Calcium Supplements and Liquid Vitamins

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Calcium levels in the blood and fluid surrounding the cells must be maintained within a narrow concentration range for normal physiological functioning.

The physiological functions of calcium are so vital to survive that the body will de-mineralize bone to maintain normal blood calcium levels when calcium intake is inadequate. Therefore, an adequate dietary intake of calcium is a critical factor in maintaining a healthy skeleton.

Calcium plays a role in mediating the construction and relaxation of blood vessels, nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and the secretion of hormones like insulin. Because of liquid vitamins superior absorption ratio as compared to other vitamin forms, it is extremely helpful in the role of calcium.

Calcium supplements sre also necessary to stabilize a number of proteins and enzymes, optimizing their activities, including the activation of the seven vitamin K dependant clotting factor in the collation cascade.

A low blood calcium level usually implies abnormal parathyroid function and is rarely due to low dietary calcium intake since the skeleton provides a large reserve for maintaining normal blood levels.

Other causes of abnormally low blood calcium include chronic kidney failure, vitamin D deficiency, and low blood magnesium levels that may occur in cases of severe alcoholism The value of liquid vitamins and calcium supplements cannot be emphasized enough because of their superior absorption ratios into the bodies system.

Nutrient interactions include vitamin D, which is required for optimal calcium absorption. (See vitamin D).

Heavy sodium intake results in increased loss of calcium in the urine possibly due to competition between sodium and calcium for re-absorption in the kidney or by an effect of sodium on parathyroid hormones. Because urinary loss accounts for about half of the differences in calcium retention among individuals, dietary sodium has a huge potential to influence bone loss.

Also, as dietary protein intake increases, the urinary excretion of calcium also increases. Recommended calcium supplements intakes for the U.S. population are higher than those populations of less industrialized countries because protein intake in the U.S. is generally higher.

Phosphorus, which is typically found in protein-rich foods, tends to decrease the excretion of calcium in the urine as well. However, phosphorus-rich foods tend to increase the calcium content of digestive secretions, resulting in increased calcium loss in the fetus.

The ease of taking liquid vitamins and supplements for any age group is also a plus, as increasing intakes of phosphorus from soft drinks and food additives have caused concern regarding implications of bone health and bone loss.

Dairy foods provide 75% of the calcium in the American diet. However, it is typically during "the most critical period of bone mass developments" that adolescents tend to replace milk with soft drinks.

Dairy products represent rich and absorbable sources of calcium, and so do liquid vitamins and supplements, especially if dairy products are replaced with soft drinks. Certain grains and vegetables also provide calcium. Calcium rich plants include the kale family (broccoli, bok choy, cabbage, mustard, and turnip greens).

The best food sources for maximum absorption of calcium include: Milk, yogurt, cheddar cheese, pinto beans, red beans, white beans, tofu (calcium set), spinach, rhubarb, and fruit punch with citrate malate. There are several very good calcium supplements in today's markets including:

Calcium Supplements and Naturally Direct Vitamins