We\'ve all heard it from the days of childhood -- calcium is good for teeth and bones. While it\'s true calcium is absolutely necessary to the health and strength of bones and teeth, this essential mineral also serves several other important purposes in the body. Yet many people routinely fail to consume enough calcium in their daily diets.

In addition to the benefits to teeth and bones, calcium plays a role in helping blood to clot, helping the nerves and muscles to perform their tasks, and maintenance of cell membranes. It is also important in the prevention of debilitating bone diseases, such as osteoporosis.

Despite the importance of consuming adequate amounts of calcium, studies have found that as much as 75% of people in the United States do not have a sufficient daily intake. Those following strict vegetarian diets, especially vegan, must be super careful concerning calcium intake levels.

Good news is there are several varieties of calcium supplements on the market. Adults require between 1000 mgs and 1300 mgs of calcium per day, and should not supplement beyond 2500 mgs, as that can cause problems.

Some kinds of calcium supplements are absorbed more easily by the body than others. However, some may be preferable for other reasons. The most common calcium supplements are calcium citrate, calcium carbonate, oyster shell or bone meal based calcium supplements, coral calcium, and calcium gluconate and calcium lactate based supplements.

In choosing your pill, learn to read the label to ensure that you are getting the proper amount of calcium. Elemental calcium is the term used for the calcium that your body will be able to absorb. While there are other types of calcium, it is only the elemental calcium that can count towards your daily intake. Calcium is absorbed best in acidic conditions, which is why many supplements are recommended for use after meals, when the stomach acids are at higher levels.

Current research has found that calcium citrate is the most efficient, meaning that the body absorbs it easily. However, although it is absorbed easier and can be taken at any time of the day, regardless of there being food in the stomach, this type often contains less of the elemental calcium, and thus more pills daily will be needed (no fun). Calcium carbonate is the most common over-the-counter calcium supplement and should be taken after meals, because of the good old stomach acid. These pills, however, should be watched for sodium content.

Calcium is essential for good health and supplementation is an excellent way to ensure you are not among the many people who regularly do not consume the amount of calcium needed daily.

Natural sources of calcium include sea "greens" like kelp and kale. Orange juice--fresh squeezed is best--is also another good natural source. Skip the cow's milk as it's processed and terrible for your body.