How to take calcium for weight loss. Finding in nature. Diseases, pathological conditions

Calcium gluconate is a drug that affects tissue metabolism. It compensates for the lack of calcium in the body - a mineral element necessary for the full formation of bones, reduction smooth muscle, skeletal muscles, transmission of nerve signals, etc.

The drug is sold in tablet form at 250/500 mg of the active ingredient and in injections. As additional components, the instruction indicates potato starch, anhydrous silicon dioxide, calcium stearate. One milliliter of injection solution contains 95.5 mg of calcium.

The daily dosage for a person varies from 900 to 1300 mg. It is practically impossible to get the necessary concentration of calcium with food, since not many people adhere to a rational and balanced diet. According to statistics, 90% of people suffer from a lack of calcium to one degree or another.

Calcium gluconate - mineral supplement used in medicine for the treatment of conditions accompanied by a lack of calcium in the body. Let's take a closer look at calcium gluconate, the benefits and harms of the drug?

Medicinal properties of calcium gluconate

Healthy hair, strong nails, normal work of cardio-vascular system- all this appears as signs that the human body has the required amount of calcium. Calcium gluconate is recommended to patients for the treatment of conditions that occur along with hypocalcemia.

Calcium gluconate is sold as white powder crystal structure, which is highly soluble in alcohols, plain water, ethers. The chemical compound restores the processes of transmission of nerve signals, regulates blood clotting, has a beneficial effect on the functionality of the myocardium, and takes an active part in the formation of bones.

• It is used in the treatment to level pathological conditions that are accompanied by hypocalcemia - weak conductivity muscle tissue, high permeability cell membranes and blood vessels;
• Helps improve the absorption of vitamin D in the body of men, women and children;
• Sufficient amount of calcium in the body - good prevention articular pathologies;
• Strengthens the body of children during the period of intensive growth and development;
• Restores the deficiency of the mineral substance against the background of the use of diuretic drugs, after taking drugs for epilepsy;
• Promotes speedy recovery in case of skin problems - dermatosis, eczema.

There is a particular benefit during pregnancy. Calcium is a building block for the skeleton, bones and central nervous system baby. He is needed for normal operation auditory and visual organs. The level of mental and physical development child.

One of the best means to compensate for the deficiency of the substance is calcium gluconate. But, before taking it, you must carefully study the instructions so as not to harm the body.

Features of calcium

Calcium gluconate is not harmful, but beneficial. This substance is needed by many people who do not get enough of the component from food. Ideally, the agent should be prescribed by the attending physician, taking into account laboratory tests showing the concentration of minerals in the body.

Reviews of medical specialists note that tablets and injections have certain indications for use. The tablet form is advisable to use in the following situations:

1. Violation of vitamin D metabolism in the body against the background of rickets, spasmophilia.
2. An increase in the amount of phosphates in the blood serum in patients with chronic heart failure.
3. Increased need for Ca during lactation, childbearing, adolescence, etc.
4. Insufficient or unbalanced nutrition containing a meager amount of mineral matter.
5. Fractures of bones, violation of calcium metabolism in the body.
6. Pathological conditions accompanied by increased leaching of calcium from the human body. For example, when chronic diarrhea, long bed rest. It is advisable to take long-term treatment diuretics.
7. Poisoning with oxalic acid, manganese salts. In this case, calcium acts as an antidote.

The advantage of Calcium gluconate is that the component accelerates recovery against the background allergic reaction, febrile syndrome, serum sickness. Used for bleeding different nature. Included in complex treatment bronchial asthma, violations of the functionality of the liver, nephritis.

Injections are used for certain diseases parathyroid glands, as an additional remedy for angioedema, liver intoxication. Calcium injections are prescribed for poisoning with salts of fluoric acid, with skin diseases- itching (even idiopathic nature), eczema, psoriasis.

Possible harm Ca

Calcium gluconate is generally well tolerated. However, it is not recommended to take pills mindlessly. They should only be taken after laboratory research, which evaluates the concentration of a mineral in the body. The content of Ca should be no more than 6 mEq / l.

Pills and injections have contraindications. Do not use against the background of organic intolerance. According to statistics, it develops in 0.01% of patients. Most often manifested by allergic symptoms, a violation of the digestive system. The clinic develops after the first or second application.

• Tendency to form blood clots in the vessels;
• High blood clotting;
• Deposition of stones in the kidneys;
• Sarcoidosis;
• Severe impairment of kidney function;
• The period of therapy with cardiac glycosides.

The remedy rarely leads to negative phenomena. But in exceptional situations develop side effects. Tablets can lead to a state of bradycardia, increased blood calcium, indigestion, painful sensations in a stomach. Occasionally, kidney problems appear - swelling of the legs, frequent trips to the toilet.

Intramuscular or intravenous administration provokes vomiting, liquid stool, nausea, sensation of heat in the mouth. With the rapid introduction of the medicinal liquid, it manifests itself increased sweating, blood pressure drops rapidly. In exceptional pictures, allergic or anaphylactic reactions are manifested.

Instructions for use

Ideally, the drug should be prescribed by a doctor. Tablets are drunk before meals - pre-crushed or chewed thoroughly. The dosage for persons over 14 years of age varies from 2 to 6 tablets at a time. Children from 3 to 14 are given 2-3 tablets up to three times a day. Reception is carried out within 2-4 weeks. The duration of the course is determined on an individual basis. For elderly patients, the maximum dose per day is 2 g.

