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This page/column contains information which may be of interest to consumers. The information is based on articles which appear in Australian Prescriber. As Australian Prescriber is written for health professionals, you should discuss any issues raised by this page/column with your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to give a more detailed answer to your questions by reading the main article.

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Australian Prescriber Vol. 26 No. 6 2003

Calcium

Calcium is essential for good health. It is very important for building healthy bones. Most people get all the calcium they need by eating dairy foods (milk, butter, cheese). Two or three serves of dairy food every day are usually enough, but pregnant women, growing children and adolescents may need more.

If there is not enough calcium in the diet a supplement may be needed. There are many different calcium supplements. Some contain additives which are unnecessary. Supplements containing calcium carbonate are cheap and work well for most people.

The side effects of calcium supplements include bloating of the stomach and constipation.