The relationship between vitamin C and calcium is an important one. Vitamin C can support calcium absorption, but too much can have a detrimental effect on calcium stores. Finding the right balance between this vitamin and mineral can be a step in the right direction for people who want to increase calcium absorption, protect themselves against tissue calcification, prevent diseases and get the most out of their supplements.
Vitamin C can positively effect the way calcium is metabolized in the body. For many people who take calcium supplements, overload is a concern. Significant amounts of vitamin C intake can help protect against the calcification of soft tissue and add to the solubility of calcium. High levels of calcium in the body can also contribute to low stomach acids, so taking extra vitamin C can support the digestion process.
Some healthcare professionals recommend taking vitamin C with calcium. The vitamin can be ingested in the form of a supplement or in foods that are rich in it, such as oranges. Supplements can provide higher doses, but the vitamin C found in foods might be able to be better assimilated into the body.
For those who want to reap the benefits of using vitamin C and calcium together, finding the appropriate balance between the two is recommended since the relationship between the two can be a delicate one. As mentioned before, increased vitamin C intake can have positive effects on calcium absorption, but too much can present problems for calcium levels. Extremely high levels of vitamin C can put calcium levels at risk and accelerate bone loss. A potential solution might include the use of buffered versions of the vitamin.
It might be worth noting that some research has suggested that people who have low intakes of this vitamin and mineral are more at risk for periodontal disease. This includes milder forms of periodontal disease, such as gingivitis. Calcium, of course, is thought to support bone growth and bone density and to build strong teeth. Vitamin C can repair connective tissue and provide antioxidant properties to the body. Together, they might help to stave off periodontal disease.
If a consumer desires to take vitamin C and calcium together, he or she might do well to look for two separate products. This way, the consumer can find the best forms of each to take and combine them. Supplements that have them already combined do not always incorporate the best forms of the mineral or the vitamin.