Calcium gluconate for injection is administered by the intramuscular/intravenous route. Children over 14 years of age and adults are given one injection per day. Dose - 5-10 ml of solution. Injections are made once a day, every other day or one injection every three days. It all depends on how the patient feels.

For children under 14 years of age, the dosage is 0.1-5 ml. Before the introduction, the agent is heated to body temperature, injected very slowly. For a child under 14 years of age, the drug is administered exclusively intravenously, since there is big risk tissue necrosis.

It is permissible to replace calcium gluconate with other drugs that, in addition to Ca, contain vitamins, minerals, amino acids. Good complexes: Elevit, Vitrum, Vitacalcin, Multi Tabs.

Thanks to the skeleton, we are endowed with strength, our body has a shape. Calcium in the human body is the main component of bones - this is a well-known fact. But few people realize what other important functions are assigned to it. And a decrease in Ca stores leads to much more serious problems than thin nails or split ends.

The human body contains about 1 kilogram of Ca. Less than 1 gram perform a number of operations while in intercellular fluids and tissues. Due to this, a biological signal is transmitted and also implemented in tissues of various types at the cellular level. What is 1 gram of a mineral for, outside of bone tissue:

• are conductors of nerve impulses;
• responsible for specialization and cell division;
• contraction and relaxation of muscles;
• provides blood clotting function;
• participates in the synthesis of certain enzymes and hormones, and so on;
• regulates water exchange;
• maintains acid-base balance;
• reduces vascular permeability;
• has anti-inflammatory properties;
• promotes correct exchange carbohydrates.

How is Ca absorbed?

Calcium inorganic matter, which is ubiquitous, is invaluable to all living things.

The human body absorbs calcium with food. In turn, plants draw the mineral from the soil, and then saturate cow's milk. Ca is absorbed, mineral exchange occurs in the bone tissue, and the kidneys are responsible for excretion from the body. The necessary balance between all these processes is provided by a certain concentration of Ca in the blood.

Important! The required level of calcium is 2.16-2.5 mmol per liter of blood.

The blood contains:

• Ca ions - 50%;
• combined with albumin - 45%;
• Phosphate and citrate - 5% (anions).

Vitamin D3 (calcitriol) is the "conductor" of calcium in our body. His role is no less important. Thanks to the vitamin, the balance of calcium and phosphorus is maintained, substances are produced that regulate calcium metabolism in the body, and support muscle function. The vitamin is synthesized by the body itself under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. It is recommended to walk on a sunny day for at least 20 minutes. May come with quality seafood, liver and eggs.

Important! Compensation for mineral reserves is also affected by physical activity. For growth strong bones exercises with a barbell or dumbbells, easy running, regular walking are useful.

Alarming symptoms and consequences

People who are prone to fatigue, anxiety or irritability do not always think about a possible lack of minerals. More clear signs there will be stratification of nails and white blotches on the nail plate, dull, dry, falling out or graying hair.

Important! The daily norm of the mineral supplied with food should reach 840-1200 mg and not exceed 2500 mg.

The lack of both Ca and vitamin D will equally affect the functioning of the muscles, nervous system, vascular condition and blood pressure. A person may complain about the following phenomena:

• frequent convulsions, moreover, with the deepening of the deficit, convulsions appear in other parts of the body (epistome, femoral muscles);
• hypertension;
• tingling or hardening of the muscles with a long interruption in one position, painful sensations;
• paralysis of the facial nerve;
• the fragility of the vessels leads to severe bruising and bruising due to minor bruises, while the person often cannot remember what caused them.

Even if many symptoms of deficiency are on the face, they think about how to replenish its reserves, more often after unexpected fractures “out of the blue”. According to experts, a low concentration of the mineral leads to the development of more than 150 diseases in different body systems. Osteoporosis is recognized as the most common disease - thinning of bone tissue, resulting in:

• bones lose strength, become more porous and brittle;
• microcracks and fractures grow poorly;
• sore bones and joints;
• movement is accompanied by a characteristic crunch and discomfort;
• frivolous falls turn into bone displacement or crushing into several parts.

It is generally accepted that bone problems overtake people in old age. But such problems overtake the younger generation as well. Initially, due to soil depletion, the use of numerous growth stimulants and pesticides, supermarket foods, which were recently considered a mine of minerals, contain much less useful substances including calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. The impact of pollution is also detrimental to seafood.

Ca reserves also become scarce if:

• adhere to strict low-calorie diets, starve;
• disrupted bowel function due to allergies to any foods or dysbacteriosis (read how to treat this disease);
• often work in dusty rooms or with phosphates;
• there is an excess of iron, cobalt, zinc, magnesium, lead, sodium;
• During breastfeeding and pregnancy;
• Constantly take diuretics and laxatives;
• there is chronic, kidney, dysfunction of the parathyroid glands.

More severe consequences observed in children. Based on the above functions of calcium, a lack of a mineral inhibits the development child's body generally:

• disorders of the nervous system;
• abnormal structure of the eye lens, vision problems;
• teeth and bones are formed incorrectly;
• convulsions are observed;
• bad blood clotting.

Important! Calcium starvation from an early age leads to multiple sclerosis in adulthood.

