Why is calcium so important? Our body uses 99 percent of its calcium for maintaining the strength of bones and teeth, and for supporting skeletal structure. The remaining 1 percent of the calcium in our body is used in cell signaling, blood clotting, blood vessel and muscle contraction, enzyme and hormone secretion, regulation of heartbeats, and nerve function. On an average, calcium makes around 2.3 percent of human body weight.
An adult is recommended to consume 1000 to 1200 mg of calcium daily. Calcium deficiency could be a result of inadequate intake of calcium or insufficient absorption of calcium, due to vitamin D, phosphorus and magnesium deficiency.
Calcium deficiency can be of two types, which are as follows:
- Dietary calcium deficiency: This deficiency is caused due to insufficient intake of calcium, leading to depletion of calcium stores in bones, weakening of bones and osteoporosis.
- Hypocalcemia: The level of calcium in the blood reduces, often due to side effects of certain medications.
Symptoms of calcium deficiency include muscle cramps, dry skin, weak bones and teeth, frequent fractures, brittle nails, delayed puberty, etc. Calcium deficiency, if left untreated, may result in osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, and even cancer. Therefore, timely detection and treatment of calcium deficiency are very important for overall health and well-being.
Calcium supplements help in overcoming calcium deficiency. They are available in two forms, calcium carbonate, and calcium citrate. A good calcium supplement should include vitamin D to aid absorption of calcium in the body and should contain calcium in a form that is easy for the body to process. Following are some of the calcium supplement brands available in the country.
Citracal Petites Calcium Citrate Formula + D3
This product is clinically proven to reduce the rate of bone loss and support bone health. These tablets are soluble, bioavailable and usable by the body. It contains 400 mg of calcium in the form of calcium citrate.
Caltrate® 600+D3 Soft Chews
It comes in the form of soft chews in chocolate truffle and vanilla crème flavors, a delicious way to nourish your bones. you can consume it with and/or without your meals. It contains 600 mg calcium citrate and 800 IU of vitamin D.
Bone Strength Take Care™
It comes in tablet form, each tablet containing 257 mg of calcium. The calcium in The caplet is derived from algae. It contains vitamin D as well which helps in the absorption of calcium. It also contains vitamin K in small quantity which helps improve bone density.
Nature Made® Calcium
Each capsule of Nature Made® Calcium contains 600 mg of calcium and 400 IU of vitamin D and also several binders and stabilizers.
Kirkland Signature Calcium Citrate with Vitamin D, Magnesium, and Zinc
Each tablet contains 250 mg of calcium (in the form of calcium citrate), 40 mg of magnesium (magnesium oxide) and 5 mg of zinc (zinc oxide). Both magnesium and zinc along with calcium, help in improving bone density.
GNC CALCIUM PLUS® 1000
Each caplet of GNC calcium plus 1000 contains 333 mg of calcium, 266 IU of vitamin D, and 166 mg of magnesium. It is a good choice available at a low cost per dose.
Swanson Calcium Citrate & Vitamin D
Each tablet contains 310 mg of calcium (in the form of calcium citrate) and 200 IU of vitamin D and some vegetable based binders and stabilizers.
Rainbow Light Calcium Citrate Mini Tablets
This tablet contains 200 mg of calcium (calcium citrate), 200 IU Vitamin D, Spirulina, which is a good source of dietary protein, iron, and other vitamins, Horsetail extract which provides some anti-inflammatory effects and Boron, which is beneficial for bone and muscle health.
BlueBonnet Calcium Citrate Magnesium and Vitamin D3
Each tablet contains 250 mg calcium (in the form of calcium citrate), 200 IU vitamin D and 100 mg magnesium. It is highly ranked for its label accuracy.
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What you need to know about walk-in shower designs
Read moreWalk-in showers have become one of the most popular shower designs lately. This style of shower design is versatile and can be adapted to different sizes of spaces. The best thing about them is that they don’t require extensive planning. No wonder, the design has made it to the top choice of homeowners, who want no-fuss showers that still look attractive. It would be best, however, to consider a few things before installing one.
