What is it?

Calcium is a mineral that is an essential part of bones and teeth. The heart, nerves, and blood clotting systems also need calcium to work.

Calcium is used for treatment and prevention of low calcium levels and resulting bone conditions including osteoporosis (weak bones due to low bone density), rickets (a condition in children involving softening of the bones), and osteomalacia (a softening of bones involving pain). Calcium is also used for premenstrual syndrome (PMS), leg cramps in pregnancy, high blood pressure in pregnancy (pre-eclampsia), and reducing the risk of colon and rectal cancers.

Some people use calcium for complications after intestinal bypass surgery, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, Lyme disease, to reduce high fluoride levels in children, and to reduce high lead levels.

Calcium carbonate is used as an antacid for "heartburn". Calcium carbonate and calcium acetate are also used for reducing phosphate levels in people with kidney disease.

Calcium-rich foods include milk and dairy products, kale and broccoli, as well as the calcium-enriched citrus juices, mineral water, canned fish with bones, and soy products processed with calcium.

Calcium can interact with many prescription medications, but sometimes the effects can be minimized by taking calcium at a different time. Please contact the pharmacist at Pharmex Direct to discuss any possible interactions with your current medications before taking a calcium supplement.

SISU Calcium and Magnesium

NovoCal 500mg (Calcium Carbonate)

We all need calcium, magnesium and Vitamin D to maintain healthy bones and teeth. Depending on you needs and preferences, you can take calcium alone, or in combination with magnesium and vitamin D. Did you know some conditions and medications put you a greater risk for developing osteoporosis? Conditions include diabetes, chronic renal disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Smoking and lack of weight bearing exercise can are also contributing factors. Medications that increase your risk of osteoporosis include prednisone, anti-convulsants and aromatase inhibitors (used to treat breast cancer). If you take these medications or live with these conditions, you might consider taking either NovoCal 500mg (calcium carbonate) or the SISU Calcium and Magnesium supplement we have available.

Calcium carbonate and calcium citrate are the two most commonly used forms of calcium. See our Supplements FAQ for differences in calcium or contact our pharmacists for further information.

Recommended Dose

Calcium supplements are usually divided into two doses daily in order to increase absorption. It's best to take calcium with food in doses of 500 mg or less.

The daily Dietary Requirements for elemental calcium are:

• Age 1-3 years, 500 mg;
• 4-8 years, 800 mg;
• 9-18 years, 1300 mg;
• 19-50 years, 1000 mg;
• 51+ years, 1200 mg;
• Pregnant or breast-feeding (under 19 years), 1300 mg;
• Pregnant or breast-feeding (19-50 years), 1000 mg.

The daily upper intake level (UL) for calcium is 2.5 grams for everyone over one year of age.