When there is too much Ca

An excess of this substance may not manifest itself in any way. Causes of oversaturation include:

• the use of dairy products in large doses;
• on the background malignant tumor chest (in women), lungs, prostate(in men);
• a long course of nutritional supplements with calcium and vitamin D;
• excess vitamin D;
• hormonal disruptions;
• after a long or bowel;
• radiation therapy.

In some cases, hypercalcification masquerades as a deficiency: great weakness, psychological disorders, kidney failure. To distinctive features include: nausea with vomiting; constipation; arrhythmia; poor appetite.

The consequences of calcium accumulation take a serious form over time: kidney stones; ; deposits of calcium salts on the walls of blood vessels and their narrowing; heart valve calcification; dehydration; pancreatitis; spinal tuberculosis; oncological diseases and so on.

You can remove excess reserves with the help of diuretics and a diet without products with high content calcium. Distilled water is quite effective. There are no minerals in the chemical composition.

Important! You can drink distilled water for no more than 2 months. Since it actively dissolves and removes minerals, the body may lose strategic reserves. Next, you should switch to boiled or filtered water.

How to determine the amount of calcium in the body? People who are susceptible to such diseases should periodically monitor their performance. You can take a blood or urine test.

How to eat right to accumulate Ca

How is calcium absorbed? The mineral was retained in the body with the participation of magnesium (Mg) and phosphorus (P). Due to the deficiency of such minerals, calcium passes through the body in "transit" without being absorbed.

Important! Lack of magnesium provokes leaching of calcium.

The optimal balance of all 3 minerals contains cottage cheese. Also, the diet should include eggs, beans, fresh herbs, fish. Whole grain bread or cocoa will help fill the lack of magnesium.

Calcium is present in dairy products as lactate. The substance is almost completely absorbed. 20-30% less absorption of Ca from kale and greens, turnips, broccoli and almonds. In these products, the mineral is represented by citrate. Sesame is very useful and rich in Ca. 100g of grains per day or 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in the morning before meals is a good addition to the daily allowance.

Important! Dried apricots, due to the high content of potassium, prevents the leaching of calcium.

Fun fact: Contrary to popular belief, much more calcium is found in non-dairy products, as you can see from the table below.

What flushes out calcium? Do not abuse foods such as rhubarb, spinach, beets. It is recommended not to consume such foods along with calcium-containing foods. That is, cottage cheese - in the morning, and salad with beets - in the evenings. Oxalic acid and phosphates in their composition prevent the absorption of calcium. Salt, nicotine, excess coffee and fatty foods enhance mineral loss.

Important! With vigorous long-term training or visiting the sauna, calcium is excreted in the composition of sweat. It is important to make up for losses. A glass of kefir with greens is well suited.

Calcium tablets

Mankind has long been asking the question: how to make up for the loss of Ca in an unbalanced diet. So a lot of products artificially enriched with various minerals appeared.

Also, the pharmacy industry annually supplies customers with huge amount calcium preparations. Exists misconception that it is better not to consume foods with high content calcium and tablets at the same time. Since there is a risk of oversaturation of the body with this mineral.

First, tablets labeled " daily dose"Unable to fully meet the norm, since artificial additives are much worse absorbed. Secondly, by combining natural and tableting sources of calcium, the natural mineral is first absorbed and helps to better absorb dietary supplements. Third, calculate your calcium dose with your doctor.

Basically, Ca exists in three forms:

• Phosphate Ca - more expensive, quickly absorbed, does not cause difficulties with stools and flatulence;
• Ca carbonate is the most readily available and widespread form of the mineral, contains 40% of the mineral, but can cause complications such as constipation and/or bloating;
• Ca citrate - a plus is that the drug can be taken regardless of the nutrition schedule, it is equally well absorbed, contains 20% of the mineral; minus: can cause constipation and bloating, flatulence, but to a lesser extent.

Choose vitamin D supplements for more effective treatment Ca deficiency. At long-term use such drugs should periodically monitor the level of calcium.

Anton Palaznikov

Gastroenterologist, therapist

Work experience more than 7 years.

Professional skills: diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and biliary system.

Calcium (Ca) is one of the most important macronutrients for the human body, involved in the construction of tissues and metabolism. The element ranks fifth in the list of all minerals found in the body, accounting for about 2% of a person's weight.

The role of calcium in the body cannot be overestimated. In addition to the well-known building material for bones and teeth, the macronutrient regulates the contractile function of the heart, nourishes the nervous tissue and participates in impulse conduction, lowers cholesterol, regulates blood pressure, takes part in the transport of nutrients through cell membranes, and much more.

Calcium is extremely important for pregnant women - only with proper intake it is provided physiological development fetus and the normal state of health of the expectant mother.

The amount of calcium in the body

In newborns, there is about 30 grams of calcium in the body. Gradually, the amount of calcium increases in adults and is approximately 1000-1200 g (per average weight 70 kg). The daily intake of calcium from food depends on age and gender:

Reasons for the development of calcium deficiency

Behavioral and external causes

• Insufficient intake of calcium from food, which is often observed when following certain diets for weight loss, unbalanced diet, vegetarianism, starvation, neglect of dairy products, etc.
• Low calcium content in water.
• Smoking, excessive passion for coffee (accelerate the excretion of Ca).

