Calcium is the most abundant mineral in our bodies. With about 99% stored in our bones and teeth, it is no wonder that we often associate the mineral with strong bones. The other 1% of calcium found in our body is used for nerve signaling, metabolism, hormone secretion, balancing pH, muscle contraction, maintaining heart rhythms, and more. Due to dairy intolerances, depleted soil, and poor dietary choices, many Americans aren’t getting enough calcium from their diets. What’s more, stress, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated beverages will deplete calcium stores.

Supplementing with calcium is recommended to maintain good health and strong bones. All calcium supplements are not created equal, however, so choose carefully. Ensure you only supplement with high quality forms of calcium and avoid supplements that use cheap forms of calcium. Here’s what to look for.

Forms of Calcium to Avoid:

The cheapest form of calcium is inorganic calcium carbonate – little more than gym chalk. Other cheap forms of calcium to avoid include bone meal, oyster shell, dolomite (ground rocks), and calcium gluconate (9% calcium and 91% sugar glucose). These forms of calcium require large amounts of hydrochloric acid to make bioavailable, thus they are poorly absorbed. Unabsorbed, these cheap calcium forms circulate through the blood calcifying your arteries and contributing to plaque, gall stones, or kidney stones. There is little chance these forms of calcium will improve bone strength.

Other low quality forms to avoid include calcium oxide, calcium citrate, dicalcium phosphate, and calcium chelates labeled as unidentified “amino acid chelates”. These forms are often made into tablets and glued together, causing them to pass through the digestive tract and into the toilet unaltered. Any company that uses these forms of calcium does not have quality – or your health – in mind.

High Quality Calcium Forms:

High quality forms of calcium include MCHC, coral minerals with a natural 2:1 calcium to magnesium ratio, calcium AEP, and calcium malate. These forms of calcium are highly absorbable. They work with cofactor nutrients like vitamin D, vitamin K, silica, and boron to build healthy bones.
Microcrystalline hydroxyapatite (MCHC) is a superior form of calcium, especially for bone health. MCHC is made up of small crystals that are easily incorporated into bone, which is what gives it its significant bone building advantage. Numerous studies in research support the use of the MCHC form of calcium supplement for bone support, in both young and old individuals.

High quality coral calcium naturally has the preferred ratio of 2:1 calcium to magnesium, along with many other trace minerals that assist calcium absorption and bone strength. Our coral calcium is harvested from non-living (eco-friendly) coral reefs in the pristine waters off the coast of Okinawa. A reputable company will test their coral calcium for impurities and radiation to ensure it is safe for human consumption. High quality coral calcium produces mineral ions that your body can easily use in countless metabolic processes, like a true food form.

With so many calcium supplements available over the counter now, it can be confusing. Ensure you only supplement with high quality forms of calcium that are easily absorbed. If you see any of the cheap forms of calcium mentioned above – don’t waste your money and be fooled into thinking that all calcium supplements are equal.

Wellness Resources formulates Daily Bone Xcel, Daily Builder, and Coral Calcium to provide your bones with high quality calcium and other cofactor nutrients to maximize absorption. Quality calcium supplementation is key for strong, healthy bones.