Crustacean Shells Provide Highly Absorbable Calcium
Osteoporosis is a disease that affects the bones. It is characterized by severely reduced bone density that can result in weak, brittle bones that are more susceptible to fractures and breaks. It is a disease that primarily affects people of advanced age. However, it can occur at any time as a primary condition or a secondary condition caused by illness or certain medications. There is no cure for osteoporosis. However, the condition can be treated with medication as well as nutrition and physical therapy.
Doctors recommend people start early to prevent the onset of osteoporosis by making sure they get enough calcium in their diet. Calcium supplements can also be used to increase the amount a person ingests on a daily basis. The main problem with calcium is that it is not always easily absorbed by the body. Factors that interfere with the absorption of calcium include consumption of alcohol, sugar, coffee, and certain medications.
Researchers, however, have recently found a type of calcium that is highly absorbable. An article published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research by the Ben-Gurion University of Negev, Israel reported that amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) may be a good, stable form of calcium ingestible by humans. However, the calcium must be absorbed by hard shelled crustaceans, such as crayfish, first in order for it to become usable by humans.
A traditional form of calcium carbonate, which is used in calcium supplements found on store shelves, only has a 30% absorption rate. ACC has been found to have a 40% blood absorption rate. This means that people can get more calcium for less because more of the calcium would be absorbed.
The CDC recommends that people consume at least 1,000 milligrams of calcium per day to prevent disease. Foods that contain calcium include leafy green vegetables, nuts, and dairy products.
