Calcium is usually associated with strong bones and teeth. It is one of the most abundant minerals found in the human body and 90% of calcium is found in bones and teeth. With age, the calcium deposits in the body start dwindling which may lead to deficiency. Calcium deficiency is one of the most common in adults, especially vegan people. It would be a good idea to include calcium supplements in your diet after consulting your doctor to bridge the gap between your daily food intake and your calcium requirements. Calcium tablets are ideal for – preventing bone loss, reducing the risk of osteoporosis, decreasing the activity of the parathyroid gland, and certain muscle diseases.
Some of the most common signs of calcium deficiency are – muscle cramps, hallucinations, extreme fatigue and tiredness, tingling feeling in hands and feet, weak and brittle nails, etc. If you notice any of these signs and symptoms, seek medical help at the earliest.
There are many calcium supplements available and it might get a little daunting to choose the best ones. GNC has been the world leader in wellness and fitness supplements for over 85 years so you know you’ll get the best quality. Get the entire range of GNC supplements on the official website – www.guardian.in
Calcium-rich foods
According to ICMR RDA, adult men, and women should consume 1000 mg/d, while the requirement for children in the age group of 4 – 18 years ranges from 550 to 1050 mg/d calcium.
You can get your daily dose of calcium by including calcium-rich foods in your diet. Some of the rich sources of calcium are –
- Kale
- Okra
- Milk
- Cheese
- Tofu
- Soy and soy milk
Benefits of calcium supplements
Don’t make the mistake of randomly choosing any calcium supplements off the internet and start taking them. Get in touch with your doctor. He/ she would recommend a blood test to know the calcium levels in your body and accordingly will suggest an appropriate calcium supplement. Some of the main benefits of calcium supplements are –
- Helps maintain bone health
Calcium impacts bone mass and bone density in a positive way. Taking an adequate amount of calcium in your diet strengthens the bones, thus, preventing the risk of conditions like brittle bones and osteoporosis.
- Maintains healthy and strong teeth
If you want strong teeth, then calcium-rich foods are your best friend. With age, the calcium deposits on your teeth start receding which may lead to dental problems. Including calcium supplements and eating a calcium-rich diet will strengthen the outer hard shell of your teeth that’s called the caramel layer.
- Help in muscle contraction
Calcium helps in transferring signals between the nervous system and muscle cells to coordinate muscle contraction and relaxation. It is especially required for facial movements and eye movements, to coordinate heart pumping, and movements of respiratory muscles.
- Beneficial for lactating mothers and post-menopausal women
The calcium requirements keep changing with the age and life stage of women. During pregnancy, as a lactating mother, and for post-menopausal women, the calcium requirements are slightly higher and it is a good idea to include premium quality GNC calcium supplements to get the daily dose of calcium.
- May help with fat loss
Various studies have shown that low calcium intake is associated with high body mass index (BMI) and high body fat percentage. It is recommended that if you take at least 600 mg of calcium every day with a calorie-restricted and healthy diet, you’ll see great results.
Who needs calcium supplements?
GNC supplements with calcium are ideal for –
- Teens and adolescents
- Elderly people (men and women above the age of 50 years)
- Post-menopausal women
- Pregnant ladies and lactating mothers
- Athletes and fitness enthusiasts
- People who are lactose intolerant
- Vegan and vegetarian people
Keep in mind that calcium supplements work as dietary supplements and are not a replacement for healthy meals. Have these supplements for at least 3 months and in conjugation with a healthy and nutritious diet, ample water intake, and optimum workout to see the best results. The right kind of calcium supplements will not just strengthen your bones and teeth, but also play an important role in muscular and nerve functions.
Best GNC calcium supplements
- GNC Calcium Plus with magnesium and vitamin D3
One of the best calcium supplements in India is GNC Calcium Plus with Magnesium and Vitamin D3. It is enriched with potent calcium and also has the goodness of vitamin D3 and magnesium, both of which are needed for proper calcium absorption and better metabolism. Magnesium and vitamin D3 work in synergy with calcium absorption. Since it has the goodness of calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D3, you don’t need to take separate supplements. Just one pill and you’d get all the nutrients for the day. Each serving provides 600 mg of calcium, 200 mg of magnesium, and 400 IU of vitamin D3. It is suitable for both men and women of all age groups. As a dietary supplement, take one tablet daily with food or as suggested by your doctor.
- GNC Calcium Citrate
Calcium citrate is also a popular GNC calcium supplement that you can include in your day-to-day routine. It provides 1000 m of calcium per serving. Calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth. Getting an adequate amount of calcium through a healthy diet and calcium supplements may reduce the risk of osteoporosis later in life. It is a kosher and vegetarian supplement. As a dietary supplement, take four tablets a day – two with breakfast and two with dinner.
Be careful about reading the dosage instructions of any calcium supplements. Do not consume excess amounts as it may trigger allergic reactions and can cause side effects. Some of the most common side effects can be – nausea, headache, vomiting, bloating, upset stomach, gas, rashes, redness, etc. If any of these signs and symptoms persist, stop taking the calcium supplements and consult your doctor.
If you are pregnant, a nursing mother, or someone with a chronic illness, then stay away from any random recommendations for calcium supplements. Only take the supplements that your doctor recommends.
