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Ca
Minerals
Calcium (Supplemental)
Bone/mineral supplement; total diet + supplement matters.
What it is
Calcium supports bone, muscle contraction, and nerve signaling. Supplement need depends on dietary intake and clinical context.
How it works
Substrate for bone mineral and supports excitation–contraction coupling.
What the evidence says
Strong evidence for skeletal roles; supplementation benefit depends on baseline intake and risk factors.
Safety Notes
- Adult UL is 2,000–2,500 mg/day depending on age; excessive supplementation can increase kidney stone risk in some contexts.
- Use caution with: hypercalcemia, kidney stones (caution).
- levothyroxine: Calcium carbonate can reduce absorption; separate by ~4h.
- quinolone antibiotics: Chelation reduces absorption; separate by at least 2h.
- dolutegravir: Chelation reduces absorption; take dolutegravir 2h before or 6h after calcium.
Timing With Other Supplements
- Iron (Elemental): Reduces absorption; separate ~2h.
- Zinc (Elemental): May compete for absorption at higher doses; separate if needed.