What is the difference between coral calcium and calcium

Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. Coral calcium is a form of calcium derived from coral reefs. Much of the hype around using coral calcium for health purposes stems from the fact that the ingredient is harvested in Okinawa, Japan, an area well-known for residents with the longest life expectancy in the world. Some have tied the health of Okinawans to coral calcium intake via their water supply , but research does not back this up.

Several large health organizations have published reports to this end. In addition, the Federal Trade Commission FTC took legal action in , and won a subsequent appeal in , against companies who sell coral calcium supplements for making false and unsubstantiated claims that coral calcium could treat or cure serious diseases. The term coral calcium was made popular in the early s by Robert R. Barefoot who began to sell books, supplements, and other products promoting the purported benefits of this type of calcium and linking it to the health of Okinawans.

People have used coral supplements to treat conditions including multiple sclerosis , cancer, heart disease , and other chronic health problems. Studies, including the well-known Okinawa Centenarian Study, have shown that Okinawans not only live the longest but have low rates of heart disease and cancer. In fact, researchers involved with the Okinawa Centenarian Study have outright debunked the claim.

They issued a position paper in stating that the longevity of the Okinawans is instead due to their healthy lifestyle. Independent, high-quality studies supporting coral calcium as a dietary supplement or as a health treatment are limited and provided little evidence to support its use as a treatment for any illness or to provide health benefits.

Some even warn consumers that taking coral calcium may have adverse side effects. Coral calcium is calcium carbonate, the most common type of calcium on the market. Coral calcium isn't believed to be chemically different from other calcium carbonate products, as the aforementioned reports clearly state. Indeed, health experts have reported that coral calcium contains the same ingredients as calcium carbonate products, such as Tums, commonly found in grocery stores and pharmacies.

Although coral calcium supplements may contain small amounts of trace elements, such as manganese, there is no evidence supporting the potential benefits of these minerals in trace amounts. Dietary calcium—and potentially calcium supplements—may play a role in the treatment of certain conditions including bone loss, osteoporosis , colon cancer , heart disease, and hypertension. But investigators are still evaluating the extent of the benefits and whether or not supplements can be as effective as calcium consumed in food.

Coral is sometimes used by surgeons to replace bone. It is likely safe when used for this purpose. However, there is not enough evidence to determine if coral calcium supplements are safe when consumed by mouth. Furthermore, some coral calcium supplements may contain lead. People with shellfish allergies may develop allergic reactions after ingesting coral calcium supplements. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are advised to avoid coral calcium supplements. Coral calcium supplements are found in tablet and softgel forms.

There is no typical dose for coral calcium. It's important that you consult with your healthcare provider before starting coral calcium for a few reasons:. A coronary calcium scan is typically done to check for the buildup of calcium in plaque on the walls of the arteries of the heart. Coronary calcium scan scores range from 0 to more than A calcium score of zero means no identifiable plaque, while a score of above indicates extensive atherosclerotic plaque and significant coronary narrowing.

Calcification of the breast is often seen in women above the age of 50 years. Calcium deposits are easily detected by x-ray images because calcification is composed of calcium phosphate, similar to that in bone.

Coronary calcium is part of the development of atherosclerosis; it occurs exclusively in atherosclerotic arteries and is absent in normal vessel walls.

The amount of calcium in the walls of the coronary arteries, assessed by a calcium score, appears to be a better cardiovascular disease risk predictor than standard factors. Risks of Low Calcium Intake: As mentioned above, calcium is important for healthy bones and teeth, as well as for normal muscle and nerve function. There are health problems associated with low calcium levels: Children may not reach their full potential adult height, and adults may have low bone mass, which is a risk factor for osteoporosis and hip fracture.

Normal blood calcium levels are maintained through the actions of parathyroid hormone, the kidneys, and the intestines. The normal adult value for serum calcium is 4.

