Benefits
Bone strength
Calcium is the main structural mineral of bone; with vitamin D, supplementation supports bone mineral density and reduces bone loss.
Bone maintenance with age
Adequate calcium intake is essential throughout life to maintain a strong skeleton and reduce age-related bone loss.
Muscle and nerve support
Calcium also supports normal muscle contraction and nerve signaling.
Mechanism of action
Bone mineralization
Calcium combines with phosphate to form the hydroxyapatite crystals that give bone its hardness and strength.
Calcium homeostasis
The body tightly regulates blood calcium; adequate intake spares calcium from being drawn out of bone.
Clinical trials
Systematic review and meta-analysis of combined calcium and vitamin D supplementation on bone in postmenopausal women. (Liu et al. 2020, Food and Function)
Postmenopausal women across trials.
Combined calcium and vitamin D supported bone mineral density and reduced bone loss versus control.