Calcium Plus

Please note the following referenced scientific research is for informational use only. The results reported below may not necessarily occur in all our customers. The information should not replace advice from your health care practitioner. This information should not be read to recommend or endorse any specific product.

Calcium is an essential mineral required for the proper functioning of a number of processes in the body e.g. regulating enzymes, muscle contraction like the regulation of our heartbeat, nerve conduction, heart function, hormone release, blood coagulation, energy production and immune function (Braun & Cohen 2015, 122). Calcium plays a key role in muscle contraction and is essential for building strong bones. Almost 99% of the body’s calcium is found in the bones. Our skeletons are a reserve of calcium to draw upon to maintain a normal level of calcium in the body, as we can not produce it.

Bone Health

  • Calcium is a major structural element of bone and teeth, this is where skeletal mineralisation takes place (Vannucci et al. 2018). 

  • A lack of calcium can lead to impaired bone strength making the bone ductile and weak (Ross et al. 2011). 

  • Studies support supplementation with calcium and vitamin D to reduce bone loss and the incidence of fractures (Dawson-Hughes et al. 1997).

Muscle Function

  • Calcium’s role in muscle contraction is very important as it helps to initiate muscle contraction, specifically the regulation of heart muscle contractions (Braun & Cohen 2015, 122). 

  • A cause of muscle fatigue during exercise in the impaired activity of calcium in muscle cells (Finsterer 2012).

  • Studies support a low calcium intake with a significant decrease in bone mineral density (Vannucci et al. 2018). 

  • Inside the muscle, calcium facilitates the interaction between actin and myosin, when contracting (NASM 2014).

References

  • Braun, L., and Cohen,Marc. 2015. Herbs & Natural Supplements An Evidence-based guide Volume 2. 4th ed. Australia: Elsevier.

  • Vannucci, L., Fossi, C.,Brandi, LM. 2018. “Calcium Intake in Bone Health: A Focus on Calcium-Rich Mineral Waters.” Nutrients, 10. 12 (Dec): 1930. 10.3390/nu10121930 

  • Dawson-Hughes, B., Harris, SS., Krall, EA., Dallal, GE. 1997. “Effect of calcium and vitamin D supplementation on bone density in men and women 65 years of age or older.” The New England Journal of Medicine, 337. 10 (Sep): 670-6. 10.1056/NEJM199709043371003

  • Ross, AC., Taylor, CL., Yaktine, Al. 2011. Dietary Reference Intakes for Calcium and Vitamin D. Washington DC: National Academies Press US. 

  • NASM. 2014. Calcium: For strong bones, muscle function, and so much more! https://blog.nasm.org/nutrition/calcium-strong-bones-muscle-function-much/

  • Finsterer, J. 2012. “Biomarkers of peripheral muscle fatigue during exercise.” BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 13. 218. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2474-13-218