Chewable Calcium

Chewable Calcium

Remaining active and healthy throughout life requires the right nutritional support to keep your body strong and working properly. Often, dietary needs change with age, making it necessary to change the foods you eat or start on a supplement regimen to ensure that you continue getting all of the nutrients that you require. If your doctor has recommended that you begin taking a calcium supplement, Walgreens can help make supplementation easy with a selection of chewable calcium options.

What Is Calcium?

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in your body. Although it is mostly associated with keeping your bones healthy, your body needs a regular supply of calcium to perform a number of important functions, including nerve and heart function. It is best to get calcium from your diet if at all possible.

What Foods Contain Calcium?

Dairy products, dark green leafy vegetables, broccoli and some types of seafood and nuts all provide natural sources of calcium. You can also purchase products that have calcium added to them. These include cereals and orange juice.

What Is Calcium Used for?

About 99 percent of the calcium in your body is stored in your bones and teeth. Calcium is needed both to build bones and to keep them strong. Bone density gradually decreases with age. This can lead to an increased risk of fractures as well as the disease osteoporosis where small holes form in the bones. Studies have found that taking calcium supplements may help to diminish bone loss to keep the skeleton and teeth strong and lower the risk of these problems. As a result, doctors often recommend calcium supplements for older adults.

Other Uses for Calcium Supplements

Calcium is used by the body in a number of other ways. It is needed by the cardiovascular and nervous systems as well as by the muscles. Due to its functions in the body, calcium may have the ability to address other medical concerns. Doctors sometimes recommend calcium supplements for individuals who suffer from severe premenstrual syndrome symptoms, high blood pressure or high cholesterol. If you're interested in learning more about taking a calcium supplement for one of these conditions or another medical concern, your doctor or health care provider can provide you with information.

Is Calcium Deficiency Common?

Calcium deficiency is common in the United States. Calcium deficiency is common in women who have been through menopause, individuals who drink lots of coffee or consume large amounts of other caffeine-rich drinks and foods and people who take certain types of medications like corticosteroids.

Do I Need Calcium Supplements?

If your doctor believes that you may be deficient of calcium, he or she may recommend that you use a supplement daily. Oftentimes, calcium supplements also contain vitamin D, which is needed to help the body absorb the mineral.

Benefits of a Chewable Supplement

Chewable calcium supplements formulated to be taken every day are preferred by many people because they are easy to use. If you have difficulty swallowing or have a heightened gag reflex, a chewable supplement may be a potential solution for your needs. A chewable formula can also be taken without water, making it a convenient option for using supplements while traveling, at work or on the go.