Coral calcium supplements have garnered attention as a source of calcium and other minerals. They are marketed for a variety of health benefits, ranging from improving bone health to preventing cancer. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of coral calcium, its potential benefits, uses, and side effects, based on current research and available information.
What is Coral Calcium?
Coral calcium is derived from the natural matrix of coral, specifically the fossilized exoskeletons secreted by coral polyps. Coral particles that drift to the sea bottom from natural erosion are harvested from a wide region of tropical oceans. These deposits, once part of a coral reef, are typically collected directly from coastal land or shallow waters surrounding it. The coral sand deposits are refined to remove pollutants and ground into a powder for use in supplements.
It primarily consists of calcium carbonate, similar to what is found in human bone, but may also contain small amounts of magnesium and other trace minerals. The composition of coral calcium is similar to that of human bone and has been used as bone graft material for over 30 years.
Potential Benefits of Coral Calcium
While coral calcium is often touted as having superior absorption and a wide range of health benefits, scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited. Here's a breakdown of the potential benefits:
May Improve Bone Health
Calcium is essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones. Insufficient calcium intake can lead to the body drawing calcium from the bones, weakening them over time. Coral calcium supplements are used to prevent or treat low blood calcium levels in people who do not get enough calcium from their diets. Coral calcium naturally contains magnesium and small amounts of trace minerals. Some experts suggest that this combination may be more beneficial to bone health than calcium alone.
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One small, older human study suggests that calcium of coral origin is better absorbed in the intestine than calcium from other sources, thought to be due to the 2:1 calcium:magnesium ratio that occurs naturally in coral. Animal studies have also shown that mice given coral calcium had slightly more bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) in the femur than those given regular calcium supplements. In a rodent model of postmenopausal bone loss, effects with dietary coral calcium were comparable to a calcium carbonate control.
May Reduce Blood Pressure
High calcium intake has been linked to slightly lower systolic blood pressure in individuals with existing high blood pressure. Some research also suggests that high calcium intake during pregnancy may reduce the risk of preeclampsia, a serious complication characterized by high blood pressure levels during pregnancy. Rat studies suggest that coral sand’s natural magnesium and silica content may contribute to its blood pressure effects.
Other Potential Benefits
- May prevent cavities: Test-tube research suggests that coral calcium may protect against dental cavities by remineralizing the enamel of your teeth. Tooth enamel benefits significantly from the use of coral calcium. Everything you eat and drink (especially sugary and acidic foods) will wear away your tooth enamel, causing potentially irreversible damage. Using coral calcium, which is loaded with dozens of trace minerals, can help your teeth replenish the stores of calcium within your enamel. In toothpaste, coral calcium serves as an abrasive agent that cleans the surface of the teeth. If your doctor has advised you against taking calcium supplements, coral calcium won’t be any different.
- May support brain health: Mouse studies note that coral calcium may help slow age-related loss of brain function. Coral calcium hydride, a hydrogen-rich form considered to have increased antioxidant potential, prevented accelerated senescence in rodents through upregulation of cell death, free radical scavenging, and molecular transport.
Uses of Coral Calcium
- Calcium Supplementation: Coral calcium supplements are primarily used to increase calcium intake, especially for individuals who do not obtain enough calcium through their diet. It may be used to treat conditions caused by low calcium levels such as bone loss (osteoporosis), weak bones (osteomalacia/rickets), decreased activity of the parathyroid gland (hypoparathyroidism), and a certain muscle disease (latent tetany). It may also be used in certain patients to make sure they are getting enough calcium (such as women who are pregnant, nursing, or postmenopausal, people taking certain medications such as phenytoin, phenobarbital, or prednisone).
- Bone Grafts: Coral has been used in surgery as a bone substitute. Coral is LIKELY SAFE for most people when used in surgery as a bone substitute. Surgeons use coral as a foundation for growing new bone in reconstructive surgery, cosmetic facial surgery, and in areas damaged by trauma. Coral can be used in place of bone for spinal fusions and bone tumors. It can also be used in dental, facial, and other surgeries. Coral offers some advantages over bone transplants.
Side Effects and Precautions
Coral calcium is generally considered safe, but it's important to be aware of potential side effects and take necessary precautions:
Contamination
Coral reefs can be contaminated with heavy metals such as mercury or lead. Therefore, it's crucial to choose coral calcium supplements sourced from reputable manufacturers who test for and minimize contaminants. It’s best to avoid coral calcium sourced from highly polluted waters.
Risks of Excessive Intake
Ingesting high amounts of coral calcium may lead to hypercalcemia, a condition characterized by excessively high levels of calcium in the blood. This can result in health problems, particularly affecting the heart and kidneys. High calcium intake may also be tied to an increased risk of heart disease and prostate cancer.
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Digestion and Absorption
Coral calcium supplements may cause digestive issues like gas, bloating, and constipation. Taking coral calcium with food can reduce the likelihood of an upset stomach but may also lower your body’s ability to absorb nutrients like iron and zinc.
Allergy
Although rare, serious allergic reactions to coral calcium can occur. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. People with known shellfish allergies may have adverse reactions to coral calcium supplements. If you have any allergies to seafood or shellfish, it’s best to regard coral in the same manner.
Interactions
Calcium can decrease the absorption of other drugs such as bisphosphonates (for example, alendronate), tetracycline antibiotics (such as doxycycline, minocycline), estramustine, levothyroxine, and quinolone antibiotics (such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin). Separate your doses of these medications as far as possible from your doses of calcium.
Dosage and Administration
Due to limited research, there’s no universally recommended dosage for coral calcium. Based on information available from other forms of calcium supplements, dosages may range from 600-2,000 mg per day.
- Take this medication by mouth with food. If your product contains calcium citrate, then it may be taken with or without food. Follow all directions on the product package, or take as directed by your doctor.
- For best absorption, if your daily dose is more than 600 milligrams, then divide your dose and space it throughout the day.
- If you are using the chewable product, chew it well before swallowing.
- If you are using the effervescent tablet, allow the tablet to fully dissolve in a glass of water before drinking it. Do not chew or swallow the tablet whole.
- If you are using the liquid product or powder, measure the medication with a dose-measuring spoon or device to make sure you get the correct dose. Do not use a household spoon. If the liquid product is a suspension, shake the bottle well before each dose.
- Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.
- If your doctor has recommended that you follow a special diet, it is very important to follow the diet to get the most benefit from this medication and to prevent serious side effects. Do not take other supplements/vitamins unless ordered by your doctor.
It's important to note the safe daily upper intake level (UL) for calcium is 2,500 mg per day for adults under the age of 50 and 2,000 mg per day for those 50 or older. The UL increases to 2,500-3,000 mg per day if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, depending on your age.
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Alternatives to Coral Calcium
The two most common alternatives to coral calcium are calcium carbonate and calcium citrate.
- Calcium carbonate supplements contain the same type of calcium found in coral calcium but typically lack the additional magnesium and trace minerals. They’re the cheapest and most readily available form but are best taken with food.
- Calcium citrate is absorbed equally well when taken with or without food. It’s typically prescribed to people with low levels of stomach acid, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or other gut disorders.
Other forms of calcium used in supplements or foods include calcium gluconate, calcium lactate, and calcium phosphate.