Calcium supplements - how do they work?
Calcium - the mineral your bones can't do without.
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body, yet a large proportion of Danes do not get enough of it. The consequences can be serious: weaker bones, increased risk of osteoporosis, and reduced muscle function. In this article, we look at why calcium is crucial for your health, who is at particular risk of deficiency, and how to ensure the best possible absorption.
Most well-known calcium supplements on the market contain calcium in the form of calcium carbonate, a synthetically produced compound that the body must break down in stomach acid to absorb. Therefore, you should strongly consider where you get your calcium supplement from and how it is extracted. This is at least as important as taking a supplement itself.
What is calcium, and what does it do in the body?
Calcium is a mineral that makes up a large part of our bones and teeth. But that is far from its only function. Calcium plays a crucial role in:
- Muscle contraction, including the heart muscle
- Nerve conduction and signal transmission
- Blood clotting and immune system
- Regulation of enzymes and hormones
The bones also act as the body's calcium reservoir. When blood calcium concentration drops, the body releases calcium from the bones to maintain balance. Over time, this can lead to brittle bones — a condition known as osteoporosis.
How much calcium do you need?
The Nordic Nutrition Recommendations state that adults over 13 years of age need 800 mg of calcium daily. For seniors over 70, nursing home residents, and individuals at increased risk of osteoporosis, a daily supplement of 800–1,000 mg of calcium, combined with vitamin D, is recommended.
For individuals with osteoporosis, the Danish Osteoporosis Society recommends a total daily intake, from diet and supplements, of 1,000–1,200 mg of calcium, along with 20-40 micrograms of vitamin D. One capsule of our Calcium Matrix provides 290mg of Calcium, so with 2-3 capsules, you get 580 - 870mg.
Although calcium is found in many foods, studies show that a significant portion of the Danish population does not meet their calcium needs. Particularly vulnerable groups are:
- Individuals with milk allergies and lactose intolerance who avoid dairy products
- Seniors who eat less and absorb nutrients poorly
- Postmenopausal women, in whom bone loss accelerates
For this reason, many of you turn to our calcium supplement. Here, calcium is naturally bound to phosphorus, just as it occurs in the mineral structure of bones.
Calcium and Vitamin D: An Inseparable Pair
Calcium cannot be absorbed efficiently from the intestines without vitamin D. Vitamin D also directly stimulates bone cells and ensures that calcium is correctly deposited in the skeleton. At the same time, it reduces the excretion of calcium via the kidneys. Research shows that a combination of sufficient calcium and vitamin D can reduce the risk of bone fractures by up to 15% and hip fractures by up to 30%. To achieve this, it is not enough just to take calcium; vitamin D levels must also be adequate.
Most well-known calcium supplements on the market contain calcium in the form of calcium carbonate, a synthetically produced compound that the body must break down in stomach acid to absorb.
Here, our Calcium Bone Matrix is different, as it is naturally bound to phosphorus, precisely as it occurs in the mineral structure of bones, as described. Our Calcium Bone Matrix is made from marrow bone from grass-fed, certified organic Nordic cattle from Denmark and Sweden. The product is minimally processed to preserve the natural composition of macro- and micronutrients. This form of calcium is in its most biologically recognizable form for the body and thus differs from the synthetic variants in standard supplements.
It is, of course, also free from gluten, lactose, soy, and GMOs. It has also tested negative for pesticides, PFAS (forever chemicals), dioxin-like PCBs, and heavy metals such as arsenic, mercury, and cadmium.
Summary
Calcium is far more than a bone mineral; it is a cornerstone of the body's physiology. Many Danes do not get enough, and the consequences gradually show over time. A good strategy combines a calcium-rich diet with a well-chosen supplement and sufficient vitamin D.
If you choose a calcium supplement, it is worth considering the form in which the calcium appears. Natural calcium from bones, as found in Calcium Bone Matrix, differs from synthetic alternatives by coming from a biological context that the body recognizes.
Lone P.
I take the product faithfully every day - I'm convinced it helps me. I love the honest product.
Pia M.
It's great to find a natural, easily absorbable, and pure calcium product!
Deborah K.
Good products and service. I open the capsules and put the calcium in my morning smoothie.
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