Dietary supplements are products orally taken and mainly incorporated with food to add one or more nutrient needed in the body

Dietary supplements are products orally taken and mainly incorporated with food to add one or more nutrient needed in the body. The supplements exist in the form of vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, enzymes among other products (Sarma et al, 2016). Several individuals in the United States consume one or more of the supplements every day to replenish some lost nutrients in their bodies. Moreover, the supplements are used in the hospital to prevent some ailments such as osteoporosis and high blood pressure.

  Calcium is one of the most popular mineral supplement consumed among the individuals in the United States (Simpson et al, 2015). Sarma et al (2016) reported that baked beans, dairy products, oatmeal, sesame seeds, almond products,  sardines,  salmon, dairy products among other fortified foods and beverages are the main sources of the mineral. 

Calcium dietary supplement helps in maintaining the heart rhythm, promoting muscle function, maintaining the strength of the bones and teeth, development of new bones as well as preventing osteoporosis (Bolland et al, 2015). Research indicates its role in the regulation of potassium and magnesium levels in the bloodstream as well as prevention of breast cancers amongst women. Calcium supplement also regulates blood pressure.

  The supplement is majorly paired with vitamin D for better absorption into the body. Vitamin D is reported to promote calcium absorption into the body hence maintaining bone strength among other purposes (Simpson et al, 2015). For better metabolic health and reduced inflammations in the body, vitamin D and calcium minerals play crucial role thus, taking the two dietary supplements concurrently guarantees better health for every individual.

Recommended dietary intake of calcium supplement varies depending on the age of the individual (Sarma et al ,2016). Children under one year of age ought to consume 200milligrames per day whereas adults take up to 1000 milligrammes. Women over fifty years and men over seventy years should consume at least 1200 mg of the supplement daily (Simpson et al, 2015).  However, it is noted that adolescents require approximately 1300 milligrammes calcium supplements for stronger bones and metabolic action.

The effectiveness of dietary calcium supplement is demonstrated in cortical bone maintenance among the post-menopausal women and prevention of osteoporosis in several individuals in the United States (Bolland et al, 2015). It also helped in bone formation and maintaining bone strength among several individuals. However, plant sources of the mineral supplement are highly recommended as dairy sources are associated with side effects such as bone loss during old age. Adhering to the recommended amounts of calcium minerals therefore, significantly reduces cardiovascular mortality in the region. 

Medical researchers recommend consumption of the approved dosages to avoid the associated side effects such as kidney stones, cardiovascular disorders and constipation as a result of high levels of calcium in the bloodstream (Sarma et al ,2016). The supplement should not be used in place of food or the prescribed medicine as it may reduce the drug’s effectiveness. Caltrate gummy bites and citracal are some of the proven calcium products currently found in the market. 

Calcium supplement	uses	Paired supplement	Recommended dosage	Effectiveness	Safety concerns	Products in market
It is a mineral supplement found in green leafy vegetables such as broccoli. Dairy products, fortified foods and some cereals are also rich in Calcium.	Maintaining strong bonesDevelopment of new bonesMaintaining heart rhythmPreventing osteoporosisPromoting muscle function	Vitamin D	Approximately 1000mg in adults and 200 mg for children under one year	Prevention of osteoporosis and maintaining bone strength	Approved dosage should not be exceeded to prevent kidney stones	Caltrate and citracal

References

Lewis, J. R., Radavelli‐Bagatini, S., Rejnmark, L., Chen, J. S., Simpson, J. M., Lappe, J. M., … & Prince, R. L. (2015). The effects of calcium supplementation on verified coronary heart disease hospitalization and death in postmenopausal women: a collaborative meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, 30(1), 165-175.

Reid, I. R., Bristow, S. M., & Bolland, M. J. (2015). Calcium supplements: benefits and risks. Journal of internal medicine, 278(4), 354-368.

Sarma, N., Giancaspro, G., & Venema, J. (2016). Dietary supplements quality analysis tools from the United States Pharmacopeia. Drug testing and analysis, 8(3-4), 418-423.