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Page 30 | Abby's Magazine | instagram.com/abbyshealthfood What is Plant-Based Calcium? An Essential Guide By New Chapter ® Calcium is an earth mineral with the atomic number 20. In its pure form, Calcium is a silvery metal, and it is the 5th most abundant element on the planet. It's also abundant in the human body. Why is calcium so very important? Well, our bodies use calcium to aid in normal muscle and nerve function, blood clotting, cellular health, and the release of certain hormones. Calcium is even required for a normal heartbeat! Given this vital role, the body keeps calcium in the bloodstream at all times, and our bones and teeth act as a handy storage bank for calcium. And when blood calcium levels are low due to dietary intake, calcium is taken from our bones and used by the body—which can affect bone strength. Replacing lost amount of calcium on a daily basis is essential to maintaining normal calcium levels in bones. What are the Types of Calcium? If you're interested in getting a balanced intake of this critical bone mineral, there are different sources of calcium. CALCIUM CARBONATE Elemental calcium: 40% Source: Calcium carbonate is usually mined and extracted from limestone rock. It is also available from certain species of marine algae harvested from the ocean floor. New Chapter's Bone Strength Take Care is crafted with high-quality plant- based calcium carbonate from the sea called Red Marine Algae (Lithothamnion). Good to Know: This is the most commonly used form for calcium supplements. It has the highest concentration of calcium per tablet, meaning fewer tablets are required to get the desired dose. Calcium carbonate should be taken with meals, since acidity improves absorption. CALCIUM CITRATE Elemental calcium: 21% Source: Calcium citrate is typically a byproduct of citric acid production. A fermentation process produces a broth rich in citric acid. Calcium hydroxide is added, causing calcium citrate to precipitate from the broth. Good to Know: This form is less dependent on acidity for calcium absorption, so it does not need to be taken with meals. However, the low concentration of calcium means more pills are required to get a specific amount of calcium into your routine (compared with calcium carbonate). CALCIUM GLUCONATE Elemental calcium: 9% Source: Calcium gluconate is typically produced by mixing gluconic acid with calcium carbonate or calcium hydroxide. Good to Know: Due to low elemental calcium concentration, this form is not typically used as a dietary supplement because it would require too many pills. It is commonly found as the form of calcium in intravenous calcium injections. CALCIUM LACTATE Elemental calcium: 13% Source: Calcium lactate is typically produced by mixing lactic acid with calcium carbonate or calcium hydroxide. Good to Know: Due to low elemental calcium concentration, calcium lactate is not typically used as a dietary supplement because it would require too many pills. Who Should Take a Calcium Supplement? Taking a calcium supplement, such as high-quality calcium carbonate tablets, can be a nutritional "insurance policy" for any adult interested in maintaining bone strength throughout life. Both men and women begin to lose bone density every year starting around age 30. However, only women have the additional risk of losing ~10% of bone mass during their menopause years. So, young women can be proactive by taking calcium in their 20s and 30s to help build bones early. If you nourish your bones during your prime bone-building years, it can help you stay strong for life! In fact, to help young women take charge of their bone health, New Chapter created the FIRST daily calcium for women under 40. How Much Calcium Does Your Body Need? Daily recommendations for adults vary slightly. This list of general calcium recommendations is from the National Institutes of Health. In general, adults get some of their recommended daily calcium from food. But many people may not be getting enough. You can make sure you're getting adequate calcium intake by adding a calcium supplement to your day. (Talk to your healthcare professional with questions about the best calcium regimen for you.) Calcium and Bone Health The body stores calcium in your bones and will take any needed calcium from your bones if you're not consuming enough. You also experience bone loss just due to age— both men and women begin to lose bone density every year starting around age 30. This can lead to a condition called osteoporosis, characterized by weak, brittle bones that are prone to fracture. Fortunately, you can start today to protect your bone health and maintain your body's essential structure over the years. Take these steps to support strong, healthy bones: • Stay physically active! Weight-bearing and resistance exercises are shown to help prevent osteoporosis. These include walking, dancing, running, and lifting weights. (Talk to your healthcare professional before starting an exercise program.) • Eat well. The average diet provides some of the recommended calcium for adults. See below for some