What Is Coral Calcium Good For? Benefits & Risks

Calcium plays an important role in the body, necessary for the health of your bones, muscles, cells, and neurons. If there is not enough calcium in your blood, your body will draw calcium from your bones, which can cause them to weaken. 

Coral calcium is intended to prevent or treat low blood calcium levels in people who do not consume enough calcium. Calcium deficiency can occur with diseases such as postmenopausal osteoporosis, rickets, osteomalacia, and disorders that cause low levels of parathyroid hormone (softening of the bones). 

Additionally, it may be prescribed to some individuals to ensure they receive enough calcium (such as women who are pregnant, nursing, or postmenopausal and people taking certain medications such as phenytoin, phenobarbital, or prednisone).

In reconstructive surgery and facial aesthetic surgery, particularly in areas affected by trauma, surgeons use coral as a base for developing a new bone. Inside the coral, brand-new bone cells develop before dissolving.

• Counteracts calcium deficiency: According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), many Americans do not get enough calcium because of poor diet and lifestyle habits such as smoking or drinking too much coffee, all of which can prevent our bodies from properly using our calcium stores.
• Easier absorption: Coral calcium is easier for human bodies to absorb than inorganic calcium carbonate. As a result, calcium from coral is better at not only strengthening the teeth and bones but also the brain and vascular health.
• Weight loss: The NIH once published a review of several research studies in which the conclusion was made that people who ate a diet high in calcium are more likely to lose weight than those who are deficient in calcium.
• Colon protection: Coral calcium has been shown in studies to be able to protect the colon against various diseases by assisting in the creation of cells that help protect the intestine's epithelial lining.
• Improved sleep: A study was conducted on electroencephalogram function, in which each of the 12 students received 1.5 grams of coral calcium. Results revealed that coral-treated water significantly increased the alpha-1 wave activity compared with the usual tap water. The alpha-2 wave activity also increased in students who drank coral-treated water, indicating a greater tendency for "brain relaxation."

Coral calcium may cause side effects, including:

• Heart: Cardiac arrest, slow heart rate, and irregular heart rate
• Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea, abdominal pain, flatulence, nausea, loss of appetite, and constipation
• Genitourinary: Kidney stone and kidney failure
• Metabolic: Increase in calcium levels, muscle weakness, headache, and coma
• Allergic reactions: Itching, rash, and hives

Use coral calcium as directed by your doctor. You shouldn't take more of this supplement than what has been prescribed or what the label advises.

Calcium absorption is impaired in achlorhydria (poor stomach acid secretion), which is common in the elderly.

There is a risk of higher blood calcium levels and/or urine calcium levels in people with hypoparathyroidism who take large doses of vitamin D.

People who have a history of kidney stones or renal disease must use coral calcium with caution.

Coral calcium is contraindicated in people with kidney stones, high levels of vitamin D, and phosphate in the blood and elevated calcium levels in the blood and/or urine. 

Before taking coral calcium, consult your doctor if you plan to become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or are currently taking medications such as thyroid tablets, iron tablets, and other diabetes medications.