Diseases, pathological conditions

• Violation of the absorption of a macronutrient in the intestine, which occurs against the background of dysbacteriosis, candidiasis, food allergies, chronic enterocolitis, etc.
• kidney disease, hematopoietic system, pancreas (pancreatitis), thyroid gland(familial, idiopathic, postoperative hypoparathyroidism, in which hypocalcemia develops due to increased production of parathyroid hormone by the parathyroid glands).
• Osteoporosis (treatment)
• Lack of estrogen
• Rickets
• Indigestibility of lactose (dairy and other products containing the element).

Metabolic disorders

• excess in the body the following items: lead, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, cobalt, potassium and sodium, which contribute to the excretion of calcium.
• Deficiency in the body of vitamin D3, which is involved in the assimilation of the element and its incorporation into cell structures (the norm for an adult is from 400 to 800 IU).

Other reasons

• An increased need for an element, which is observed during the period accelerated growth, during pregnancy and lactation (calcium is used to build fetal tissues or enrich breast milk), increased physical and mental stress (accelerated consumption), menopause (lack of estrogen that absorbs calcium).
• Old age (impaired absorption of calcium).
• Treatment with diuretics and laxatives (accelerated elimination).

Symptoms of calcium deficiency in the body

• Weakness, fast fatiguability, decreased performance.
• Nervousness, irritability.
• Dryness and peeling of the skin, brittle nails. excessive sweating scalp.
• Tooth decay, caries.
• Numbness of the fingers, face, cramps, pain in the legs and arms.
• Signs of osteoporosis are bone fragility, frequent fractures or cracked, deformed bones.
• Violation of cardiac activity up to the development of heart failure, tachycardia.
• Subcapsular cataract (with prolonged hypocalcemia).
• Increased bleeding, impaired blood clotting.
• Reduced immunity, which is expressed by frequent infections.
• Increased sensitivity to cold weather (aches in the bones and muscles, chills).
• Signs of calcium deficiency in children: violation of the formation of teeth and bones, pathological changes in the lens of the eye, disorders of the nervous system, excitability, convulsions, poor clotting blood.

Diagnosis of hypocalcemia

Diagnosis of the condition is carried out on the basis of patient complaints and laboratory determination element in the blood serum (norm 2.15 - 2.50 mmol / l).

Treatment - how to make up for the lack of calcium

• Therapy acute condition hypocalcemia is carried out in a hospital, tk. this situation is life threatening.
• A chronic deficiency of a macronutrient requires taking calcium supplements, vitamin D3 and other elements, normalizing the diet and eliminating behavioral factors and foods that impair the absorption of Ca or contribute to its loss.

Therapeutic drugs are prescribed in such a way that the daily intake of the element is approximately 1.5-2 g. Vitamin D preparations are selected in an individual dosage, based on the needs of the body. The course of treatment, as a rule, is long and is set individually. The modern pharmaceutical industry produces combined preparations containing both calcium and vitamin D3 and other necessary pharmacologically active substances.

Calcium preparations

Pharmaceutical preparations are prescribed for the treatment and prevention of conditions and diseases associated with hypocalcemia, as well as to accelerate the healing of bone fractures. Features of calcium preparations:

• The composition should indicate the amount of elemental, pure calcium;
• The best digestibility is achieved with simultaneous reception with food;
• Caffeine, carbonated drinks and alcohol significantly impair the absorption of the element;
• Poor digestibility is also characteristic when combined with antibiotics from the tetracycline group, laxatives, anti-inflammatory and anticonvulsants;
• Often calcium preparations cause side effects in the form of abdominal pain, nausea, constipation.
• Each drug has a number strict contraindications(pregnancy, urolithiasis disease tuberculosis, chronic renal failure, childhood etc.).

All drugs from this category can be divided into 3 groups:

• Monopreparations containing a macronutrient in the form of a salt: calcium carbonate (40% of the element), calcium citrate (21%), calcium gluconate (9%), calcium lactate (13%), etc.
• Combined preparations, including calcium salts, vitamin D and other minerals. Vitamin D is involved in calcium metabolism, synthesis and maintenance of bone architectonics, therefore, such dosage forms more effective: Calcium D3 Nycomed, Calcemin, etc.
• Multivitamins. They contain several vitamins and minerals in prophylactic dosages and are intended for the prevention of hypocalcemia, and are also prescribed as an additional source of the element: Multi-tabs, Alphabet, etc. (calcium content per 1 tablet 150-200 mg).

Popular drugs

Calcium carbonate and Magnesium carbonate

Rennie 130 -200 rubles. (menthol, orange, mint). Contains calcium in the bound system form, 680 mg calcium 80 mg magnesium hydroxycarbonate in 1 chewable tablet. It is used to eliminate the shortcomings of these elements, and also has an antacid effect. It is intended for use by adults and children over 12 years old - 2 tab. after eating, dissolving in the mouth (maximum 11 per day).

Calcium chloride

In 1 ml - 0.1 g of calcium chloride. Medicine prescribed for hypocalcemia, diseases of the thyroid gland, blood vessels. Available as a solution for intravenous administration adults (15 ml 2-3 r per day) and children (5-10 ml 2 r per day), diluted with glucose or sodium chloride.

Calcium carbonate + Colecalciferol

• Calcium D3 Nycomed (500 mg + 200 IU 400 rubles)
• Complivit Calcium D3 (500 mg + 200 IU 120-170 rubles)
• Vitrum calcium with vitamin D3 (500 mg + 200 IU 500 rubles)
• Natekal D3 (600 mg + 400 IU 320 rubles).

