Calcium is one of the most important minerals for our health - it plays a key role in bone strength, dental health, blood clotting and proper muscle and nervous system function. Although most people get enough calcium from their diet, there are groups of people who may benefit from calcium supplementation. However, not all forms of calcium are equally effective. Calcium supplements can vary in source, absorption and bioavailability. Read this article to find out who may benefit from calcium supplementation and why we recommend a natural supplement made from calcareous seaweed.
What will you learn in this article?
- Natural dietary sources of calcium and recommended intake
- Symptoms of calcium deficiency
- Who should consider calcium supplementation?
- Organic seaweed powder as a calcium source
- Safety – heavy metal safe product
- When to avoid supplementation?
- Conclusion and recommendations
- Key takeaways from the article
Natural dietary sources of calcium and recommended intake
Calcium is the most abundant mineral element in the human body, accounting for about 1-2% of body weight. Approximately 99% of calcium is stored in the bones and teeth, with the remainder found in the blood, muscles and other tissues. You can read more about calcium in a previous article HERE.
The human body cannot synthesize calcium on its own, so it must be taken in regularly from the diet. Dairy products are among the richest sources of calcium. Other sources include sardines with bones, vegetables such as broccoli, kale, green leafy vegetables in general and nuts and seeds (especially almonds and sesame seeds).
The recommended daily allowance of calcium varies depending on age and life stage. Adolescents and children have higher calcium requirements due to the building of bone tissue and should take in 1150 mg of calcium per day. The recommended daily intake of calcium for adults is 1000 mg of calcium per day according to EFSA. Calcium absorption decreases with age, so it is important to ensure adequate calcium intake also in the elderly.
Symptoms of calcium deficiency
Calcium deficiency is usually not manifested by any obvious symptoms, especially in the early stages. However, long-term deficiency can manifest itself in muscle cramps, muscle pain and muscle stiffness. Other possible symptoms include brittle nails, osteopenia and osteoporosis, or dental problems. In the case of calcium deficiency, the body draws calcium from the bones and teeth, which can lead to loss of bone density and contribute to tooth decay. In children, insufficient calcium intake can lead to stunted growth and weak bones.
Who should consider calcium supplementation?
For some groups of people, calcium supplementation may be beneficial. This is especially true for individuals who do not get enough calcium from their diet and may suffer from calcium deficiency. These include people with dairy allergies, people with lactose intolerance or vegans. Menopausal women are also among the more at-risk group - reduced estrogen levels lead to higher bone loss and increase the risk of osteoporosis. Calcium supplementation (along with vitamin D3, K2 and other substances important for maintaining bone mass) can help slow this loss.
Also, seniors over the age of 65, people with osteoporosis, or people with malabsorption disorders (such as Crohn's disease or celiac disease) may have a harder time absorbing calcium. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also consider supplementing calcium if they are unable to ensure adequate intake from their diet.
There are also certain medications that can lower calcium levels in the body. These include corticosteroids, some diuretics and proton pump inhibitors.
Organic seaweed powder as a calcium source
Our customers already know that the Trime brand is characterized by the production of pure dietary supplements without the use of unwanted synthetic additives, which are as close to nature as possible. We place emphasis on premium quality and an equally ecological approach.
Trime Calcium + D3/K2 is a natural product containing powder from the wild calcareous algae Lithothamnion superpositum in organic quality. These algae are a rich source of bioavailable calcium that is well utilized by our bodies. In addition, algae also naturally contain other minerals (including magnesium) that are important for bone health, in a form that is easily absorbed by the human body.
Trime Calcium + D3/K2 is also an environmentally sustainable supplement. The algae is not fished out of the ocean, but washes ashore spontaneously. This supports the natural ecosystem without negatively impacting the environment. The washed-up algae is then hand-picked, washed with fresh ionized water, sun-dried and finally ground into a powder.
We have added vitamin D3 and vitamin K2-MK7 to the algae calcium powder for comprehensive health support. This is because vitamins D3 and K2 are essential for calcium metabolism in the body. Vitamin D increases calcium absorption from the intestine and vitamin K2 regulates calcium deposition in the bones and teeth. Together, these three nutrients form a powerful combination that supports not only bone health but also the health of the vascular system.
Safety – heavy metal safe product
We not only focus on the top quality of our raw materials, but also on their safety - we rigorously control the possible presence of unwanted contaminants. Minerals, including calcium, can be contaminated with heavy metals. Heavy metals such as lead, cadmium and mercury are toxic, accumulate in the body and can contribute to various health problems. We therefore guarantee even lower than the permitted limits for heavy metal content in our products. It is therefore a so-called heavy metal safe supplement. You can read more about the issue of heavy metals in connection with mineral lures in our article HERE.
When to avoid supplementation?
If a person is getting the recommended amount of calcium in their normal diet, there is no reason to supplement. Excess calcium without adequate intake of viamine K2 can lead to calcium deposition in soft tissues and contribute to calcification. Some studies document that excessive intake of calcium supplements may increase the risk of kidney stones. In some diseases (e.g. hyperparathyroidism - parathyroid hyperfunction), calcium in the blood may already be elevated and supplementation could cause further complications. Calcium should also not be supplemented without consulting a physician by people who are taking certain medications, such as drainage medications (certain types of diuretics), lithium, selected stomach medications, or heart medications, as unwanted interactions or excessively high blood calcium levels could occur.
Conclusion
Calcium is essential for maintaining overall health. Its deficiency can lead to a variety of health problems, from muscle cramps and fatigue to osteoporosis and dental problems.The primary source of this mineral should be foods rich in calcium. However, if it is not possible to take in enough calcium from the diet, supplementation is a suitable alternative. The latter may be beneficial for certain groups of people such as vegans, people with lactose intolerance, postmenopausal women, the elderly and people with low bone density. Remember that vitamin D along with vitamin K2 plays a key role in calcium metabolism, so it is advisable to take these nutrients together.
Key takeaways from the article
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Calcium is a key mineral - it makes up 1-2% of body weight, 99% is in bones and teeth. Essential for nerve function, muscle contraction, blood clotting and bone health.
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Dietary sources of calcium - dairy products, sardines with bones, leafy greens, almonds, sesame. Adults need about 1000 mg per day, children and adolescents need more.
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Calcium deficiency - subtle at first, later causes muscle cramps, pain, osteoporosis, dental problems. In children, can lead to stunted growth.
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Who should consider supplementation? Vegans, people with lactose intolerance and dairy allergies, postmenopausal women, seniors, people with osteoporosis or absorption disorders (e.g. Crohn's disease).
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Beware of certain medications - corticosteroids, diuretics or proton pump inhibitors may lower calcium levels.
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Recommended form of supplements - marine calcareous algae (Lithothamnion superpositum) is more easily absorbed and naturally contains magnesium and other minerals.
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Importance of Vitamins D3 and K2 - Vitamin D promotes calcium absorption, vitamin K2 helps calcium to be properly deposited in the bones, not the blood vessels.
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When to avoid supplementation? - When sufficient intake from food is not necessary. Excess calcium without vitamin K2 can lead to calcium deposition in the blood vessels and contribute to cardiovascular problems.
