Calcium is thought of primarily as the mineral that builds and maintains healthy teeth and bones and prevents osteoporosis. In fact, it does much more than that: The body uses calcium to generate a heartbeat and nerve and muscle function and to perform a host of other urgent biological processes that are even more important than the condition of our bones. However, there are many different forms of calcium and not all are created equal. Find out more about coral calcium supplements and why they may be your healthiest option.

Some people may wonder why they need calcium supplements at all. After all, we drink milk every day, why do we need more than that? While it's true that milk is high in calcium, we need more than three eight-ounce glasses of milk every day just to meet the RDA requirement. That doesn't sound so bad, but that's if you're under fifty. Post-menopausal woman need nearly twice that. That's a lot of milk!

It's also true that milk is not the only source of calcium. Cheese, yogurt and other dairy products, although not as high in calcium as milk, are good sources, as are a number of other foods. Nevertheless, federal statistics show that 90% of men and 70% of women don't get enough calcium in their diet.

To make matters worse, there is also the problem of absorption. Dairy, our best source of calcium by far, is one of the most difficult foods to digest. It has been estimated that between thirty and fifty million people in the U.S. are lactose intolerant -- which means they cannot digest the milk or absorb the calcium. Milk is also the most common food allergy.

In a nutshell, that's why we need calcium supplements.

So ... why is coral calcium a better option than alternatives? Largely because of the other ingredients: The trace minerals that calcium requires to do its job. Coral calcium contains more than seventy trace minerals, and at least eight of those are vital to calcium performance.

Coral calcium also helps the body fluids become more alkaline. Many scientists believe that an acidic body reduces the level of oxygen in the cells. As cells with inadequate oxygen are unable to produce as much energy, this can lead to fatigue and a definite lack of get-up-and-go. Low oxygen levels also encourage tumor growth, make it difficult for the body to repair itself, hinder absorption of other nutrients and impair detoxification. Each of these factors leads to illness. In fact, high acidity and the resultant oxygen deprivation are now considered by many experts to be a major cause of several diseases.

Recent studies also show that calcium may help with weight loss -- a major concern for tens of millions of Americans young and old. Last but not least, coral calcium is economical: Because it's easy to absorb, you may need half the amount of other forms. To help absorption, it's best taken at the end of a meal along with a multivitamin. vitamin D is especially important.

For healthier bones and teeth, to help prevent osteoporosis and problems with your heart, nerves and muscles, and to improve your overall health, check out coral calcium supplements. They may be just what you need to live a longer, healthier, and more active life.