More and more women, and now men, are trying to increase their daily intake of calcium in an effort to prevent osteoporosis, relieve pain, fight insomnia and deal with stress. But unless taken correctly, you might not be getting the full health benefit from your calcium supplement.

1. Make sure your calcium supplement contains vitamin C as it is essential for proper calcium absorption.
2. Take your calcium in liquid form for the fastest absorption. It is more effective than tablets, and also shouldn’t contain antacids like tablets do, which interfere with calcium absorption.
3. Be sure to take the doctor recommended 2:1 ratio of calcium to magnesium in your supplement — two parts calcium to one part magnesium.
4. Eat foods that are high in the amino acid lysine, which is needed for calcium absorption. These include eggs, fish, lima beans and soy products.
5. Get outside in the sun without sunscreen for 15 minutes, three times a week. Sunshine is the easiest and best way to get vitamin D, which is essential for proper absorption of calcium.
6. Spread out your doses of calcium over the day, as it appears to work more effectively if taken in smaller doses, rather than a large dose all at once.
7. Avoid taking calcium with iron or zinc as it reduces the efficacy of both minerals and can interfere with calcium absorption.
8. Decrease or eliminate soft drinks from your diet. They are high in phosphorus, which can lead to calcium excretion in your urine.
9. Cut down on junk foods, alcohol, caffeine and white flour. All of these may lead to an excessive loss of calcium from your body and a decreased rate of absorption.
10. Eat foods containing oxalic acid in moderation. Oxalic acid interferes with calcium absorption. Foods containing oxalic acid include almonds, beet greens, cashews, chard, kale, rhubarb and spinach.

Calcium and Magnesium In A Drink Works Fast

Calcium is one of the best defenses against osteoporosis. The FDA claims that regular exercise and a healthy diet with enough calcium may help teens and young women reduce their high risk of osteoporosis later in life. CalMax® is an instant mineral powder with the 2:1 ratio of calcium to magnesium often recommended by doctors. Each serving provides 400 mg of calcium, 200 mg of magnesium and 500 mg of vitamin C.