (Table 3).

Table 4 provides information on the effect of certain medications on calcium metabolism in the body.