Over The Counter Calcium And Vitamin D Supplements
Calcium and vitamin D are essential nutrients that our body needs to maintain healthy bones and teeth. These nutrients also play a crucial role in nerve function, muscle contraction, and blood clotting. However, many people do not get enough calcium and vitamin D from their diet, which can lead to various health problems. Over the counter calcium and vitamin D supplements are available to help people maintain adequate levels of these nutrients.
What are calcium supplements?
Calcium supplements come in various forms, including tablets, capsules, chewable, and liquid. These supplements contain different amounts of elemental calcium, which is the actual amount of calcium in the supplement. The most common types of calcium supplements are calcium carbonate and calcium citrate. Calcium carbonate is cheaper and contains more calcium per pill, while calcium citrate is more easily absorbed by the body.
What are vitamin D supplements?
Vitamin D supplements are also available in various forms, including tablets, capsules, and liquid. Vitamin D3 is the most common type of vitamin D supplement, which is the same form of vitamin D that our body produces when exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D2 is another type of vitamin D supplement that is less potent than vitamin D3.
Why do we need calcium and vitamin D supplements?
Calcium and vitamin D are essential for maintaining healthy bones and teeth. When we do not get enough of these nutrients from our diet, our body takes calcium from our bones, which can lead to bone loss and osteoporosis. Calcium and vitamin D supplements can help prevent bone loss and maintain bone density.
Who should take calcium and vitamin D supplements?
It is recommended that adults aged 19-50 years old get at least 1000 mg of calcium and 600-800 IU of vitamin D per day. Adults over 50 years old should get 1200 mg of calcium and 800-1000 IU of vitamin D per day. However, many people do not get enough of these nutrients from their diet, especially older adults, vegans, and people with certain medical conditions. These individuals may benefit from taking calcium and vitamin D supplements.
What are the risks of taking calcium and vitamin D supplements?
Taking calcium and vitamin D supplements in recommended doses is generally safe for most people. However, taking too much calcium and vitamin D can lead to health problems, such as kidney stones and hypercalcemia, which is a condition where there is too much calcium in the blood. It is important to talk to a healthcare provider before taking any supplements, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medication.
Conclusion
Over the counter calcium and vitamin D supplements can help people maintain adequate levels of these essential nutrients. However, it is important to talk to a healthcare provider before taking any supplements to ensure that they are safe and effective for you.