Calcium Calcium has several functions and health benefits. Calcium is a major mineral essential for proper nutrition. Your body could not survive without it. Calcium promotes bone strength, but also helps to maintain the health of other vital systems in the body, including the heart, muscles and nerves. Some scientific studies indicate that Calcium Citrate may support the health of the colon. Calcium is also the most abundant mineral in the human body. Its primary function is to help build and maintain bones and teeth, which it does in conjunction with phosphorus. In addition, calcium aids the process of blood clotting and regulates the passage of fluids through the cells. It is also related to the proper functioning of the heart and neuromuscular system. In children calcium deficiency is associated with rickets, bone deformities and growth retardation. Adult deficiency leads to osteomalacia (softening of the bones). Muscle spasms, cramps, hypertension and osteoporosis can sometimes be attributed to low calcium levels. Dairy products are the most popular dietary source of calcium, although good amounts can be found in many other foods including kale and other green vegetables, nuts, seeds, dried figs and canned fish with edible bones. Solgar offers several different calcium supplement products either as a single calcium supplement or supplements that combine calcium, magnesium, zinc and boron, which may be useful, depending on your need, or suspected calcium deficiency. Solgar also has so called chelated calcium supplement products, which are known for their superior absorption. Magnesium Magnesium has several functions and health benefits. Magnesium is essential for Calcium metabolism, the production of enzymes and proteins, and the utilization of fats and carbohydrates. Magnesium is highly concentrated within the cells of the body. Approximately 60 percent is found in the bone, 26 percent in the muscle and the remainder is found in soft tissue and body fluids. Although calcium is the mineral most closely associated with bone health, magnesium has a major part to play as well. Magnesium is involved in muscle contraction and nerve function. Magnesium also activates the sodium-potassium pump in the cells. Arguably, its most important function is its essential role in the proper functioning of the entire cardiovascular system. The best dietary sources of magnesium include whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes and green leafy vegetables. Solgar offers several different magnesium supplement products, either as a single magnesium supplement such as magnesium citrate, or supplements that combine magnesium and vitamin B6 (which aids absorption), which may be useful, depending on your need, or suspected magnesium deficiency. Solgar also has so called chelated magnesium supplement products, which are known for their superior absorption. |