Calcium

Calcium helps give your bones incredible strength, allowing them to support your muscles and body weight. Supplements may help slow the loss of bone density that often occurs with age, maintaining your mobility and resilience so that you can continue to enjoy your favorite hobbies and sports for longer. 

Calcium also functions as an electrolyte, working together with magnesium and sodium to help your muscles contract efficiently. Your body can temporarily draw calcium from your bones if your diet is insufficient, but consuming enough of the mineral daily may help you maintain muscular performance and bone mass, which are important for powerlifting, bodybuilding and even everyday activities, such as lifting furniture. 

Easy to swallow and absorb, calcium softgels are one of the best ways to add more calcium to your diet if your doctor has recommended a supplement or you can't eat dairy and certain other foods. Some softgels also pair calcium with vitamin D and other nutrients that work with calcium to support your bones, cardiovascular system and muscle function for improved effect.   

A balanced diet can supply much of your daily calcium requirement, but you may struggle to get enough of the mineral through diet alone if you're vegan or lactose intolerant or you don't like the taste of dairy. Calcium supplements help ensure you get enough of the mineral without clashing with your dietary preferences and needs. Supplements can also help fulfill the increased calcium requirements related to certain health conditions and medications. 

Some forms of calcium, such as calcium citrate, absorb well whether you take them with or without food. Other supplements should be taken with a meal. Your body usually absorbs calcium best when taken in amounts no more than 500mg at a time, but check the instructions of your supplement or ask your doctor to determine the best dosage and timing for your needs. 

Calcium softgels may work quickly to help improve blood pressure, muscle contraction and other electrolyte functions. Improvements in bone and joints may take a much longer time, however, and it's important to continue taking the supplement over a long period, exactly as recommended by your doctor.