Calcium Food Supplement

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body , representing more than one kilogram of which 99% is concentrated in bones and teeth. The remaining calcium plays a crucial role in several vital processes such as muscle contraction, transmission of nerve impulses, blood clotting and hormonal secretion. Discover all the benefits of calcium food supplements for your physical performance!

Why is it interesting to take calcium supplements?

Calcium is a mineral best known for its role in bone and dental health . However, it is also crucial for blood clotting, muscle contraction, and regulation of heart rhythms and normal nerve function (1). About 99% of the body's calcium is stored in bones, with the remainder distributed throughout the blood, muscles, and other tissues. To support these essential functions, the body maintains a constant level of calcium in the blood and tissues. If blood calcium levels drop, parathyroid hormone (PTH) prompts the bones to release calcium into the blood. This hormone also stimulates the activation of vitamin D to improve calcium absorption in the intestines, while signaling the kidneys to reduce calcium excretion in the urine. When the body has enough calcium, another hormone ( calcitonin ) works in the opposite direction: it lowers blood calcium levels by stopping the release of calcium from the bones and promoting its elimination through the kidneys. The body obtains the necessary calcium in two ways: through diet or a calcium supplement , and by drawing on body calcium stores. If dietary calcium intake is insufficient, the body takes calcium from the bones. Ideally, the calcium "borrowed" from the bones should be replaced later. However, this does not always happen and cannot always be compensated for simply by increasing calcium intake through a healthy dietary supplement .

Calcium food supplement: what are the benefits?

Bone health and fracture prevention

Calcium is vital for the development and maintenance of bone strength, which is essential for athletes who are subjected to significant physical stress during training and competition. In fact, calcium is a major component of bone tissue . It contributes to bone mineralization by depositing itself in the bone matrix, which strengthens bone density and structure. A calcium dietary supplement stimulates the activity of osteoblasts (cells that build bone) and inhibits osteoclasts (cells that break down bone). This promotes a better balance between bone formation and resorption , with the aim of preventing osteoporosis and reducing the risk of fractures.

Optimal muscle function

Calcium is also essential for muscle contraction (2), a fundamental process for all sports activities. During a muscle contraction, calcium is released inside the muscle fibers, where it allows the interaction between actin and myosin, the proteins responsible for muscle contraction. Calcium thus acts as an intracellular signal that triggers the contraction and relaxation processes by regulating the entry and exit of calcium ions in muscle cells through specialized ion channels. A calcium dietary supplement helps support this process, which directly affects muscle strength and endurance .

Electrolyte balance management

Finally, calcium plays a role in the balance of fluids and electrolytes in the body, which is essential for athletic performance (especially in hot environments where sweating is high). For example, calcium helps regulate the acid-base balance in the blood and body fluids. It also participates in nerve transmission that controls muscle activation and response to stimuli. A calcium supplement can help you maintain cellular homeostasis and prevent electrolyte imbalances, which can lead to cramps or muscle weakness.

What minerals work synergistically with calcium?

The effectiveness of a calcium dietary supplement , to be effectively used by the body, requires the presence of several other minerals that act in synergy with it. They can be obtained through food or a mineral dietary supplement . Here are some of the main minerals that interact with calcium to optimize its functions:

• Magnesium : Magnesium plays a key role in activating vitamin D, which is essential for the proper absorption of calcium in the intestines. It also helps convert calcium into its active form, which is crucial for the proper assimilation of calcium by the body.
• Potassium : Potassium helps balance fluid levels in the body and promotes calcium absorption, in addition to reducing calcium excretion in the urine. This helps maintain adequate calcium levels for bone and muscle health.
• Zinc : Zinc is necessary for bone formation and helps in bone mineralization. It interacts with specific proteins that regulate calcium storage in bones, making it an essential partner of calcium in strengthening bone structure.
• Iron : Although iron does not directly interact with calcium for absorption, it is important for maintaining general health. Iron deficiency can affect general health, which can indirectly influence calcium levels (especially in athletic women of childbearing age).
• Chromium : Chromium does not interact directly with calcium, but it plays a role in glucose and lipid metabolism, which may indirectly affect calcium absorption and utilization.

Note that a multimineral supplement is often recommended to ensure that all the necessary minerals work together to support not only the absorption and function of the calcium supplement, but also that of many other essential nutrients. This way, mineral deficiencies do not compromise bone health and overall health.

Sources:

(1) https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/calcium/

(2) https://www.anses.fr/fr/content/le-calcium-pourquoi-et-comment-en-consommer#:~:text=Les%20principales%20sources%20alimentaires%20de,eaux%20tr% C3%A8s%20rich%20in%20calcium .