Only ionized calcium is transported into cells and metabolically active. Decreases in the ionized free fraction of calcium cause various symptoms. Hypocalcemia, or low-level calcium, most commonly occurs with low calcium absorption, vitamin D or K 2 deficiency, chronic renal failure, and hypoparathyroidism.

Risks of High Calcium Intake: Many factors can increase blood calcium levels. Although the body has a built-in regulatory process for calcium absorption and maintenance, underlying diseases, medication interactions, or overuse of supplements can cause high calcium levels.

An abnormally high calcium concentration can cause damaging health problems and requires medical treatment. Although dietary calcium is generally safe, excessive calcium does not provide extra bone protection. In fact, if calcium from diet and supplements exceeds the tolerable upper limit, it could cause kidney stones, prostate cancer, constipation, calcium buildup in blood vessels, and impaired absorption of iron and zinc.

Taking calcium supplements and eating calcium-fortified foods may increase calcium above normal levels. As a result, it is very important to stick to the RDA and not exceed the recommended dosage. The best way to treat calcium deficiency is to prevent its occurrence. Modification of risk factors is imperative, and pharmacists can play a large role in this area. They can recommend appropriate calcium and vitamin D supplements. Individuals, particularly women, at risk of low calcium should take foods and drinks rich in calcium and vitamin D, quit smoking, and increase weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercise.

Estimation of total usual calcium and vitamin D intakes in the United States. J Nutr ; 4 Straub DA. Calcium supplementation in clinical practice: a review of forms, doses, and indication, Nutr Clin Pract. Bunyardatavej N, Buranasinsup S. The truth Studies indicate that Okinawans probably owe their health and longevity to their diet , which is rich in vegetables, grains and fish, an active lifestyle, and strong familial ties throughout their lives.

Low levels of pollution could also play a role. As Barefoot, sometimes referred to as Dr. Barefoot or Dr. Robert Barefoot, Ph. Therefore, coral calcium is no different than any other type of calcium supplement in this regard. You can take this supplement with or without food.

Taking coral calcium with vitamin D may boost calcium absorption. Research is mixed on whether taking smaller, more frequent doses of calcium alone — rather than alongside other minerals — maximizes absorption 2.

Overdosing on coral calcium may result in excessively high blood calcium levels, or hypercalcemia, which may cause heart and kidney problems 2. The safe daily upper intake level UL for calcium is 2, mg per day for adults under the age of 50 and 2, mg per day for those 50 or older. These ULs are based on a combined calcium intake from foods and supplements. That said, excess calcium intake from supplements are considered more problematic 2 , Symptoms of hypercalcemia include poor appetite, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue , and an irregular heartbeat Depending on the medicine, you may need to wait a certain amount of time after medicating before you supplement with coral calcium.

Those currently taking any type of medication should consult their healthcare provider for advice before starting to take coral calcium supplements. Still, manufacturers typically recommend that it be kept at room temperature, in a dry location, and away from direct sunlight. Kidney stone risk is normally elevated during pregnancy, and excess calcium intake may further increase this risk.

Similarly, excess calcium intake while breastfeeding is associated with heart and kidney problems and may increase your risk of hypercalcemia Moreover, coral calcium supplements are sometimes contaminated with pollutants like mercury and lead, which may be passed on to your baby In such instances, coral calcium may provide more risks than benefits.

Although more studies are needed, a high calcium intake may be linked to an increased risk of heart disease and prostate cancer 2 , 12 , Hypercalcemia caused by excess calcium intake from supplements may also cause heart problems, kidney stones, and impaired kidney function. Thus, individuals with preexisting heart or kidney issues may wish to avoid all calcium supplements, including coral calcium 2 , Coral calcium is sometimes said to safeguard against certain cancers , but research is mixed — with some studies even suggesting a higher cancer risk 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , Yet, these benefits appear to be linked to specific compounds in soft corals, which differ from the hard corals used to make coral calcium supplements.