The impact of calcium deficiency becomes increasingly debilitating as we age, contributing to various illnesses such as osteoporosis, rickets, epilepsy, and anemia.
Recent studies have shown that many adults in the United States who rely solely on food for their vitamin and mineral intake do not get enough calcium. Of the 38 percent reported in the study, over 90 percent also consume inadequate vitamin D levels.
Sufficient vitamin D levels are crucial for proper calcium absorption, bone repair processes, and maintenance of bone health. As a result, more people are turning to calcium supplements to meet their calcium needs and support bone health and overall well-being.
Selecting a safe and effective calcium supplement can feel daunting, but knowing what to look for in a quality supplement can help. In this article, we discuss the benefits of red algae calcium versus calcium carbonate supplements and give you some tips on how you can support your calcium levels through lifestyle management.
Let’s start by reviewing calcium’s impact on our health and well-being.
How Does Calcium Support Overall Health?
Calcium is an essential mineral, most well-known for its fundamental function in developing and maintaining healthy bones and teeth.
Alongside phosphorus, calcium provides the structural framework that gives bones their strength and density, including tooth enamel. The outer protective layer of the teeth, known as tooth enamel, helps prevent tooth decay and cavities.
As the most abundant mineral in the body, calcium also plays a significant role in bolstering our overall health.
Although 99 percent of the body’s calcium is stored in the bones and teeth, the remaining one percent is found in the blood and soft tissues. It is in that one percent that calcium serves several critical functions beyond bone health.
Here are some ways calcium supports overall health:
- Muscle Function – Calcium is released every time an electrical signal is sent from the nervous system to a muscle, allowing the fibers to contract.
- Nerve Transmission – Calcium helps regulate the release of neurotransmitters, which is vital for proper brain function and overall nervous system health.
- Cell Signaling – Calcium ions act as a secondary messenger in many cellular signaling pathways, helping regulate cell growth, metabolism, and hormone secretion.
- Heart Function – Calcium helps regulate the contraction and relaxation of the heart muscle, helping control the heartbeat and supporting proper cardiovascular function.
- Blood Pressure Regulation – Calcium intake from dietary sources may help manage blood pressure levels.
- Blood Clotting – Calcium ions facilitate the clotting cascade when an injury occurs, forming blood clots or coagulation and promoting wound healing.
- Promotes Weight Loss – High calcium intake may reduce calcium concentrations in fat cells, which increases fat breakdown.
Calcium is vital to our health and well-being. Still, it’s important to note that it works cooperatively with other essential minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamin D to support overall health.
Algae Calcium – Benefits of Calcium from Algae for Joint & Bone Health
Algae calcium provides numerous benefits for joint and bone health. This natural source of calcium supports joint integrity, bone density and strength and is safe for consumption. Let’s explore some more benefits of algae calcium.
#1 Better Absorption Rate
Algae calcium is an excellent elemental calcium source for supporting strong bones and teeth. Algae calcium has demonstrated that the body can easily absorb and utilize it. This enhanced absorption is also known as bioavailability.
The bioavailability of calcium is vital, especially for individuals struggling with malabsorption issues. People who have difficulty absorbing minerals from traditional sources can also benefit from the enhanced bioavailability of algae calcium.
#2 Sustainable Plant-Based Option
Supplements containing marine-sourced calcium have increased in popularity due to their excellent safety profile, plentiful reserves, and biological effectiveness. Since algae calcium is obtained from renewable marine sources, it is generally considered more environmentally friendly than calcium derived from traditional sources.
Over 50% of bones, fins, heads, and internal organs treated as waste each year can be harnessed to maximize the value of these biological resources and promote environmental sustainability. Sourcing calcium from marine resources minimizes the number of fishery products discarded yearly and reduces the risk of environmental pollution.
#3 Improve Bone Density
Adequate calcium intake is crucial for minimizing the risk of developing osteoporosis and reducing the risk of fractures and bone-related ailments. According to research, algae calcium may contribute to maintaining bone density and strength.
Additionally, algae calcium may have alkalizing properties, allowing it to help balance the body’s pH levels. High acidity, resulting from unbalanced pH, can lead to mineral loss from bones. Promoting a more alkaline environment may support stronger bones.
