Calcium Carbonate is a dietetic supplement used to fulfill the calcium deficiency in the body. The body needs calcium for healthy bones, muscles, nervous system, and heart. Calcium carbonate is also used as an antacid to reduce heartburn, stomach upset and acid indigestion. It is obtainable with or without a doctor’s prescription. Calcium carbonate comes as a chewable tablet, swallowing tablet, capsule, and liquid form. It is generally taken three or four times in a day. Chewable calcium carbonate tablets must be chewed properly before being swallowed; never swallow them whole. Drink a full glass of water with either the normal or chewable tablets or even capsules. Liquid forms of calcium carbonate should be shaken well before use. Do not use calcium carbonate as an antacid for more than two weeks except if your doctor advices.

Calcium Citrate, calcium salt of citric acid, is one of the forms of the mineral calcium. Calcium is required for a wide array of bodily functions and its deficiency can result in disorders like osteoporosis. In order for the body to continue its daily processes efficiently, a steady level of calcium has to be maintained in the body. If your daily diet does not provide you with the necessary calcium, you may have to resort to calcium citrate or calcium carbonate supplements. While both of them serve the same purpose, calcium citrate has added benefits than calcium carbonate. Not only is it easy on your digestive system but also more easily absorbed. Ideally, not more than 500 mg. should be consumed in a single dose. Dividing the dosage over the course of the day is preferable.

Calcium Phosphate is from the family of minerals containing calcium ions (Ca2+) together with orthophosphates (PO43-), metaphosphates or pyrophosphates (P2O74-) and occasionally hydrogen or hydroxide ions. It is increasingly insoluble at increasing temperatures unlike other chemicals so it precipitates at higher temperatures. Commercially Calcium phosphate is used in production of phosphoric acid and fertilizers. It is also used as nutritional supplement for bone and tooth health. Another practical use of Calcium phosphate is in dental products for demineralization and as diluents in some medicine. It is also used in technologies involving transfection of cells.

Coral Calcium is a calcium salt derived from fossilized coral reefs. It is primarily composed of calcium carbonate, small amounts magnesium and other trace minerals. It is produced by grinding the mined coral grains from fossilized coral beds into fine powder, then treated with heat reaching a temperature up to 1000 °F. Ozonation may be done as a method of additional sterilization. The powder may be bagged or put inside standardized capsules for consumption. A great concern aroused regarding the claim of a certain Dr. Robert Barefoot that people living in Okinawa who have been drinking the water with coral calcium lived longer. He further claimed of coral calcium’s anti-cancer properties by neutralizing the acidity of the body. The infomercial regarding Dr. Barefoot’s claims included the ability of coral calcium to treat 200 human diseases including diabetes. Registered Dieticians in the US investigated this matter and cleared out any misconception regarding the claims on coral calcium. They emphasized that the calcium carbonate found in coral calcium is the same with that found in calcium supplements and Tums™. The alkalinizing capacity of calcium carbonate mainly depends on the carbonate component of the compound. Moreover, excessive efforts to alkalinize the body would lead to metabolic alkalosis, a condition that requires medical attention. Medical authorities are not convinced with the claims on coral calcium and environmentalists are concerned with the state of coral reefs. These organisms are endangered species and may take a long period of time to be replaced.

Iodine, a necessary element used by the body to make the thyroid hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine. These Thyroid hormones are needed to maintain a healthy metabolic rate and cellular metabolism.

Iron is vital in human nutrition as the adult human body contains 3-4 grams of iron. Haem-iron and non-haem iron are the two types of iron. Foods rich in haem-iron include meat, liver, fish, and poultry. Foods that are high in non-haem iron are those of vegetable origin, like green leafy vegetables, cereals, legumes, oilseeds, nuts, dry fruits and jiggery. Iron is vital for numerous body functions, including hemoglobin formation, brain development and function, muscle activity, regulation of body temperature and catecholamine. Deficiency of iron affects immune system, reduces the number of T-cells and production of antibodies. Iron is also necessary for binding oxygen to body cells as its main function is oxygen transport and cell respiration. It works as an anti-cancer agent. Iron increases energy level of the body, improving physical performance. It prevents insomnia.

Magnesium is another mineral which is deemed essential for all biological life. As an essential part of basic nucleic acid, magnesium ions, together with phosphate ions, are also required for over 300 catalytic reactions of enzymes. Any enzymes synthesizing or utilizing adenosine triphosphate require a magnesium ion. Incredulously enough, magnesium deficiency is the most widespread deficiency, affecting a third of the population in the United States only, with third world countries surpassing the count easily. Being also essential, together with calcium and phosphorus, in the skeletal structure, magnesium deficiency is viewed as a main factor in ailments such as osteoporosis. Naturally available through cereals, green leafy vegetables, nuts, spices, tea, cocoa and coffee, magnesium is available as a supplement in magnesium oxide and magnesium citrate form, whereby the latter is viewed as more bioavailable.

Vitamin D is actually a group of prohormones, all fat soluble, whereby ergocalciferol, or Vitamin D2 and cholecalciferol, also known as Vitamin D3 are the most common forms. The Vitamin D3 form is made when human skin is exposed to UV B radiation. The active form of Vitamin D is calcitrol and it is required in the body to manage phosphorus and calcium levels, but, among other functions, to affect anti tumor activity, immunomodulatory functions and much more. Vitamin D, or more accurately calcitrol, is being bound to a carrier protein, which allows it to be transported throughout the body to the various destinations. The Vitamin D receptors, steroid and thyroid hormone receptors, can be found in most organs, including the brain, skin, heart, breast, prostate and gonads.

Zinc is a metallic chemical element and an essential trace element, whereby only two to four grams of Zinc are found in the human body. There are several biological roles that Zinc plays in humans, including the metabolism of RNA and DNA, gene expression and the regulation of apoptosis. It is deemed vital for proper brain activity and essential in the learning process. It is also critical for the central nervous system, but is also found in muscle, bones, liver, kidneys, eyes and most prominently in the prostate. It is supplied to the body by the ingestion of red meats, particularly beef and lamb, but can also be found in seeds, including sesame and mustard, wheat, beans, whole grains, sunflower seeds and nuts, including almonds.