Review: Swiss Natural Calcium Soft Chews

Three words. Chocolate Fudge Brownie.

Given my weight loss journey and my ongoing challenge resisting all things chocolate, let's just say my interest was peaked when I was asked to review Swiss Natural's Calcium Soft Chews in Chocolate Fudge Brownie.

But I was nervous. This lovely resealable bag of delectable little chocolate chews arrived and I thought to myself, "Okay, these must be really high in calories. How can I justify a whole Weight Watchers point just to get my daily calcium?"

They're 15 calories, folks. Just 15 calories. And they are delicious. Now, the old me may have devoured the entire bag in the pursuit of strong bones and teeth, but the new me is happy to enjoy one or two delectable morsels with my morning array of vitamins.

They are awesome.

Since the little miss was born I have noticed my nails are weaker than they were before, and that's truly not saying much. I have made a concerted effort to take a calcium supplement every day to help improve things, and it is making a difference.

The recommended dietary daily allowance for calcium is 1000mg for people 19-50 years of age. (And the maximum tolerable amount is 2500mg, which helps deter me from eating more than the suggested 1-2 chews per day.) The chews are 600mg each, with 400 IU of Vitamin D thrown in for good measure.

On a side note, did you know that taking 1000 IU of Vitamin D daily can reduce your risk of developing breast cancer? (Sorry, there's my day job poking in!)

Here's the skinny on calcium:

• Calcium is involved in regulating blood pressure as well as building strong bones and teeth.
• Calcium is essential for muscle contraction, heart and nerve function.
• 99% of the body's calcium is stored in the bones and teeth.
• Calcium helps to prevent osteoporosis. 

Right now I have no big, looming concern about osteoporosis, but one day I might. And I would WAY rather be relieved I'd taken calcium supplements for years and reduced my risk, than finding out at the age of 65 that there was something I could have done.

Swiss Natural is a 100% Canadian owned company, which is always cool. The calcium chews retail for between $9.99 and $11.99 for the 60 chew size. 

So, Dr. Gillian (I'm not a real doctor, but go with me) says: Take your calcium. Take your Vitamin D. And if you can take them both wrapped up in a delicious little chocolate treat, why the heck wouldn't you?!