5 Benefits of Taking Calcium Carbonate Supplements

Calcium Carbonate acts as a dietary supplement when the amount of calcium intake taken in the diet is not enough. Calcium is a much-required element in the body to build healthy bones, maintain heart health, and allow the nervous system to function well. Also, calcium is an antiacid to relieve acid indigestion, upset stomach, and heartburn.

It is an inorganic salt and a phosphate binder that treats hypothyroidism, osteoporosis, and many other disorders and conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, that lower serum calcium levels.

Let’s delve into this comprehensive article explaining the benefits of calcium carbonate supplements.

Achieving the right balance

Calcium supplements are the only way to maintain the proper balance if your diet falls short. In addition, it helps to balance blood mineral levels in people with chronic kidney disease.

Here is a list that provides the recommended daily amount of calcium intake based on age.

	Age	Recommended daily amount of Calcium
Men	19-50 years	1000 mg
	51-70 years	1000 mg
	71 and older	1200 mg
Women	19-50 years	1000 mg
	51 and older	1200 mg

This medication is sometimes used for other purposes; hence, ask your healthcare provider for more information.

What are the benefits of calcium carbonate supplements?

Calcium is vital for maintaining solid bone density and the functioning of nerves and muscles. Calcium carbonate is a form of calcium used to treat several conditions, such as:

1. Low blood calcium levels

Getting calcium in the correct quantity is the best way to reduce the risk of osteoporosis and support bone health. The amount of calcium absorption in the body changes over a lifetime. Infants absorb 60% calcium, and adults absorb only 25%.

As we grow older, the percentage of calcium in our bodies gradually decreases. This is why healthcare experts frequently advise older adults to incorporate a calcium-rich diet. However, if this alone is insufficient, including a supplement in your daily routine may be necessary. 

Given that vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium from the digestive system, healthcare professionals often suggest using a combination supplement that contains both calcium and vitamin D. 

Many multivitamins already include these components, making them a convenient choice for numerous individuals. It is worth noting that calcium deficiency is prevalent among individuals with various underlying health conditions. These conditions may include:

• Kidney disease
• Hypoparathyroidism
• Hypothyroidism

Certain medications affect calcium absorption, so a supplement is recommended to prevent low calcium levels. These medications include:

• Bisphosphonates 
• Calcitonin 
• Chloroquine 
• Anti-seizure medications
• Loop diuretics (water pills) 
• Corticosteroids
• Plicamycin Rifampin

2. Acid reflux

Calcium carbonate is used to relieve the sensation of heartburn that comes from acid reflux. The acid in our stomachs is essential for the breakdown of the food we eat, but if it escapes into the oesophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to your stomach), it causes damage and pain. 

If heartburn occurs seasonally, it is normal. Persistent heartburn may require treatment. Calcium carbonate supplements are used to lessen heartburn symptoms because they are acid neutralizers. As an antacid, calcium carbonate is recommended for people with: 

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the continuous return of acid from the stomach into the oesophagus 
• Stomach ulcers from the use of specific pain medications (NSAIDs)
• Indigestion (abdominal pain after eating)

3. Chronic kidney disease

Individuals with chronic kidney disease may occasionally experience a medical condition known as hyperphosphatemia, which refers to elevated phosphate levels in the bloodstream. Calcium carbonate can serve as a phosphate binder, aiding in reducing phosphate levels within the body.

4. Certain muscle disease

Calcium is essential for your bones, teeth integrity, and health. It acts as a messenger for other bodily functions and plays a role in nerve impulses, blood vessel tightening and relaxation, muscle contractions, and blood clotting.‌ 

It works closely with hormones like parathyroid hormone and calcitonin that impact your bone health. Your cells have open calcium channels to let calcium inside or outside, essential for muscle contractions and heart muscles.‌ The body controls your calcium levels, but low calcium levels are expected. Calcium carbonate supplements comprehend this condition and provide good calcium to the body.

5. Weak bones

Calcium plays a crucial role in our body. It is vital for the normal functioning of cells, nerves, bones, and muscles. If there is less calcium in the blood, the body will take calcium from bones. It results in the weakening of bones. Hence, it is necessary to have the right amount of calcium for building strong bones.

Who should take calcium carbonate supplements?

If you don’t get the recommended amount of calcium through your diet, calcium carbonate supplements can help fill the gap. You can take calcium supplements if you:

• have a high sodium or protein diet, which may cause the body to excrete more calcium
• follow a vegan diet
• have a health condition that limits the ability of your body to absorb calcium, such as inflammatory bowel disease or Crohn’s disease
• are being treated with corticosteroids over a long time
• have a history of gastric bypass surgery
• have osteoporosis

Precautions to be followed before taking calcium supplements

Before consuming calcium carbonate, it is imperative to inform your doctor and pharmacist about any allergies you may have towards calcium carbonate or any other medications. 

Additionally, it is crucial to disclose all prescription and nonprescription medications you are currently taking, particularly digoxin (Lanoxin), etidronate (Didronel), phenytoin (Dilantin), tetracycline (Sumycin), and vitamins. Refrain from taking calcium carbonate within 1-2 hours of consuming other medications, which may diminish their effectiveness. Furthermore, inform your doctor if you have a history of kidney disease or any stomach conditions. 

If you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or currently breastfeeding, it is essential to notify your doctor. If you become pregnant while taking calcium carbonate, promptly contact your doctor.

Food sources of calcium 

It is best to get nutrients from food rather than supplements. Nevertheless, if you think you don’t get sufficient calcium in your diet, you can consider eating more of these foods: 

• dairy, including milk, cheese, and yoghurt 
• canned fish with bones, such as salmon or sardines 
• certain leafy greens, including collard greens, spinach, and kale 
• edamame and tofu 
• beans and lentils 
• fortified foods and drinks

Final thoughts

Calcium carbonate supplements will help people at risk of osteoporosis and those who don’t get enough calcium in their diets. 

However, getting more than the advised amount of calcium from any source is expected to increase the risk of kidney stones. Calcium carbonate supplements are good in small doses, and the best way to get calcium is only from food. Take steps to incorporate calcium-rich foods into your diet, including non-dairy sources.

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