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What is Liquid Calcium?

B. Miller
B. Miller

Liquid calcium is a type of dietary supplement available in liquid form, rather than the more traditional pill form. It is important for people of all ages to get enough calcium to encourage healthy development, maintain a healthy body, and ensure that teeth and bones are strong. Though the diet should contain different foods that contain calcium, a supplement can help to fill in any holes in the diet.

There are a number of standardized dietary guidelines for calcium intake that may be found by searching online. In general, the amount that should be taken every day increases with age, and falls between 1,000 mg and 1,300 mg per day depending on various factors. Women in particular need to get more calcium, especially those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or who are in menopause or peri-menopause, when bone density can sharply decrease. Someone who is deficient in calcium is at a higher risk for bone fractures or osteoporosis.

Kale, which contains plenty of calcium, might be a good option instead of supplements.
Kale, which contains plenty of calcium, might be a good option instead of supplements.

One of the most common forms of calcium supplements is a pill. Some people find pills to be difficult to swallow, however, so liquid calcium is an excellent alternative. Most calcium supplements, whether in liquid calcium or pill form, will also contain other nutrients such as vitamin D or magnesium. These additional nutrients help the calcium to be better absorbed in the body, because it is difficult for calcium to be absorbed if the body is deficient in one of these other nutrients.

Tofu is a great natural source of calcium.
Tofu is a great natural source of calcium.

Liquid calcium generally comes in two forms; the first is a pre-mixed liquid, which must simply be measured and consumed directly. It may or may not need to be refrigerated, but is typically lactose-free to avoid stomach irritation in those who are sensitive. The other form is a powder form that must be measured and mixed with water in order to be consumed. Powder forms tend to be less expensive because more servings are usually included in the bottle. Be sure to always carefully the directions on the bottle.

Milk is a good source of calcium.
Milk is a good source of calcium.

In addition to taking liquid calcium supplements, it is important to eat foods that contain calcium as well. Dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese are the most obvious sources. Calcium may be found in other foods, however, including soy, tofu, salmon, and some vegetables including broccoli, kale, and spinach, among others. Supplements are not a substitute for a varied, healthy diet with a mix of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

Discussion Comments

Hawthorne

@gimbell - Thank you for that post! I've been having the same trouble with powdered mixes, and it didn't even occur to me to put them in the blender. I usually only use that for making smoothies from frozen fruit. I've been struggling to try and drink it anyway, because I know I need more and more calcium now that I'm aging. Thanks again -- I'll definitely blend it next time.

gimbell

@aishia - Hi there! I'm a long time user of liquid coral calcium supplements, which I mix up from a powder. People commonly complain about lumpiness when mixing up any mineral supplements, so I thought I'd let you in on my secret.

It's not really much of a secret, actually. If you want lump-free, thoroughly-mixed liquid calcium in under a minute, just toss the calcium powder and water into your blender and whir it for a few seconds -- 20 should do it. Pour and drink immediately, and it won't have any lumps or even have any powder settled toward the bottom.

The thing with powder mix drinks is that you need to drink them immediately, and in a hurry. If you like to sip, pre-mixed liquid calcium is the type for you.

Malka

@aishia - What does liquid magnesium and calcium taste like, exactly? Do they flavor those pre-mixed liquid blends?

For some silly reason, I imagine them flavored the same way you would expect a milkshake to be, with vanilla and chocolate. I guess there's just an inescapable association between calcium and dairy for me. It's probably the same for most people.

I'm looking into buying some liquid calcium supplements, myself. I think my bones could use a helping hand -- especially my right leg, which I've broken twice in my life. The doctor said the bone could be weakened for years afterward, so it makes sense to do whatever I can to strengthen it instead.

aishia

As a lactose intolerant individual, I can tell you that I'm really grateful that liquid calcium exists. As you might imagine, it's really hard for me to get enough calcium from my regular diet, since I can't eat dairy without becoming really ill.

I mean really ill -- and lactose enzyme supplements like Lactaid don't seem to work for me, I've tried.

Anyway, I know that calcium is really important to have in my diet, so I started taking liquid calcium magnesium supplements. I don't have to take very much per day, and they don't taste bad at all -- taking it in liquid form is much easier than taking a pill, in my humble opinion.

I buy the premixed liquid form because powders always turn out lumpy when I mix them up, and kind of chalky even when I manage to get the lumps out after a lot of whisking. I want something quick and easy that I don't have to mix for ten minutes, so for me it's worth the extra money.

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    • Kale, which contains plenty of calcium, might be a good option instead of supplements.
      By: silencefoto
      Kale, which contains plenty of calcium, might be a good option instead of supplements.
    • Tofu is a great natural source of calcium.
      By: Jiri Hera
      Tofu is a great natural source of calcium.
    • Milk is a good source of calcium.
      By: vlorzor
      Milk is a good source of calcium.
    • Salmon is high in calcium.
      By: dulsita
      Salmon is high in calcium.