Is Coral Calcium Just A Craze?

Q. A friend of mine swears by coral calcium that she orders through the mail. She says it cures her aches and pains. What makes coral calcium different from the inexpensive calcium I buy in the grocery story?
A. Coral calcium comes from dead coral from the seabed, while the inexpensive calcium you buy may come from oyster shells or limestone deposits. Some marketers are promoting coral calcium as a cure-all for many chronic and serious conditions. The FDA and the FTC are beginning to clamp down on unsubstantiated claims.