Calcium
Calcium is a mineral that is essential in a healthy human
diet. It is crucial for healthy bones and teeth. Approximately
99% of the body’s calcium is stored in the bones and
teeth. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium properly. Calcium
is also important for normal muscle contraction, hormone secretion
and the central nervous system.
Calcium deficiency can lead to many health problems, such
as osteopenia, the precursor condition to osteoporosis, and
ultimately to osteoporosis itself, with its increased risk
of fracture. The older we become, the less efficient our body
tends to become at absorbing calcium from food sources. When
calcium absorption from external sources becomes less effective,
the body will start to strip calcium from its bones. Should
this situation continue without being adequately addressed,
the bones may become thinner and weaker, leading to the development
of osteoporosis.
Today many of our foods are calcium-fortified. Calcium can
be found in milk, yogurt, cheese, orange juice, cottage cheese,
peas, almonds, and spinach. Other good sources of calcium
include seaweed, sesame, molasses, beans, broccoli, and sardines.
Health benefits of calcium
- Prevents osteoporosis
- Necessary for healthy bones and teeth
- Aids in wound healing
- Involved in normal growth and development
- May reduce blood pressure
- May prevent colon cancer
Recommendations
RDI/AI — 1000 mg per day
UL — 2500 mg per day
Principal Author: M. Ofiyeva
Date of Initial Publication: 07/05/2007
Last Updated: 09/16/2007
This website is protected by the copyright
laws of the United States of America.
Pursuant to Title 17, United States Code, the owner of this
content has filed a valid certificate of registration with
the United States Copyright Office.
The statements within this website have not
been evaluated by the FDA. Products are not intended to diagnose,
treat, prevent or cure any disease. If pregnant or nursing,
please consult a physician before taking any dietary supplement.
You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase products.
Individual results do vary.
|
