What is Calcium?
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body, and it vital to good health.

Sources of Calcium
Calcium is found in some foods naturally, and also in fortified foods. The main sources of Calcium are dairy products. Milk, cheese, and yogurt are great, natural sources of Calcium, and help provide our bodies with large amounts of this essential mineral. Additionally, many foods such as cereal and drinks are fortified with Calcium to help boost our intake.

Along with food, Calcium can be taken in supplement form. Most Multivitamin supplements contain Calcium as a component of the formula. There are also Calcium supplements that just provide the mineral itself.

Role of Calcium in the Body:
Calcium plays an important role in a variety of functions in the body. It is vital for muscle contraction, transmitting impulses through the nervous system, and blood vessel expansion and contraction. However, the majority of the Calcium in the body is stored in the bones.

Calcium is vital to bone strength and growth in the body. Our bodies continuously absorb calcium in the bones, and use it to help bones grow. As we get older the rate at which our bones grow slows, and the rate of breaking down of bones increases. Therefore, we are apt to have weaker bones and develop Osteoporosis as we age. Calcium helps maintain bone strength and can prevent the effects of Osteoporosis.

Calcium Deficiency:
Calcium deficiency arises from inadequate intake of the mineral. Certain people are more susceptible to Calcium deficiency such as, postmenopausal women, vegetarians, and people with lactose intolerance. Generally, there are not any instant side effects of Calcium deficiency. However, over the long-term Calcium deficiency can lead to serious health problems, and eventually lead to death.

Additionally, Calcium deficiency can lead to increased complications from Osteoporosis as people age. The bones will become frail as people grow older, but low Calcium levels can increase the rate at which the bones weaken, leading to fractures and other complications.

Recommended Intake of Calcium:
According to the National Institute of Health, children up to age 9 should get between 500 mg – 800 mg of Calcium per day. Children ages 9 to 18 should have a Calcium intake of 1,300 mg per day, while adults to age 50 should get about 1,000 mg per day. Adults over the age of 50 should have an intake of 1,200 mg of Calcium per day.

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