What is calcium gluconate?

Calcium gluconate is merely one form of the mineral calcium. Calcium gluconate is absorbed fairly well by the body, but not quite as well as calcium in its citrate form. But whatever form you buy, powder (including capsules) is better absorbed than hard pills.

While you probably already know that calcium is necessary for bone formation and maintenance, you may not know that calcium regulates heart rhythm, nerve transmission, and muscle contraction. Calcium can also lower blood pressure by up to 10 points, relieve insomnia, nervousness, and irritability, and relieve muscle cramping, especially in the lower extremities.

My only caveats are: Calcium needs to be taken with magnesium in order to be used properly by the body. And be sure to check with your health care practitioner before trying something new.