Thursday, August 18, 2016

Are we taking sufficient dose of Calcium & Vit D3 ??

What is Calcium?
About 99 percent of the Calcium in the human body is held in the bones and
teeth. The remaining 1 percent of calcium circulates in the bloodstream, where
it performs a variety of important functions. It helps to contract muscles and
helps regulate the contractions of the heart. It plays a role in the transmission of
nerve impulses and in blood clotting.
Calcium helps in the stimulation of contractions of the uterus during childbirth
and in milk production. It also regulates the secretion of various hormones and
aids in the functioning of various enzymes within the body.
When we take Calcium, it is absorbed in the small intestine and passes into the
bloodstream and ultimately into the bones. Calcium deficiency can lead to
rickets and poor blood clotting.

The amount of calcium you require depends on your age and sex. Here is a breakdown of what you need on a daily basis*:
Daily Calcium Needs
To get the recommended amount of calcium, it is a good idea to make sure foods high in calcium are part of your diet. These include low-fat dairy products such as low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheeses, as well as calcium-fortified orange juice.

What is Vitamin D3?*
Vitamin D is also known as Cholecalciferol. Studies have shown that adequate
Vitamin D is important for optimal function of many organs and tissues in the
body. It plays an important role in maintaining adequate levels of calcium and
phosphorus in the blood. Vitamin D deficiency leads to rickets and growth
retardation in children. It may also lead to bone related diseases like
osteomalacia, osteoporosis and increased risk of fractures in adults.

Summary of dosing suggestions

  • American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 400IU starting soon after birth and continuing through childhood and adolescence.

  • 1000IU per day is the minimum dose that can be expected to significantly raise an adults Vitamin D level and is the current recommendation of the Canadian Cancer Society. 

  • 1000IU per day is considered conservative by experts in the field. Most experts suggest 2000 IU is appropriate and safe. (19) (for more on the safety of high dose Vitamin D click here)

  • For older, obese, dark skinned or people who get very little sunshine, 2000IU may be the appropriate dose. (19)

  • The Vitamin D council suggests taking 5,000 IU per day for three months, then obtain a 25-hydroxyvitamin D test. Adjust your dosage so that blood levels are between 50–80 ng/mL (or 125–200 nmol/L) year-round

  • Women who are pregnant or breast feeding should consider increasing their Vitamin D intake to 2000IU according to the Canadian Pediatric Society. 
In addition to calcium, vitamin D is needed for bone health*. Your body also requires it to absorb calcium. Women and men up to 70 years of age need around 600 IU daily. After age 70, this increases to 800 IU per day.‡
There are three ways to get vitamin D: sunlight, food, and supplements. Because of the risk of skin cancer and the use of sunscreen, which limits your body’s ability to make the vitamin, most people rely on food and supplements to get their vitamin D. And since it is difficult getting all your vitamin D from food alone, many people may need to take supplements.

#

VESTIGE CALCIUM
Calcium carbonate helps in building and maintaining strong and healthy bones. It
is also useful in preventing dental problems. Along with Vitamin D3 it helps to
increase bone density and help reduce chances of fracture in older men and
women. Calcium carbonate reduces risk of osteoporosis and is particularly useful
for children and women.
Each film coated tablet contains
Calcium Carbonate 625 mg (Equivalent to elemental calcium 250 mg) &
Vitamin D3 250 IU.
Dosage: Adults - Two tablets per day after meals
Presentation : 100 tablets in a bottle