• Dr. Bill Rawls

    ABOUT BILL RAWLS, M.D.

    Dr. Rawls' groundbreaking approach to wellness comes from decades of practicing medicine, extensive research in alternative therapies, and firsthand experience helping thousands find their path to wellness. Dr. Rawls is a best-selling author, Medical Director and Co-Founder of Vital Plan, a holistic health company and Certified B Corporation.
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  • Calcium
    By Vital Plan
    Reviewed by Bill Rawls, MD
    Medical Director of Vital Plan

    Calcium is an essential mineral that the body needs for numerous vital functions. Ninety-nine percent of the calcium in the body is stored in the bones and teeth, providing support for both structure and function. The remaining 1% is required for blood clotting, nerve transmission, regulation of the heart’s rhythm and other critical metabolic functions. Since the body cannot produce calcium, it must be absorbed from food and supplements.

    Calcium Deficiency

    The recommended intake of calcium varies by individual. The Food and Nutrition Board at the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies recommends the following calcium intakes:

    • 1,000 milligrams/day for those age 19 to 50
    • 1,200 milligrams/day for women age 50 or over
    • 1,200 milligrams/day for those age 70 or over
    • 1,000 milligrams/day for pregnant or lactating adult women

    Calcium & Food

    Adequate calcium can be acquired from a healthy diet. Calcium enriched food include:

    Almonds, Beans, Figs, Kelp, Collards, Broccoli, Kale, Salmon and Scallops

    Although milk is good source of calcium, milk proteins increase the acidity of the body, which actually leaches calcium from bones.
    Dairy products including yogurt and hard cheese such as cheddar, Swiss, and Parmesan are acceptable sources of calcium, but should be eaten in small amounts compared to other sources.

    Types of Calcium Supplements

    There are several different types of calcium supplements on the market. They contain different calcium compounds and it is important to know how they are different. Below are the three most popular calcium supplement types:

    1. Calcium Carbonate

    Calcium carbonate is the most common calcium compound in calcium supplements on the market today. Its popularity is due to it being the cheapest form. Calcium carbonate is simply chalk; it has poor bioavailability and cannot be digested without acid. It must be taken with food to be absorbed by your body and it is not recommended for people who have gastrointestinal issues.

    2. Coral Calcium

    Coral calcium is calcium carbonate with trace minerals that are derived from coral reef. Coral calcium is NOT recommended as it has a high risk of heavy metal (lead and mercury) contamination from the sea. Also, it is not an environmentally friendly option since the coral from which it is sourced takes millennia to grow.

    3. Calcium Citrate

    Calcium citrate and/or malate are the most absorbable and tolerated form. Clinical studies found that calcium citrate shows a 27.2% increase in absorption on an empty stomach and a 21.6% increase with meals, when compared to calcium carbonate. In addition, Calcium citrate is the one calcium compound that does not require acid in order to be broken down.

     

     

    Ingredient similar to Calcium:

    Vitamin D

    Potential side effects: Calcium supplements are prone to cause constipation in some individuals.

    *This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your qualified healthcare provider before beginning any diet or program.

    Learn more about Calcium from the FDA here »

    The Cellular Wellness Solution

    Discover more in Dr. Bill Rawls’ new #1 Bestselling book: The Cellular Wellness Solution: Tap Into Your Full Health Potential with the Science-Backed Power of Herbs.

    An eye-opening and empowering book that the world needs right now: The Cellular Wellness Solution will fundamentally change how you think about herbs and the powerful role they play in cultivating wellness at the cellular level.”

    Mark Hyman5 stars
    Mark Hyman, MD
    Fourteen-time #1 New York Times Bestselling Author

    About the Medical Director
    Dr. Bill Rawls
    Dr. Rawls is a licensed medical doctor in North Carolina and a leading expert in integrative health. He has extensive training in alternative therapies, and is the Medical Director of Vital Plan, a holistic health and herbal supplement company in Raleigh, NC.

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