Calcium is the most abundant mineral found in the human body and it is needed to carry out various tasks. These tasks include; muscle function, clotting blood, nerve transmission, glycogen metabolism, cellular signaling, vascular contraction and vasodilation and hormone secretion. 99% of calcium is stored in your bones and teeth. Everyday we lose calcium through urine and feces, however some is also lost through our skin, nails, hair and sweat. Unfortunatley, our body is not able to replace the calcium we lose, so it is important eat a diet containing calcium-rich foods and supplement when needed.

• Calcium Carbonate 
  One of the most widely used calcium preparations. Contains the most amount of elemental calcium (40%). Requires stomach acid for absorption so should be taken with meals.
• Calcium citrate 
  2nd most common form of calcium supplement available on the market. Contains lower amounts of elemental calcium (20%). Does not need to be taken with food.
• Calcium Lactate and Gluconate 
  Contain small amounts of elemental calcium not as widely used as other forms.
• Additional Forms
  Other forms such as bone meal, dolomite and oyster shell have been found to contain measurable amounts of lead and should be avoided.
• Plant-based
  Whole food plant-based calcium is also common in supplements. These can be taken without food as well.

• Look for a 2:1 calcium to magnesium supplement ratio.
• Calcium supplementation alone is risky because calcium requires other nutrients to be properly utilized. It's important to consider that taking any calcium supplement without complementary nutrients like magnesium, vitamin D and vitamin K2, which help keep your body in balance, can have adverse effects.