Coral is a sea animal similar to sea anemone. Unlike sea anemone, coral produce a skeletal structure that contains calcium. Some coral live in colonies that form coral reefs. Don't confuse coral with coral root (Corallorhiza odontorhiza).
Coral is most commonly used by surgeons as a surgical replacement for bone. It is also used as a calcium supplement, for cancer, for heart disease, and for other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these other uses.
Is It Effective?
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
- Use as a surgical replacement for bone. Coral can be used in place of bone for spinal fusions and bone tumors. It can also be used in dental, facial, and other surgeries. Coral offers some advantages over bone transplants. It has a lower rate of infection and doesn't carry the risk of transmitting HIV, hepatitis, or Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.
- Calcium supplementation.
- Multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Cancer.
- Heart disease.
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of coral for these uses.
Is it Safe?
Surgeons use coral as a replacement for bone. It seems to allow the body to grow new bone in its place.
When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if coral is safe. Some coral products contain lead.
When used as a bone substitute: Coral is LIKELY SAFE for most people when used in surgery as a bone substitute. Some people might get an infection, but this is a possibility in any surgery.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if coral is safe to use when pregnant or breast feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
It is not known if Coral interacts with any medicines. Before taking Coral, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
There are no known interactions with foods.
The appropriate dose of coral depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for coral. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
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