Calcium is needed for our heart, muscles, and nerves to function properly and for our blood to be able to clot. Inadequate calcium significantly contributes to the development of osteoporosis. Many published studies show that low calcium intake throughout life is associated with low bone mass and high fracture rates.most people are not getting the calcium they need to grow and maintain healthy bones.
THE ROLE OF CALCIUM
Calcium is needed for our heart, muscles, and nerves to function properly and for blood to clot. Inadequate calcium significantly contributes to the development of osteoporosis. studies show that low calcium intake throughout life is associated with low bone mass and high fracture rates.
Main function of Calcium - Calcium is required for bone mineralization (bones & teeth), muscle contraction (heart), nerve transmission, and blood clotting.
Used to treat osteoporosis, osteopenia and hypocalcemia. You have more calcium in your body than any other mineral. Calcium has many important jobs.
The body stores more than 99 percent of its calcium in the bones and teeth to help make and keep them strong.
The rest is throughout the body in blood, muscle and the fluid between cells.
It is important to get plenty of calcium in the foods you eat.
Calcium Rich Foods :Low fat dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt, and leafy, green vegetables.
The exact amount of calcium you need depends on your age and other factors:Growing children and teenagers need more calcium than young adults.Older women need plenty of calcium to prevent osteoporosis.People who do not eat enough high-calcium foods should take a calcium supplement. Milk and Calcium Low-fat or fat-free milk is a great source of calcium because Milk contains a lot of calcium in a form that the body can easily absorb.Milk has other important nutrients that are good for bones and teeth. One especially important nutrient is vitamin D, which helps the body absorb more calcium.Milk is widely available and is already a part of many people's diets.
CALCIUM DEFICIENCY
While a balanced diet aids calcium absorption, high levels of protein and sodium (salt) in the diet are thought to increase calcium excretion through the kidneys. Excessive amounts of these substances should be avoided, especially in those whose calcium intake is low. Lactose intolerance also can lead to inadequate calcium intake. Those who are lactose intolerant have insufficient amounts of the enzyme lactase, which is needed to break down the lactose found in dairy products. In order to include dairy products in the diet, dairy foods can be taken in small quantities or treated with lactase drops, or lactase can be taken as a pill. There are even some milk products on the market that already have been treated with lactase.
CALCIUM DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS
calcium deficiency can result in or cause certain conditions that may result in poor health.
include adequate amounts of fresh green leafy vegetables and low fat dairy products to ensure adequate intake of not just calcium but vitamin D and phosphorous.
Additionally getting adequate exposure to fresh air and sunlight each week, will ensure absorption of Vitamin D.
Myth - White spots on the fingernails are a sign of calcium deficiency. They are not.
Rickets are the softening and weakening of bones in children, which may be the result of extreme vitamin D deficiency, which in turn makes it difficult to maintain proper calcium and phosphorus levels in bones.
Osteoporosis, meaning "porous bones," is when bones become weak and brittle that even mild stresses like bending over, lifting heavy items or coughing can cause a fracture.
In most cases, bones weaken when you have low levels of calcium, phosphorus and other minerals in your bones.
CALCIUM DOSAGE
If you have trouble getting enough calcium in your diet, you may need to take a calcium supplement.
The amount of calcium you will need from a supplement depends on how much calcium you obtain from food sources. There are several different calcium compounds from which to choose, such as calcium carbonate and calcium citrate, among others. Except in people with gastrointestinal disease, all major forms of calcium supplements are absorbed equally well when taken with food.
Calcium supplements are better absorbed when taken in small doses (500 mg or less) several times throughout the day.
In many individuals, calcium supplements are better absorbed when taken with food.
Calcium Overdose Potential side effects of excessive consumption of calcium Decreased absorption of other minerals such as iron, zinc, and manganese if taken at the same time. Constipation is an early sign of overdosing.
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