Calcium carbonate can strengthen bones and maintain normal blood pressure. It may also help to prevent colon cancer and fatty liver. It is sometimes used to treat acid reflux. Are there side effects? Do you know how much? Continue reading to find out about the pros and cons of the most well-known calcium supplement in the world.

What Is Calcium Carbonate?

All over the globe, calcium carbonate can be found. It is formed over millions of years by the forces of nature from sediments of shells and fossils. The most well-known example is limestone. It also creates seashells and eggshells. Calcium carbonate is about 2.2 grams per eggshell.

Calcium carbonate is composed of calcium, carbon, and oxygen. Calcium, the most abundant mineral in the body, makes up 1-2% of the total weight. Only 1% of total calcium in the body is found in blood; the rest is stored in bones and teeth.

Calcium is essential for every cell of the body to function. Calcium is essential for the bones, nervous system, heart, muscles, and nerves.

Calcium can be found in different salts as supplements. Each one contains different amounts of elemental or pure calcium.

Calcium carbonate is the most commonly used of all the calcium salts that are added to supplements. It has 40% of the highest level of elemental calcium. It has a low absorption rate of around 22%. It also has the lowest water-soluble calcium salt. This makes it difficult to use in beverages

Low stomach acid can make it difficult to absorb calcium carbonate. This substance needs acidic conditions to dissolve. You are likely to be suffering from acid reflux if you take medications such as histamine-2 inhibitors and proton-pump inhibitors.

Uses And Benefits Of Calcium Carbonate

Vulnerable Populations

Calcium supplements can reduce fracture risk when combined with vitamins. This conclusion is the result of the largest ever reviews of evidence. A group of experts including the International Foundation for Osteoporosis conducted the review. Although the reduction in fracture risk was small, it was significant.

Supplements are most effective in reducing fractures in those at high risk for vitamin D and calcium deficiency. This includes seniors (over 50), women in their 40s, and people being treated for osteoporosis

Intense Exercise

There is evidence that calcium may improve bone health in athletes, military personnel, and workers.

The body releases calcium from the bones to compensate. If calcium requirements are not met, this can lead to increased bone loss. Calcium supplements may be beneficial during times of extreme strain on the entire body and skeletal system.

One study with 243 soldiers showed that calcium and vitamin D increased bone strength (BMD) in a single group.

Another trial involved 32 female athletes who were well-trained and received a meal containing 1350mg calcium. This was 90 minutes before strenuous exercise. Calcium decreased bone loss associated with high-intensity exercise.

Health People

Another study of 867 healthy men found that calcium with vitamin D improved BMD, particularly in the neck, hips, and spine. A large review found that there is more evidence that supplementation is beneficial to all healthy older men.