Popular combined preparations that compensate for the deficiency of the element and improve its absorption. Under the action of the drug, the absorption of elements in the gastrointestinal tract is regulated, increased synthesis of parathyroid hormones is prevented, and bone resorption increases. FROM therapeutic purpose the dosage is selected individually. From prophylactic:

• children 4-11 years old - 1 t 2 r per day
• children over 12 liters and adults - 2 tons 3 r per day.

Calcemin Advance

30 pcs. 360 rubles, 120 pieces 800 rubles. Calcium citrate + carbonate 500 mg, vitamin D3 5 mcg - complex drug, designed to eliminate calcium deficiency and prevent conditions in adults and children from 12 years of age. Contains calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, boron, cholecalciferol. It is taken 1 t 2 times a day.

Marine calcium

100 pieces. 100 rub. Available in several variations - with magnesium, zinc, selenium, vitamin C, iodine. Belongs to the category of dietary supplements and acts additional source of these elements during pregnancy, lactation and menopause in women, intensive growth in adolescents, etc.

During the entire period of treatment, it is necessary to control the level of serum calcium - every week during the first month, then the multiplicity decreases.

Eggshell from lack of calcium in the body

Many sources traditional medicine promote consumption eggshell as natural source calcium. Indeed, the egg shell is 90% calcium. But research recent years showed that the digestibility of the element from the shell is very low, even when used with lemon or something else. Therefore, consider eggshells as an alternative to a balanced diet or therapeutic drugs, not worth it.

Sources give the following recipe for preparing eggshells: thoroughly washing and removing a thin inner film from it, the shell is dried and ground into powder. Take half a teaspoon a day with meals, adding a couple of drops lemon juice. The course is 1.5-2 months, once every six months.

Calcium for the elderly - myths and reality

As you know, the risk of developing osteoporosis increases significantly in older people, and many, taking care of their health, increase their consumption of dairy products for sufficient calcium intake in the body. New Zealand scientists have questioned the need for a higher proportion of calcium to strengthen bones for people over 50 years old.

• Mark Bolland, along with a team of researchers from the University of Auckland, analyzed 2 studies that looked at the effect of calcium on bone density. One of them covered age group over 50 years old (13790 people). As it turned out, permanent reception calcium supplements and foods with a high content of the element increased bone density by only 1-2%.
• Another study found a relationship between the incidence of bone fractures and calcium intake. More than 45,000 people participated in the survey. It turned out that regular intake of a macronutrient does not in any way reduce the likelihood of bone fracture.

Thus, the scientists concluded that there is no reason to take calcium supplements or switch to diets with a high content of the element in foods (at the same time, calcium should be supplied with food in the daily requirement).

But sufficient physical activity, in particular, jumping for 2 minutes daily is good. preventive measure osteoporosis for the elderly. But let's not forget that this is just one study that concerns a specific group of people without taking into account comorbidities and features of the body. If a doctor recommends taking calcium supplements for confirmed hypocalcemia or a tendency to hypocalcemia, his recommendations should be followed.

Prevention of hypocalcemia

Prevention of this pathological condition for healthy people who do not suffer from diseases that lead to Ca deficiency consists in a number of elementary things that everyone can do.

• Daily consumption of foods containing a sufficient amount of a macronutrient that can satisfy the daily need for it;
• The use of foods rich in vitamin D, which ensures the transformation of Ca in the body and its better absorption (sour milk, vegetable oils, eggs, seafood, fish liver, fish fat, oatmeal, greens);
• Prophylactic intake of vitamin D for children in the autumn-winter period (on the recommendation of a doctor);
• Sufficient location for sunshine during safe hours, excluding the period from 12 to 15.00, which ensures the synthesis of vitamin D in the human body;
• Periodic use of balanced vitamin-mineral complexes, but on the recommendation of a doctor and observing physiological dosages. Medical prevention hypocalcemia is especially relevant for pregnant, lactating and elderly women;
• Compliance with due physical activity, feasible sport.

Foods containing calcium

A nutritious diet with enough calcium is the best prevention and hypocalcemia, and diseases associated with a lack of a macronutrient. It is easy to calculate the proper consumption of certain products, knowing the daily rate and the amount of the element in 100 grams of the product. There is a lot of calcium in dairy products, however, with age, their digestibility worsens, so you should not rely only on this source of the element. Also, a large amount of calcium is found in vegetables, seafood, nuts.

Some features related to the absorption of calcium

• The digestibility of Ca from milk is only 30%;
• Products plant origin characterized by 50% macronutrient digestibility;
• The diet should be rich in foods containing vitamins D, C and magnesium;
• Nicotine, alcohol, coffee, soda (especially cola), sausages, smoked meats contribute to Ca leaching and impair its absorption;
• Salt also contributes to the removal of the macronutrient from the body and negatively affects the gastrointestinal mucosa, impairing absorption.
• The average daily intake of calcium for an adult should be 1000-1500 mg. This amount is due to the fact that not all of the calcium listed in the food list is absorbed by the body.

What foods contain calcium - table (amount of calcium - mg per 100 g of product)

Calcium is a trace mineral that affects the health of hair, nails, bones and teeth. That is why it is necessary to ensure that the body receives a sufficient amount of this substance. If necessary, you should take calcium supplements, which are prescribed only by a doctor. In this matter, one should adhere to the golden mean and remember that both a deficiency and an excess of this microelement brings significant harm to health.

Why does the body need calcium?

