Bodybuilding Muscle Supplements

Protein and Calcium

Protein & Calcium Advice Cont'd...

Women benefit from a mineral complex supplement or at least a cal-mag-zinc complex (calcium-magnesium-zinc). For best absorption the ratio between calcium and magnesium should be 2:1, in other words if you take 1000mg of calcium a day, your magnesium intake should be 500mg. Add to that a good vitamin D supplement for even better absorption and you are pretty much doing what you can to insure healthy bones.

The calcium supplement works better if taken in smaller doses through out the day then in a one big dose. If taken before bedtime it also promotes good sleep.

You can test your brand of calcium supplement with an easy at home test. Place a calcium pill in a glass of warm water and shake it. If the calcium pill hasn't dissolved within twenty-four hours, you should change to a different brand.

Calcium is furthermore a very important mineral for muscle contraction, the nerve impulses and in the prevention of muscle cramps. Calcium is also protecting your teeth and bones from the toxic metal, lead. Women going through menopause also need higher doses of calcium due to their lower estrogen levels. The estrogen hormone protects the skeletal system by promoting the deposit of calcium in the bones.

A good source of calcium is found in salmon, sardines, seafood and all green leafy vegetables. Dairy food is another good calcium as well as protein source.

Whey protein and whey protein powders are not only providing a good quality protein but are also a great calcium supplement.