Highlights

Beyond formulated tablets, Ayurveda places a strong emphasis on a diet rich in natural calcium sources and lifestyle practices that promote bone health:

• Calcium-Rich Foods: Milk, yogurt, sesame seeds, almonds, leafy greens (like spinach), ragi (finger millet), and figs are highly recommended.
• Vitamin D: Exposure to sunlight is considered essential for the body to produce Vitamin D, which is crucial for calcium absorption
• Dietary Adjustments: Eating warm, nourishing foods, using ghee in meals, and avoiding excessive salt, processed foods, and cold/raw foods are advised to maintain balanced digestion and prevent the aggravation of Vata dosha.Ayurvedic Therapies: Practices like Abhyanga (Ayurvedic oil massage) with sesame oil are recommended to balance Vata, reduce stress, and nourish bones and joints.

Ingredients

Common ingredients and sources used in Ayurvedic formulations for calcium include:

• Mineral and Animal-based Sources:

  • Mukta Pishti (Pearl Bhasma): Prepared from pearls, it's considered a highly bioavailable source of calcium carbonate.

    Shankh Bhasma (Conch Shell): A fine powder made from conch shells, also a rich source of calcium.

  • Praval Pishti (Coral Bhasma): Derived from coral, it's known to be effective in strengthening bones and is rich in calcium.

  • Kukkutanda Twak Bhasma: A preparation from eggshells.

    Godanti Bhasma: Prepared from gypsum.

  • Hadjod (Cissus Quadrangularis): Known as the "bone setter" herb, it is widely used for fracture healing and strengthening bones.

    Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): An adaptogenic herb that helps in bone formation, reduces stress-related bone loss, and supports overall bone health.

  • Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna): This herb contains calcium salts and is beneficial for bone health.

  • Guggulu (Commiphora mukul): Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, it can help improve bone density.

  • Laksha (Laccifer lacca): An herb that is used for its anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory properties, and can help in strengthening bones.

  • Moringa (Moringa Oleifera): Moringa leaves are a powerhouse of nutrients and contain a high amount of calcium.

  • Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus): An herb particularly beneficial for women, as it supports hormonal balance and bone health.

Uses

As Dired by Physician

Other Information

Calcium tablets, or calcium supplements, are widely used to help people meet their daily calcium requirements, especially when their diet is insufficient. Calcium is an essential mineral with a range of vital functions in the body.

Here are the primary uses of calcium tablets:

1. Promoting Bone Health and Preventing Osteoporosis

This is the most common use of calcium supplements. Calcium is the main building block of bones and teeth, and getting enough of it is crucial throughout life. Calcium tablets are often recommended for:

• Preventing and treating osteoporosis: This condition causes bones to become weak and brittle, increasing the risk of fractures. Calcium supplementation, often combined with Vitamin D, is a key part of management, particularly for postmenopausal women and older adults who are at a higher risk of bone loss.
• Ensuring proper bone development: Children and adolescents need adequate calcium for healthy bone growth and to achieve peak bone mass, which helps prevent future bone problems.

2. Supporting Muscle and Nerve Function

Beyond bones, calcium plays a critical role in other bodily processes:

• Muscle contraction: Calcium is essential for muscles, including the heart, to contract and relax properly.
• Nerve function: It helps nerves transmit signals between the brain and the rest of the body.

3. Addressing Specific Health Conditions

Calcium supplements can be used to manage or prevent certain medical conditions:

• Hypocalcemia: This is a condition of low calcium levels in the blood, which can be caused by various factors, including certain medical conditions or medications. Calcium tablets are used to treat and prevent this.
• Pregnancy-related conditions: Calcium supplementation may be recommended for pregnant women with low calcium intake to reduce the risk of preeclampsia, a serious condition characterized by high blood pressure.
• Kidney failure: In people with kidney failure, calcium tablets (specifically calcium acetate or carbonate) can be used to control high phosphate levels in the blood.
• Indigestion and heartburn: Calcium carbonate is a common ingredient in over-the-counter antacids, as it works by neutralizing stomach acid.

Who Might Need Calcium Supplements?

While a balanced diet is the best way to get calcium, supplements can be beneficial for those who have difficulty meeting their needs through food alone. This includes:

• People with lactose intolerance or milk allergies.
• Vegans and vegetarians who do not consume dairy products.
• Postmenopausal women who experience accelerated bone loss due to hormonal changes.

• Individuals taking certain medications that can interfere with calcium absorption or lead to bone loss.