However, not every time of the day is suitable for effective calcium absorption. If supplemented at the wrong time, the body not only absorbs poorly but also has the risk of harm, such as kidney stones or drug interactions.
According to nutritionists, there are some times when calcium should not be supplemented:
First, do not supplement calcium too late in the evening or before bed. Research shows that at night, metabolism slows down, the stomach is less active, leading to poor calcium absorption than during the day.
In addition, calcium can compete to be absorbed with other minerals, making it more difficult for the body to sleep if supplemented close to bedtime, especially for sensitive people.
Second, you should not take calcium on an empty stomach. Salty calcium such as calcium carbonate needs an acidic environment for good absorption, so if you are hungry, the acidity in the stomach will decrease, and the absorption will be less likely. Calcium is best absorbed when taken about 1 hour after a meal. Drinking on an empty stomach can easily irritate the stomach, especially in people with digestive diseases.
Third, calcium should not be supplemented with iron, zinc or some medications such as Tetracycline antibiotics. According to the World Health Organization, calcium can hinder the absorption of iron and zinc.
Therefore, if taken at the same time, both minerals will be reduced in effectiveness. Therefore, they should be at least 2 hours apart.