Consult an expert
The internet has a huge list of walk-in shower design options that you can take inspiration from. You may find that a particular design is not suited to your needs even though it looks great and comes up to be low in cost. It is always a good idea to consult a licensed builder, who can show you why it can work or doesn’t, and offer a realistic solution.Think ahead
Remodeling can be expensive and time-consuming, which is why it’s important to think ahead before selecting a walk-in shower design. For example, a sizeable shower makes more sense if two or more people are going to use the bath area. Installing safety features, such as grab bars both the elderly and kids. Likewise, slip-resistant floors should be favored over others. Be clear about these details beforehand and you can save on expensive upgrades later on.Function over form
A stylish shower looks great and can even add to the overall character of your home. Still, you need to ensure that the design isn’t overpowering the functionality. The shower should be practical and easily accessible. A wide entry can prevent water from splashing all around. No matter what style of shower you choose, make sure it covers these aspects.Choose shower options carefully
There are several types of walk-in designs you can go for an enclosed style or an open one without a door. You could also opt for a self-contained unit like a shower pod that doesn’t need tiling or grouting but only a basic set up. All of them have pros and cons that should be weighed carefully. Consult your builder, who can recommend the best option for you.Customize it at the outset
Walk-ins can be customized to suit different budgets so don’t let a smaller fund be a hindrance. To save money, you can go for one with minimal trimmings or install sprays, create a stylish tile focal point, have colored lighting, set up benches, a steam shower, etc. Whatever frills and fancies you want should be done at the outset, as it’s cheaper, requires less work, and takes less time to complete. Walk-in designs are highly customizable and adaptable. They can accommodate numerous add-ons and can be installed in old and new bathrooms alike. With so much going for these popular showers, it makes sense to consider having one installed. The tips outlined here should provide some insight into the many options available as well as the planning you need to do before settling on any one design. -
5 luxury brands of cosmetics coveted by women globally
Read moreCosmetics as beauty enhancers have been used for a long time. Although there are various brands across multiple price ranges, there are a few brands of cosmetics that add a touch of luxury. These luxury brands of cosmetics are valued by consumers all across the globe. With a high price tag, glamorous packaging, and ultra-stylish advertisements, these brands have worked at keeping their range of products exclusive. Here are five popular luxury brands of cosmetics loved by customers globally.
- Clinique: Founded in 1968, Clinique was marketed as the first line of cosmetics that are tested for allergies and created by dermatologists. Clinique’s products are fragrance-free and are made to enhance the natural beauty of the user. Clinique offers one of the best cosmetics for sensitive skin. One of its most popular products is the Clinique 3-Step System that includes a liquid facial soap, clarifying lotion, and moisturizing gel.
- bareMinerals: From Bare Escentuals, bareMinerals is one of the most popular minerals cosmetics brand. The range of cosmetics from this brand is perfect for those looking for natural cosmetic products. The products are available at specialty cosmetics stores, department stores, and boutiques of Bare Escentuals. The range of bareMinerals cosmetics includes lip colors, eyeshadow, blush, and foundation.
- Sephora: Owned by luxury brand LVHM, Sephora was founded in 1969 in France. The range of products from this brand includes skincare, makeup, haircare, nail color, and fragrance. The brand also creates beauty accessories and tools. These products are in Sephora stores across various locations.
- MAC Cosmetics: Founded in 1984, MAC Cosmetics created products only for make-up artists. However, now this brand creates products for everyone. It has become one of the most valuable brands in the cosmetics market. They have a line of products that are easy to use and ensure a complete makeover.
- Estée Lauder: One of the most popular brands of luxury cosmetics, Estée Lauder creates what is known as prestige makeup products. Other products include hair care, skin care, and fragrances. This brand has been known to design some of the unique products. For instance, in 2017, they came up with a skincare collection called Re-Nutriv that contains extracts of black diamond truffle.