A calcium citrate supplement can do many things. From sending calcium back to depleted stores in the bones, to helping the secretion of valuable hormones to carry out jobs within the body – without this mineral, humans would soon come to a crashing halt.
But besides the work they do internally, they also have an incredible impact on our outward appearance. One of their main jobs is to improve the cell reproduction in the epidermis. Calcium deficiency is evident first in the skin, but dry, sometimes red, skin that is slow to heal.
The second biggest impact it has is in our hair. Thicker, lustrous hair is helped in part to the level of calcium we have in our body.
A report recently released by the Mayo Clinic, reveals that a diet rich in calcium and other minerals can help prevent hair loss.
As mentioned above, calcium is key to the secretion of hormones in the body and this includes androgens which stimulate hair growth, and biotin which promotes cell growth and strengthens hair.
People with a low level of calcium in their body exhibit clear signs of calcium deficiency. Sufferers of eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia will suffer hair loss due to the lack of nutrients, including calcium, in their bodies. The body works overtime to cover this deficiency by stripping bones of existing calcium stores to keep the body ticking over. This leads to an impact on hair, skin and bones which is often quite quick to see.
To see a difference in your hair and skin, people should aim at including calcium-rich foods in their diets. Dairy is a good source – 200 ml of semi-skimmed milk contains 240 mg of calcium, 150 g of low-fat yogurt contains 210 mg of calcium and 40 g of cheddar cheese contains 296 mg of calcium, according to the International Osteoporosis Foundation calcium-rich foods list. Vegetables are also rich in calcium – in 85 g of broccoli there is 34 mg of calcium, 12 g of sesame seeds contain 80 mg of calcium, 100 g of salmon contains 91 mg of calcium, 100 g of sardines contain 500 mg of calcium, 160 g of oranges contain 75 mg and 160 g of apricots contain 117 mg of calcium.
However, for those who cannot get enough calcium from their diet, calcium citrate supplements are an excellent alternative. These are the easiest types of calcium supplement to take – gentle on the stomach, can be taken with or without food and suitable for all people of all ages.