Calcium

What is Calcium?

Calcium is a mineral and a building block of our bones, and it is involved in a range of bodily processes. The richest sources of calcium are milk and dairy products, which provide a large share of the calcium in the typical UK diet. So if your diet doesn't include dairy, it's worth planning how you'll get enough.

What does Calcium do?

Calcium is needed for the maintenance of normal bones and teeth, which is why bone health is often a focus as we age, and during and after menopause. What is less well known is that calcium also plays a role in nerve signalling and digestion. Calcium contributes to normal neurotransmission, passing messages between cells, and calcium signalling in the brain has been studied in relation to memory and ageing. Calcium also contributes to the normal function of digestive enzymes.

If you're trying to increase your calcium intake, there are important things to remember. Vitamin D contributes to the normal absorption and utilisation of calcium. Similarly, Vitamin K2 is also important, as vitamin K contributes to the maintenance of normal bones. It helps activate proteins that bind calcium in bone.

You may be interested in reading 'Why is bone health so important in menopause?'.

Why it's in Hydrate+

Supports tight junction integrity: In epithelial cells, which prevents fluid leakage across membranes (e.g. gut barrier, blood-brain barrier).¹

Involved in renal tubular reabsorption of sodium and water: Regulates aquaporin function in the kidneys and cell signalling related to fluid transport^.8

Why it's in OsteoFriend®

As the main mineral component of bone, Calcium forms the crystalline structure of hydroxyapatite. Adequate intake is essential to maintain bone mass and strength, and insufficient levels trigger PTH release, promoting bone resorption to maintain serum Calcium.²

Why it's in Bone & Muscle Support

Excitation-contraction coupling: Calcium plays a direct role in the initiation of muscle contraction. During neuromuscular signalling, an action potential triggers Calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. This Calcium binds to troponin-C on actin filaments, initiating a cascade that allows myosin to bind to actin and cause contraction.³

Membrane stability: Calcium is crucial in stabilising muscle cell membranes and maintaining permeability gradients, which are vital for muscle responsiveness and preventing cramping.⁴

Bisglycinate form: The bisglycinate chelate enhances bioavailability and is gentler on the gut, reducing the risk of gastrointestinal side effects often seen with other Calcium salts. Chelated forms may be better absorbed in individuals with impaired stomach acid or intestinal health, which is relevant in older adults or those with gut disorders.

Synergistic action for muscle health

D3 enhances Calcium absorption, Magnesium modulates calcium handling, and K2 ensures proper deposition, together reducing muscle fatigue, cramping and risk of musculoskeletal degeneration.

Calcium and Magnesium maintain the electrochemical gradients necessary for healthy muscle excitability and contraction-relaxation cycles.

In athletes, older adults and those with chronic illness or malabsorption, supplementation of this combination supports:

Prevention of cramps and spasms Improved muscular endurance and strength Reduced fall and fracture risk Protection against sarcopenia Support for mitochondrial energy metabolism

Why it's in Daily Multivitamin and Women's ProMulti

Calcium and Magnesium are two minerals that play a role in women’s overall health, particularly in supporting bone strength, muscle function, and metabolic processes. Ensuring adequate intake of both minerals is essential for women to support skeletal health, cardiovascular function and overall wellbeing.

Calcium is a mineral that plays numerous roles in the body related to bone health, muscle function and cellular signalling. Calcium is a major component of bone tissue, providing structural strength. It is critical for bone mineralisation, and adequate calcium intake throughout life is essential for maintaining bone density. Calcium ions are crucial for muscle contraction. When a muscle cell is stimulated, Calcium is released from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, allowing interaction between actin and myosin, the proteins responsible for muscle contraction. Calcium is a secondary messenger in various signalling pathways, mediating cellular responses to hormones, neurotransmitters and growth factors.

Why it's in Pregnancy Multinutrient

Calcium and Magnesium are required for the development of bones and teeth in the baby. The mother has these minerals stored in her bones, and the foetus will use them as needed. Supplementation of these minerals is to prevent the mother from becoming deficient.

Why it's in MenoFriend®

Calcium is a vital mineral for bone health, muscle function, and nerve transmission and plays an important role during menopause. The increase in fracture risk in menopausal women is due to declining oestrogen levels, which directly affect bone density. The rate of bone resorption (breakdown) outpaces bone formation, increasing the risk of osteoporosis in menopausal women. Additional calcium combined with magnesium, Vitamin D and Vitamin K helps protect bones and maintain their function.