About coral calcium
Coral calcium is a dietary supplement obtained from coral sand deposits. These sand layers, which were originally part of a coral reef, are often gathered directly from the shore or the shallow waters around them. To produce coral calcium, the coral sand deposits are purified to eliminate any impurities or other undesirable things before being processed into a powder. This powder can be purchased as it is or packed into capsules.
Coral calcium supplements are mostly made up of calcium carbonate, although they may also include trace levels of magnesium as well as other minerals. Coral calcium has a comparable composition to human bone and has been utilized as a bone transplant component for over 30 years. Coral calcium supplements taken orally should not be mistaken with coral matrix, which is utilized in surgery and bone grafting.
Coral particles which float to the sea floor as a result of natural erosion are collected from a wide range of tropical oceans. Coral has been utilized in the Ayurvedic system of medicine because of its high calcium content, either individually or in polyherbal compositions, to treat ailments such as inflammation, cough, and osteoporosis. In Japan, coral calcium has been sold as a natural calcium supplement as well as a linkage to elderly lifespan. Other researches, however, imply that this lifespan is due to their conventional plant-based diets.
Coral calcium is now primarily used to treat or prevent low calcium levels in people who are unable to obtain enough of this mineral from food alone. Although it is claimed to provide numerous other health benefits, the majority of these are not currently validated by science.
Mechanism of action
Calcium and magnesium are found in coral calcium supplements. Nevertheless, there is no proof that these medications are any better than standard calcium supplements that are less expensive. Furthermore, scientific evidence does not support assertions that coral calcium can maintain a normal pH balance in the human body or that it has anticancer qualities.
Health benefits
Proponents claim that coral calcium has a variety of health benefits, including stronger bones and less arthritis symptoms, as well as defense against cancer and Parkinson’s disease. Yet, very few of these assertions are supported by evidence.
1.) May promote bone health.
A low-calcium diet may induce this mineral to drain off your bones, weakening them over time. Calcium-rich diets, on the other hand, have been repeatedly linked to stronger, healthier bones. This association appears to be more strong when calcium is consumed through food, but supplementation may help people who are unable to receive enough calcium through their diet. Coral calcium, unlike many other calcium supplements, offers magnesium and trace elements spontaneously. According to some experts, this combination may be even more helpful to bone health than calcium individually.
Another minor, older human study reveals that coral calcium is more easily absorbed than the type present in most calcium supplements. Furthermore, a mice study found that mice administered with coral calcium exhibited slightly higher bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) in the femur than the mice given conventional calcium supplements.
Nevertheless, there seems to be no strong support for these findings.
2.) May decrease blood pressure.
Numerous studies have linked a high calcium consumption to a marginally lower systolic blood pressure. However, it appears that this advantage is only accessible to individuals who already have high blood pressure.
Likewise, some studies have suggested that frequent consumption of calcium throughout pregnancy may lower the risk of preeclampsia, which is one of the primary causes of infant and maternal illness and death.
Preeclampsia is a dangerous pregnancy condition characterized by elevated blood pressure levels. It commonly appears after 20 weeks of pregnancy and impacts up to 14% of pregnancies globally.
Moreover, rat studies indicate that the natural magnesium and silica content of coral sand might contribute to its blood pressure lowering effects.
However, further research is required before strong conclusions may be drawn.
3.) May assist in cancer prevention.
This assertion is not supported by research.
4.) May assist in the treatment of diabetes.
There is no scientific evidence to support this use.
5.) May have the potential to alleviate fatigue.
There is no proof to substantiate this use.
6.) May avoid cavities.
Coral calcium may fight dental cavities by remineralising the tooth enamel, according to a test-tube study.
Adverse effects
Coral calcium is generally regarded as safe. However, there are a few downsides to consider.
If your doctor has prescribed this drug, consider that he or she has determined that the advantage to you outweighs the chance of adverse effects. Most people who take this drug do not experience major adverse effects. Constipation and stomach distress are possible side effects. Inform your doctor or pharmacist right once if any of these side effects continue or worsen:
- Nausea/vomiting
- Decreased appetite
- Abnormal weight loss
- Mental/mood problems
- Bone/muscle pain
- Headache
- Increased thirst/urination
- Fatigue
- Unusual exhaustion.
Precautions
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you have certain allergies before using calcium. Inactive chemicals in this medication may trigger a reaction or other complications.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medication if you have any of the following health complications:
- Kidney disease
- Kidney stones
- Little or no stomach acid (achlorhydria)
- Heart diseases, pancreatic illness
- A specific lung disease (sarcoidosis)
- Difficulties absorbing nutrients from food (malabsorption syndrome).
Contamination: Heavy metals such as mercury and lead may pollute coral reefs. As a result, coral calcium derived from extremely polluted waters should be avoided. Furthermore, you should look into what steps a company has taken, if any, to guarantee that contaminant levels inside its supplements remain low.
Risks of Excessive Consumption: Consuming large amounts of coral calcium may result in hypercalcemia, a condition defined by abnormally high calcium levels in the blood. This illness can cause health complications, especially in your heart and kidneys. High calcium consumption has also been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. Further research, however, is required.
Dosage
There is no recommended dosage for coral calcium given the lack of study. Dosage forms for different types of calcium supplements may range from 600–2,000 mg per day, according to data available. The optimum dose of coral calcium is determined by numerous factors, including the patient’s age, health, and other conditions.
This supplement can be taken with or without food. Consuming it with food may decrease the chances of stomach distress, but it reduces your body’s capacity to absorb minerals like iron and zinc. Coral calcium combined with vitamin D may improve calcium absorption.
There is conflicting evidence about whether taking smaller, more frequent dosages of calcium alone, rather than with other minerals, increases absorption.
Interactions
Calcium supplements, specifically coral calcium, might interact with a variety of drugs, including antibiotics, diuretics, anti-seizure medication, and bone or Paget’s disease medications.
According to the medication, you might have to wait for a particular period of time after taking it before taking coral calcium.
Those who are currently taking any form of medicine should seek the advice of their health professional before beginning to take coral calcium supplements.
