I take a coral calcium supplement at exactly the same time as my morning multi-vitamin. I’ve been doing OVT for 4 weeks now and just started to notice a slight decline in my natural T-production. I originally wanted to counter any possibly over-training effects with creatine. I haven’t noticed all the acute effects of depleted zinc and magnesium levels but did some research on the forums and found this-
“Probably the biggest difference is what ZMA does not contain. Let me briefly explain. We started out doing mineral assessments of elite Olympic and professional athletes. We determined what their deficiencies were and then made time- and dosage-specific recommendations. We even advised them regarding the forms with the best absorption. The oxides, glucates and sulphates are very poorly absorbed as compared to the aspartates, glycinates, and monomethionines, which have superior absorption. So, the athletes purchased some health food store supplements and took them as recommended. They returned to the laboratory after a period of 60 days and were retested. We found no change in their blood values and, at first, we couldn’t figure what was going on. So, we asked them to bring their supplements to the laboratory so we could analyze them. Well, we found something quite amazing. Ninety percent of these products contained a level of calcium between 600-1,000 mg that was not disclosed on the label of the bottle. We contacted the manufacturers and asked them why the capsules contained extra calcium.”
This was an interview with Victor Conte. Now my question is probably obvious and I’m sure I know the answer now but would like some anecdotal evidence. Is my coral calcium supplement blocking absorbtion of zinc? Should I drop it all together since I’m 24 and really probably don’t see all the benfits of taking a calcium supplement? Am I really overtraining or am I just deficent in zinc? I’m not recognizeing all the acute effects of over-training and never had a drop in T-levels before during high volume training. Is calcium possibly a worthless supplement for the younger populations? Even detrimental? I’m discontinueing use immeadiately and dropping back to a multi, fish oil, and ZMA before sleep. Is this a good idea?
Quick note: see the Cy-Borg column in the current online issue of T-mag concerning coral calcium.
RS,
I think you’re right on the money as far as NOT needing the calcium supplement, especially if you drink milk and eat dairy products as well as use a multi (with vit.D and magnesium to aid in absorption and utilization of calcium). Also, many–though not all–protein powders/MRPs contain significant quantities of calcium (e.g., MET-RX Protein Plus). However, if you feel you need to supplement with calcium, or you eat a calcium rich food, just wait 3-4 hours before taking your ZMA.
crowbar
yeah, im with crowbar.
i you are like most people here you prob knocking back a fair few shakes a day with relatively high doses of calcium in it anyway.
if you are gonna take both cal and ZMA, continue taking the Cal in am ands ZMA in pm.
When I was in not so good shape I started using coral calcium and it may have helped me then. But now I agree, I probably get enough calcium in the rest of my diet. I’m just going to go with the ZMA pm now and store my calcium for the time being. Thanks for the responses T-Men!
When I did a search on calcium and magnesium, I found an article that stated that calcium and magnesium were both a synergist and an antagonist to each other. Zinc was an antagonist to calcium.
Calcium does seem to interfere with magnesium absorption, so it is best to take ZMA without any calcium. I have found a few ZMA style formulas that have added calcium, or other ingredients that are of no benefit.