Calcium is a vital nutrient required to maintain the strength of teeth and bones, vascular contraction and vasodilation, muscle formation, nerve transmission, intracellular signaling, and hormonal secretion. Most of the body’s calcium supply is stored in the teeth and bones, thereby supporting their structure and function. 1% is serum calcium, which is stored in blood, muscles and body fluids, which is used in the aforementioned metabolic functions.

The Institute of Medicine has recommended the amount of dietary calcium intake for various age groups:

• 200 mg for infants up to 6 months,
• 260 mg for infants of 7 to 12 months,
• 700 mg for 1 to 3-year-old children,
• 1000 mg for 4 to 8-year-old children
• 1300 mg for 9 to 13 year age group
• 1000 mg for adults
• 1200 mg for females above 50 years of age

Calcium deficiency results from inadequate amounts of calcium in the body. It occurs due to inadequate consumption of calcium over a prolonged period of time. Further, it can also be caused due to deficiency of vitamin D, phosphorus and magnesium, which help in calcium absorption.

calcium plays a crucial role in the functioning of the body and the deficiency of the same can lead to a whole series of problems. These problems not only hamper the functioning but can actually prove to be a threat under the most significant circumstances. Fatigue and weakness, muscle cramps, dry skin, and brittle nails, late puberty, tooth decay, frequent fractures, and bone breakage, insomnia are some of the symptoms of calcium deficiency. Calcium deficiency may lead to osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, and cancer. Hence, timely prevention and treatment of calcium deficiency are very important.

Calcium supplements are available in two forms, calcium carbonate, and calcium citrate. Following are few calcium supplement brands available in the the country.

Solgar calcium magnesium with vitamin D3
This supplement contains three nutrients which work synergistically in the body. One serving contains 1000 mg calcium (calcium citrate), 500 mg magnesium (as magnesium oxide and magnesium citrate) and 400 IU Vitamin D3. This is an effective supplement to boost your well-being. Solgar is a large scale nutritional company established in 1947.

Rainbow Light Calcium Citrate
Each serving contains 800 mg of calcium citrate, 800iu vitamin D3, spirulina, and horsetail. This product comes in the form of mini-tablets. Its gentle formula is effective for people with sensitive stomachs. Rainbow Light is a large scale nutritional company based in Santa Cruz, California and is in business for 30 years.

BlueBonnet Calcium Citrate Magnesium and Vitamin D3
One unit of this supplement contains 1000 mg calcium (as calcium citrate), 400 mg magnesium (as magnesium aspartate) and 800 IU vitamin D3. This product is manufactured by BlueBonnet Nutrition, founded in 1991.

GNC CALCIUM PLUS® 1000
This supplement contains 1000mg calcium, 500 mg magnesium, 800 IU vitamin D3. GNC is a popular distributor of health supplements.

Kirkland Signature Calcium Citrate Magnesium and Zinc
One serving of this supplement contains 500 mg calcium citrate, 80 mg magnesium oxide, 800 IU vitamin D3, and 10 mg zinc. It also includes vitamin B6, copper, manganese, and boron in small quantities.

Solaray Calcium Magnesium Zinc
A division of Neutraceutical, the product is manufactured by Solaray. One serving contains 1000 mg calcium (as calcium citrate, calcium carbonate, calcium chelate, and calcium hydroxide), 500 mg magnesium (as magnesium oxide, magnesium citrate, and magnesium chelate) and 25 mg zinc.

Swanson Calcium Citrate & Vitamin D
Swanson Calcium Citrate & Vitamin D is a supplement containing 630 mg calcium citrate and 400 IU vitamin D. This tablet contains less calcium than average; however, it comes with a bioavailable formula which results in a high absorption rate.

Citracal Calcium Plus D3 Slow Release
This is a product of Bayer, containing 1200 mg of calcium and 1000 IU of vitamin D3. Its slow release formula helps in slow and steady absorption of nutrients in the body.