The Truth About Coral Calcium

When limestone, which contains fossilized coral deposits is smashed down, a salt, known as coral calcium is harvested from it. For the most part, limestone is used to produce coral calcium because the ocean's coral reefs are protected and a crucial element in the ocean's ecosystem. However some illegal harvesting of live oceanic coral reefs to obtain coral calcium salts does occur which threatens the sustained existence of many of the ocean's living creatures.

There has been an enormous amount of outrageous claims made about the supposed miraculous curing powers of coral calcium. It is touted by many, especially by those selling it, to be the miracle cure for cancer, as well as a number of other medical afflictions. However there is little evidence available at this time to substantiate those claims. The widespread inaccuracies about the benefits of coral calcium is definitely one of its downfalls.

People looking to improve their health and prolong their life are duped into believing that this supplement can protect them against every sickness known to afflict the human race. Truthfully, protection from disease is found through the combined efforts of diet, exercise, immunization, and avoiding exposure to disease causing elements. It is truth that calcium supplements can be very helpful to those suffering from calcium deficiencies, but coral calcium may not be the best choice in a calcium supplement. Most people get all of the calcium they need through food sources and do not need supplements.

Coral calcium has also been found to contain mercury, lead, and other metals that are toxic and can cause devastating diseases and even death when introduced into the human body. When the level of these metals rises above levels that are considered to be harmless to most people, death can occur. Children and adults whose immune systems are compromised can die even from low levels of these metals in the body. It is through humankind's prediliction towards pollution that is responsible for these toxic metals getting into coral reefs. Air pollution which then settles onto the reefs contaminates the coral.

Shellfish reside in coral reefs and are found in the smashed down calcium salt from limestone which is another one of its downfalls. Shellfish poses a high risk for serious or deadly allergic reactions for people with allergies to shellfish. Those allergic reactions can include rashes, hives, throat swelling, rapid heart beat, and even heart failure.

Coral calcium is very expensive when compared to other forms of calcium supplements and it also has a poor absorption rate within the body. However, purified calcium carbonates are considerably less expensive than coral calcium and its absorption rate is also higher within most healthy people. Not too mention that the kidneys have to work harder to process coral calcium in the body and this added work poses a real health threat to people whose kidneys are already ineffectual due to certain kidney conditions.

If you feel that you are deficient in calcium it is a good idea to discuss this concern with your doctor prior to starting a regimen of calcium supplements. Your doctor will first want to conduct medical tests to discover the levels of calcium in your body and to determine if you are suffering from a condition that can cause calcium deficiency, then treat any condition that is present and advise you on the safest way to increase the amount of calcium in your body should you need to.

About The Author-- Scott White is a certified personal trainer and nutritionist located in Scottsdale, Arizona. For more information about nutrition and fitness, reach Scott at Personal Trainer | Personal Training.

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