Calcium is the chemical element that builds and regulates our body. It is responsible for strong teeth and healthy bones. The proper concentration of this element ensures normal blood clotting and skeletal muscles contraction, as well as good night’s sleep and mood. We get recommended amounts of calcium from the food we eat. Sometimes, to avoid calcium deficiencies, a diet supplement should be considered.
Calcium is a chemical element essential for life. It is responsible for many functions of our body, for example, it is involved in metabolism and blood clotting. It also has anti-inflammatory and antiallergic properties, and ensures the proper functioning of the nervous system. Above all, calcium is an essential building block for bones and teeth. The more of the element is provided to our body in childhood and adolescence, the greater the chance we will have for a stronger, so-called peak bone mass, which is achieved roughly around 30 years of age. Between the age 30 and 50 it is stable, then begins to decrease. However, this process can start earlier, since up to 99% of calcium is deposited in the bones, and only 1% in the tissues. The body itself tries to maintain proper calcium levels. However, when calcium intake is inadequate, the calcium begins to be released from bones. This means bones decalcification and thereby an increased susceptibility to injuries and the possibility of osteoporosis. Calcium deficiency also leads to rickets or a tooth decay. It also affects the mood, as it can increase nervousness, irritability, and cause insomnia. An adult human requires about 1,000 mg of calcium per day. However, the demand for calcium varies with age and also depends on the gender. Children and adolescents during intensive growth, pregnant and breastfeeding women as well as menopausal women and older people need more calcium. Meanwhile, with food we provide about 400 mg of calcium per day, mainly with milk, cheese, yogurt and other dairy products. Also, fish are a rich source of calcium. In addition, the absorption of calcium may be reduced by drinking too much tea, coffee, alcohol, and consuming components of many products, e.g. phytic acid contained in cereals and legumes. A diet rich in sugar and fats also reduces the absorption of calcium. In the case of risk of calcium deficiency, in addition to a proper diet, supplementation is thus required. TIENS has created a series of calcium supplements, fitted to different needs of the body. Nutrient Super Calcium Powder is a universal product containing calcium and a set of vitamins. Each of the TIENS calcium supplements contains organic ionised calcium, well absorbed by the body (approximately 95%).
The preparation contains easily assimilable, ionised calcium compounds derived from calf bones. It is worth remembering that calcium is naturally found in the ionic form. Upon entry into the body, it is converted to molecular form (an insoluble calcium salt). Such a molecule cannot enter the cell, because only for ions can get across the cell membrane. Thus, it is better to use supplements containing ionised calcium, not calcium carbonate (derived from oyster shells, for instance), which is less digestible and may neutralise gastric juices. Vitamins help the body absorb calcium, hence their presence in the preparation. Vitamin D regulates homeostasis of calcium and phosphate in the body, which means the amount of calcium and phosphorus, absorbed in the intestine from food into the bloodstream, depends to a great extent on this vitamin. Vitamin D deficiency reduces calcium absorption, even when the diet is rich in this micro-element. This may finally result in bone demineralisation. Additionally, vitamin D regulates the metabolism and the function of the body's natural defence mechanisms, hence its deficiency increases the risk of infection. In contrast, vitamin K plays an important role in blood clotting, and has a significant impact on calcium metabolism and proper bone calcification. An additional ingredient contained in the product - vitamin C - is a powerful antioxidant, protecting against free radicals. In addition, it accelerates lipid metabolism, and is essential for collagen synthesis. It also ensures the proper development of cartilage, bones, teeth and keeps the capillary walls in a healthy condition. Another powerful antioxidant is vitamin E. Besides the antioxidant properties, it inhibits oxidation of the so-called bad cholesterol (LDL) preventing atherosclerotic plaque formation. It also prevents clot formation inside blood vessels. This TIENS preparation also contains vitamin A, which is a potent antioxidant neutralising free radicals responsible for ageing. This vitamin stimulates collagen production, which prevents loss of skin firmness, and accelerates the metabolism of the cells. Vitamin A is also known to affect the dark adaptation of our eyes. Its deficiency can cause thickening of the cornea, the transparent front part of the eye. In turn, the B group vitamins, are known to affect the metabolism and proper functioning of the digestive and nervous systems. Moreove,r they are essential to maintain healthy hair, skin and nails.
The product compounds exhibit a broad spectrum of activity:
- calcium, vitamin D and K - help maintain the proper levels of calcium in the body, which strengthens the bones, prevents osteoporosis and positively affects teeth condition,
- calcium, vitamin D - have a beneficial effect on the function of muscles,
- calcium and vitamin K - ensure proper blood clotting,
- calcium relieves the symptoms of allergies,
- calcium supports the proper functioning of the nervous system,
- vitamins E, A, C – keep the skin, hair and nails in healthy condition and prevent ageing
- vitamin D – enhances the body's natural defence mechanisms.
Dissolve ½-1 sachet in 100 ml of water at about 40ºC. The supplement should be taken at 30 minutes before food, once a day, preferably in the afternoon.
The preparation should not be used by children under 12 years. In case a doctor prescribes an antibiotic, inform them of taking calcium, as this may decrease antibiotic absorption.
Excess calcium is equally disadvantageous as its deficiency. Calcium supplementation should be consulted with the doctor, as for instance in patients suffering from kidney stones, excessive calcium intake may increase kidney stone formation. Excess calcium may also limit the absorption of other minerals such as zinc, magnesium, iron or fluorine. It is hence recommended to keep a three-hour break between supplements containing these elements.