Health Benefits of Coral Calcium

Coral calcium provides the same health benefits as other calcium carbonate supplements. However, some advertisers claim that this supplement can do more. Additionally, coral calcium is a lot more expensive than other calcium supplements. Find out what's hype and what's fact before spending the additional money on this supplement.

Reported Benefits

• According to many marketers, coral calcium is more alkaline than other forms of calcium, which purportedly changes the acidity level of the body. This, in turn, can supposedly heal many ailments, including cancer and Alzheimer's disease.

Mineral Content

• Coral calcium contains calcium carbonate and other trace minerals that are similar to many other, cheaper forms of calcium supplements. These minerals are essential for healthy bone formation, and both neurological and emotional health.

Legal Concerns

• The claims made on TV by marketers, especially Robert Barefoot, have concerned both the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), resulting in various legal actions. In fact, the FDA has issued warnings that the claims made regarding coral calcium's ability to heal cancer and other such diseases has no scientific basis nor proof (see Resources).

Expert Insight

• According to Steven Barrett, M.D., coral calcium is nothing more than limestone. Mr. Barrett says, "For people who need to consume extra calcium, purified calcium carbonate pills are safer and far less expensive than coral calcium" (see Resources).

Significance

• Coral calcium supplements are an excellent source for calcium and trace minerals such as magnesium, but they are not the only source. Despite claims made by marketers, research suggests the same benefits can be obtained from just about any other calcium supplement.