Coral Calcium Risks

Coral Calcium is comprised of calcium and magnesium with traces of other minerals. Calcium is an essential mineral for human life, and coral has a composition similar to human bones. Taking a supplement of coral calcium instead of regular calcium does not confer the same health benefits. In fact, coral calcium can pose health risks.

Chemical Makeup

• A coral calcium supplement has a different chemical composition than a pure calcium supplement. It contains less than 25% pure calcium, leaving 75% of other compounds to make up the difference. If you take coral calcium as well as other supplements, you could risk an overdose and adverse consequences.

Combining Supplements

• Mixing coral calcium with minerals such as iron, zinc, magnesium, manganese and potassium can be dangerous. The same can be said if you consume a diet high in one or all of these minerals. For example, a woman who consumes too much manganese can experience complications with PMS and a shorter than usual menstrual cycle. Others symptoms of overdose in both men and women include nausea, dizziness, migraine headaches and insomnia. It is best to consult your physician before mixing supplements.

Lead and Mercury Poisoning

• Since some coral calcium products contain lead or mercury, there is a danger of lead or mercury poisoning over of time. Even trace amounts can lead to adverse health effects. Lead is transported to the brain and stored in organ tissues such as the liver, kidneys and bone marrow. Similarly, mercury can also build up in organs and lead to serious neurological damage. Mercury has even been implicated in Multiple Sclerosis. Research your coral calcium supplement before taking it and read the label carefully.

Effects With Zinc

• Since coral calcium contains zinc, you should avoid taking too much. Large doses of zinc over time can damage the immune system. It can also affect your levels of good cholesterol as well as induce anemia.