Among the main functions of this microelement, the following are distinguished:

• participates in the process of blood coagulation;
• normalizes the metabolism of carbohydrates and sodium chloride;
• promotes proper formation human skeleton;
• controls muscle contraction and hormone secretion;
• reduces the permeability of the vascular walls;
• has an anti-inflammatory effect.

When to Take Calcium Supplements

To answer this question, you need to know how much calcium per day should enter the body. An adult needs 0.8 g of a trace element per day. For women who are pregnant and breastfeeding the baby, the rate increases to 1 g. As for children, according to international standards, daily requirement the child's body in calcium is:

• in crumbs up to 6 months - approximately 500 mg;
• in babies from 6 to 12 months - up to 700 mg;
• in children from 1 year to 10 years - at least 900 mg;
• in adolescents 11-16 years old - 1200 mg.

An increased amount is required for those who play sports, constantly contact ( professional activity) with dust that contains phosphates and fluorine. If a person uses steroid hormones and glycocorticoids for treatment, then the daily need for calcium also increases.

A lack of calcium can also occur if you follow a low-calorie diet, as the intake of the trace element in the body decreases. Such people need to monitor the sufficient intake of this component in the body with food, otherwise the desire for beautiful figure can be very expensive - health.

If a person does not receive a sufficient amount of this trace element with food, then it is necessary to additionally use preparations containing calcium. The price for them is different: there is both expensive means and inexpensive, but effective drugs with calcium.

Indications for use

It should be noted right away that it is necessary to take drugs that contain calcium only as directed by a specialist; it is unacceptable to prescribe medications on your own. So, let's figure out when you need to take additional calcium-containing drugs:

1. Increased gastric acidity due to a large number of hydrochloric acid. This condition is typical for stomach ulcers, gastritis, occurring in acute and chronic form, duodenitis, erosions formed in the gastrointestinal tract, reflux gastritis.
2. Rickets. childhood disease, arising from a significant lack of calcium and other trace elements and manifested by a violation of the growth of the child's bones.
3. A large number of caries-affected teeth in both adults and children.
4. Hypocalcemia, or a decrease in the amount of calcium in the body. It develops as a result of impaired absorption of the trace element, its insufficient intake with food, as well as due to the use of corticosteroids and in kidney diseases.
5. Tetany. This is a pathological syndrome that develops in muscle tissues and provokes their hypertonicity.
6. Osteomalacia. A disease associated with a decrease in bone mineral density. It does not lead to any functional disorders, but serves as a signal of developing osteoporosis. Osteomalacia can be detected using densitometry.
7. Osteoporosis. A disease that occurs as a result of a significant decrease in bone mineral density.
8. Postmenopausal women with signs of osteoporosis. AT this case Treatment is supplemented with vitamin D.
9. To eliminate the symptoms of hyperacidity that develop after drinking coffee, alcoholic beverages, nicotine, certain medications, and also as a result of non-compliance with the recommended diet.

Classification of calcium preparations

All medicines containing calcium are divided into three groups. Each has its own specific application. What is the best calcium preparation? This can only be determined by the attending physician, taking into account the peculiarities of the course of the disease and the well-being of a particular patient.

Monopreparations

These are medicines that include calcium without any additives. The list of such drugs is quite wide:

• calcium carbonate;
• calcium citrate;
• calcium lactate;
• calcium sandoz;
• Vitacalcin;
• Scoralite;
• Additive calcium.

Combined

Unlike monopreparations, vitamin D and other microelements are added to the composition of the combined ones. The advantage of combined drugs is that the body receives two important components- calcium and vitamin D. The latter is also important for the health of bones and teeth. To combined means include the following:

• Calcium D3 Nycomed;
• Calcemin;
• Calcium D3 Classic;
• Complivit calcium D3;
• Natecal D3.

Multivitamin

The composition of calcium multivitamin preparations contains many vitamins and microelements, so the human body is enriched not only with calcium, but also with other useful and necessary components. It's about about preparations-vitamins with calcium, namely:

• Vitrum;
• Sana-sol;
• Multi-tabs;
• Elevit.

Mode of application

In order to receive from treatment maximum benefit for health, it is necessary to take correctly medical preparations strictly following the recommendations of the doctor. Consider the method of application, the dosage of some drugs.

1. Calcemin. Recommended for adults and children over 12 years of age, one tablet twice a day. The drug must be taken either with meals or immediately before meals. The duration of the course of treatment is determined by the doctor individually for each patient.
2. Multi-tabs. Can be used by adults and children over 4 years of age. The drug is taken once a day with or after meals. The duration depends on the degree of calcium deficiency in the body and is determined strictly individually.
3. Vitacalcin. It is prescribed in the amount of 250 - 1000 mg per day. The tablet is recommended to be chewed and washed down with a glass of water. If the form of the drug is effervescent tablets, then they are dissolved in 200 ml of water.
4. Vitrum. Take adults and children over 12 years of age during or after meals, one tablet per day for 30 to 60 days.

It should be noted: if therapy lasts for a long time, periodic monitoring of the amount of calcium in the urine and blood is necessary.

Can I take during pregnancy and lactation

During pregnancy, calcium supplements are allowed from the second trimester and not earlier than after the 13th week of gestation. During breastfeeding it may also be necessary to take additional calcium supplements. Let's get acquainted with the signs that indicate a calcium deficiency in the body of a woman who is pregnant or breastfeeding:

• rapid destruction of a large number of teeth;
• fragility of nails and hair develops;
• the risk of early delivery;
• late gestosis of pregnant women;
• severe toxicosis in the early stages;
• risk of abortion;
• increased nervousness and anxiety;
• cramps in the lower extremities;
• muscle tone is increased;
• primary weakness of labor activity.