#4 Dozens Of Trace Minerals
In addition to calcium, red algae contain dozens of other minerals our bodies need – notably, magnesium, sodium, strontium, and potassium.
The mineral composition of red algae also includes zinc, boron, and iron, albeit at significantly lower levels, which are beneficial for joint health. These minerals reduce the risk of joint-related issues and maintain joint integrity.
#5 Lower Risk of Contamination
Traditional calcium carbonate sourced from animal bones and other sources may risk contamination with harmful elements such as heavy metals.
When improperly handled, animal bones can also potentially pose a risk of prion transmission. Prions are abnormal proteins that can cause neurodegenerative conditions.
Algae calcium, sourced from clean marine environments, lowers the risk of exposure to such contaminants.
Red Algae Calcium Vs. Calcium Carbonate
Red algae calcium and calcium carbonate are two common sources of calcium included in natural supplements formulated to support bone health. Red algae calcium and calcium carbonate have been shown to support bone and joint health effectively. Still, there are several reasons why red algae calcium is preferable for use in supplements.
The most common considerations for comparison include:
- Source and Sustainability
- Calcium Content and Bioavailability
- Alkalinity
Let’s look at each of these sources of calcium through the lens of the above factors.
Source and Sustainability
Red Algae calcium is derived from marine algae, specifically from red algae species like Lithothamnion. These algae absorb calcium and other essential minerals from seawater, leading to the formation of a natural and concentrated calcium source over time.
Calcium Carbonate is a compound found in rocks, limestone, and marble. It is the most common source of calcium used in traditional supplements.
Since red algae calcium is sourced from renewable resources, it is a more sustainable source for supplement use. Calcium carbonate, on the other hand, is less sustainable due to the finite nature of limestone and other rock formations.
Calcium Content and Bioavailability
Calcium carbonate and red algae calcium contain significant amounts of elemental calcium, making them both efficient sources of this essential mineral.
Red algae calcium can be easily absorbed and utilized by the body, while calcium carbonate is typically only well-absorbed when taken with food. Calcium carbonate requires adequate stomach acid for optimal absorption making it less bioavailable for people with low stomach acid or specific gastrointestinal issues.
Alkalinity
Calcium carbonate is alkaline, allowing it to act as an antacid when consumed in larger quantities. Supplements derived from red algae calcium may have alkalizing properties, supporting balanced pH levels.
More Ways to Boost Bone and Joint Health
Boosting your bone and joint health is essential for overall well-being at any age, but it is critical as we age. While algae calcium offers numerous potential health benefits, it should not be considered a healthy lifestyle substitute.
The following are a few ways to promote strong bones and joints over time naturally:
- Balanced Diet – A well-rounded diet should contain adequate calcium intake from various sources, including leafy greens, dairy products, fish with edible bones, and fortified foods and plant-based milk.
- Limit Processed Foods – Processed foods are often filled with unhealthy fats and high sodium levels, which may contribute to inflammation. Minimize the adverse effects of inflammation on bone and joint health by consuming whole, nutrient-dense foods instead.
- Exercise More Regularly – Make exercise a part of your daily routine. Be sure to include aerobic activities as well as resistance and weight-bearing exercises.
- Maintain Healthy Weight – Being overweight puts extra stress on joints, increasing the risk of joint pain and joint-related issues. Pursuing a healthy weight can alleviate joint stress.
- Avoid Prolonged Inactivity – Long periods of inactivity can lead to weaker muscles, bones, and joints. Strive to incorporate movement throughout the day, even if you only take breaks to stretch and walk around for 10-15 minutes.
- Minimize Vices – Alcohol and tobacco do not contribute to our overall health. Reducing how much you use these vices can help support a healthy lifestyle. Avoid excessive use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs.
- Joint-Friendly Supplements – Individuals who struggle to meet their calcium needs through diet alone may want to consider calcium supplements. Anyone who wants to support their bone and joint health can benefit from supplementation.
Ensure you get enough calcium for optimal health by making these lifestyle adjustments and supplementing with a high-quality calcium supplement like Icelandic Red Algae Calcium. Icelandic Red Algae Calcium is enhanced with vitamins and minerals to help increase bone density without causing adverse health effects.
