HEALTH DEPARTMENT URGES
CAUTION IN CHOOSING CALCIUM SUPPLEMENTS

As a result of a press release issued recently by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), the Rhode Island Department of Health is urging consumers to exercise caution in choosing calcium supplements.

The NRDC has issued a statement that some calcium supplements contain lead. The NRDC also announced that it has filed a petition with the Food and Drug Administration to establish regulations on lead in calcium supplements. Because nutritional supplements are not regulated for safety and effectivess like foods and medications are, there are no federal laws requiring calcium supplements to be lead-free.

Lead can be found in calcium supplements especially if the calcium is from oyster shell (from the ocean), bone meal (animal byproduct), or dolomite (dug up from the Earth). "Young children, pregnant and breastfeeding women are of greatest concern if consuming these ‘natural source’ calcium supplements because they are most vulnerable to the effects of lead ingestion," says Dr. Patricia A. Nolan, R.I. Director of Health.

It is generally public perception that "natural" source supplements are better than synthetic, but in this case, calcium carbonate that is not from any of the above mentioned "natural" sources is the best choice. Consumers should look for key words like, "natural," "natural source," "oyster shell," "bone meal," and "dolomite" as indicators of calcium supplements that could possibly contain traces of lead. Laboratory made calcium carbonate is the best choice for a calcium supplement to minimize exposure to lead.

Dr. Nolan advises consumers that the preferred source of calcium is calcium-rich foods, but calcium-fortified foods and calcium supplements can also be used to achieve optimal intake if needed.