The doctor may prescribe the following drugs with a lack of calcium in expectant and lactating mothers:

• Calcium D3 Nycomed, which contains 500 mg of calcium, as well as vitamin D, which contributes to better assimilation calcium;
• Calcium gluconate also has 500 mg of calcium in each tablet;
• Vitrum, Elevit, Pregnavit and others multivitamin complexes, which are intended for both pregnant women and nursing mothers;
• Calcemin contains 250 mg of calcium in each tablet, the drug has a significant advantage - it is better and faster absorbed by the woman's body.

The dosage of all drugs, the duration of therapy is determined by the attending physician.

Contraindications to the use of calcium preparations

The main contraindications to the use of drugs containing calcium are the following diseases and states:

• hypercalcemia, i.e. an increased amount of a trace element in the body;
• individual immunity of the drug components;
• hypersecretion of the parathyroid glands;
• malignant neoplasms with metastases in bone tissue;
• urolithiasis disease;
• chronic kidney disease, in which organ failure is observed;
• multiple myeloma;
• phenylketonuria.

Side effects

Undesirable effects include such manifestations as:

• allergic reaction in varying degrees gravity;
• nausea and vomiting;
• pain in the abdomen;
• flatulence, stool disorders;
• hypercalcemia (develops as a result of excessive intake of calcium with drugs).

Calcium preparations will help to cope with the problem of calcium deficiency in the body, if the patient strictly follows the appointment of a specialist.

Probably everyone has heard about how important it is in human body- calcium. But he wondered if he was also about whether there was enough calcium in his body - a big question.

Unfortunately, in practice, we begin to worry about the level of calcium in our body, only after the occurrence of health problems.

This is absolutely the wrong approach. According to experts, patients seek treatment only when acute symptoms: brittle nails, hair loss, osteoporosis, fractures, dental problems.

What are the functions of calcium in the body?

Calcium plays a huge role in the healthy functioning of the body. It performs a number of indispensable functions:

• Bone growth and renewal
• Regulates blood pressure
• Participates in metabolism
• Plays a role in the transmission of impulses between nerve cells
• Reduces the amount of cholesterol in the blood
• Essential for hormone production
• Participates in the process of muscle contraction
• Important in the mechanism of blood coagulation

In order to increase the level of calcium in the body, there are two ways.

The first is taking calcium supplements. The second is a diet that includes daily allowance calcium.

in the body, the process of "self-extraction" of this required element. This happens due to washing it out of the bone tissue.

Naturally, a decrease in calcium in bone tissue leads to negative consequences in the body:

• Thinning and fragility of bones
• Osteoporosis
• Brittleness of teeth and nails
• Stopping growth in children
• Tingling in the limbs up to convulsions
• Numbness of the upper and lower extremities
• Severe gum pain
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure

A special risk group for calcium deficiency in the body are children, adolescents and women over 50 years of age.

Experts advise not to expect the onset serious problems in the body due to calcium deficiency.

It is only necessary to maintain the level of the bone strengthening element by observing rational nutrition rich in various vitamins.

Nutritional Features for Healthy Bones

AT modern science about proper and expedient nutrition, there are a lot of tips and rules on how you can get calcium from daily foods.

The problem is that some foods saturate bone tissue with calcium, while others, on the contrary, weaken it.

The daily requirement of calcium for an adult is 1200 mg of calcium. And unfortunately, according to statistics, three out of four people do not receive this full-fledged norm.

At the same time, the body cannot absorb more than 500 mg of calcium at one meal. It is important to distribute calcium-containing foods over several meals.

The table shows the main foods from which it is easiest to get calcium.

To common mistakes in nutrition, aimed at the absorption of calcium are.

This allows the body to get enough vitamin D, which is necessary for the absorption and absorption of calcium.

Preparations and vitamins containing calcium

When the symptoms describing a lack of calcium are very acute, as a rule, following a calcium-containing diet is no longer enough.

In such cases, doctors prescribe complexes of drugs that contain calcium.

Among the popular drugs prescribed to increase calcium levels, there are such.

1. Calcemin. Assign to children from 5 years and above. It is also used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The form of tablets is capsules.
2. Calcium D3 nycomed. It has indications, like the previous drug. The peculiarity is in the form - these are chewable tablets.
3. Vitrum Calcium+Vitamin D3. Appointed from the age of 12. Pharmacological form- tablets. It is recommended to swallow without chewing.
4. Complivit Calcium D3. Application from 3 years. Has flavors. There are side effects in the form of rashes and stomach upsets.
5. Calcepan. Designed for women over 50. Produced in the form of a dragee.

It is important to remember that excess calcium can also lead to various diseases. Therefore, it is not necessary to independently prescribe courses of treatment with calcium-containing tablets.

assign type medicines, dosage and duration of their use can only be a doctor, taking into account the characteristics of each patient.

History of calcium

Calcium was discovered in 1808 by Humphry Davy, who, by electrolysis of slaked lime and mercury oxide, obtained a calcium amalgam, as a result of the distillation of mercury from which the metal remained, which received the name calcium. in latin lime sounds like calx, it was this name that was chosen by the English chemist for the discovered substance.

Calcium is an element of the main subgroup II of group IV of the period of the periodic system chemical elements DI. Mendeleev, has an atomic number of 20 and an atomic mass of 40.08. The accepted designation is Ca (from Latin - Calcium).

Physical and chemical properties

Calcium is a reactive, soft, silver-white alkali metal. Due to the interaction with oxygen and carbon dioxide, the surface of the metal tarnishes, so calcium needs a special storage regime - a tightly closed container in which the metal is poured with a layer of liquid paraffin or kerosene.

Calcium is the best known necessary for a person trace elements, the daily requirement for it is from 700 to 1500 mg for a healthy adult, but it increases during pregnancy and lactation, this must be taken into account and receive calcium in the form of drugs.

Being in nature

Calcium has a very high chemical activity, therefore, in a free (pure) form, it does not occur in nature. Nevertheless, it is the fifth most common in the earth's crust, in the form of compounds it is found in sedimentary (limestone, chalk) and rocks (granite), anorite feldspar contains a lot of calcium.

It is widely distributed in living organisms, its presence is found in plants, animal and human organisms, where it is present mainly in the composition of teeth and bone tissue.

Calcium absorption

An obstacle to the normal absorption of calcium from foods is the consumption of carbohydrates in the form of sweets and alkalis, which neutralize hydrochloric acid stomach to dissolve calcium. The process of calcium absorption is quite complicated, so sometimes it is not enough to get it only with food, it is necessary additional reception trace element.

Interaction with others

To improve calcium absorption in the intestine, it is necessary, which tends to facilitate the process of calcium absorption. When taking calcium (in the form of supplements) in the process of eating, absorption is blocked, but taking calcium supplements separately from food does not affect this process in any way.

Almost all of the body's calcium (1 to 1.5 kg) is found in the bones and teeth. Calcium is involved in the processes of excitability nervous tissue, muscle contractility, blood clotting processes, is part of the nucleus and membranes of cells, cell and tissue fluids, has anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects, prevents acidosis, activates a number of enzymes and hormones. Calcium is also involved in the regulation of cell membrane permeability and has the opposite effect.

Signs of calcium deficiency

Signs of a lack of calcium in the body are such, at first glance, unrelated symptoms:

• nervousness, mood deterioration;
• cardiopalmus;
• convulsions, numbness of the limbs;
• growth retardation and children;
• high blood pressure;
• delamination and fragility of nails;
• pain in the joints, lowering the "pain threshold";
• profuse menstruation.

Causes of calcium deficiency

Causes of calcium deficiency can be unbalanced diets (especially fasting), low maintenance calcium in food, smoking and addiction to coffee and caffeinated drinks, dysbacteriosis, kidney disease, thyroid gland, pregnancy, lactation periods and menopause.

Excess calcium, which can occur with excessive consumption of dairy products or uncontrolled intake drugs, characterized intense thirst, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weakness and increased urination.

The use of calcium in life

Calcium has found application in the metallothermic production of uranium, in the form of natural compounds it is used as a raw material for the production of gypsum and cement, as a means of disinfection (everyone knows bleach).

Calcium is an element that takes part in many physiological processes organism. Getting enough of it is critical to maintaining health. Find out what interferes with the normal absorption of calcium, and how to properly take this mineral.

1. Calcium and Vitamin D

In order for calcium to be well absorbed, sufficient intake is necessary in the body. There is very little vitamin D in food, so walks in sunny weather since this vitamin is formed under the influence of ultraviolet rays.

2. Calcium, phosphorus and trace elements

Calcium is best absorbed with phosphorus and trace elements. Products that contain a lot of calcium and trace elements are natural cottage cheese, fresh herbs, Fish and seafood.

3. Limit Calcium Depleting Foods

These foods include coffee, sorrel, salt, rhubarb, spinach, beets, and sodas. Oxalic acid, found in many green leafy vegetables, forms oxalates (salts) with calcium, some of which is excreted from the body, and some is deposited in the form and joints.

4. Regulate stomach acid

Violation of the acidity of the stomach can impair the absorption of calcium. Diseases of the small intestine also prevent calcium from being absorbed into the bloodstream in adequate amounts.

5. Calcium and hormones

For normal absorption of calcium, it is necessary to normalize hormonal background organism. Increased or reduced levels of growth hormone, parathyroid hormone or estrogens impair the quality of calcium absorption into the bloodstream.

6. Diseases of the kidneys, liver and pancreas

Diseases of the liver, pancreas and kidneys can interfere with the normal absorption of calcium. Treatment of these diseases will solve the problem with calcium.

7. Taking certain medications

Often the cause of poor absorption of calcium is the use of certain medications, such as anticonvulsants, steroid hormones, laxatives and diuretics.

8. Calcium and sports

Active physical activity can flush out calcium, which leaves the body with sweat. In order to make up for calcium deficiency, it is recommended to drink 1-2 cups of kefir or eat 100-200 g of cottage cheese.

9. Stressful situations

In order for calcium to be well absorbed, stress must be avoided. At emotional stress The hormone cortisol is produced, which promotes the excretion of calcium in the urine.

10. Chemical composition of the drug

If you take, then its digestibility will largely depend on chemical composition drug. For example, calcium citrate is well absorbed regardless of the meal. Calcium carbonate is best taken with meals, and calcium gluconate is the worst absorbed.