Although it is the most abundant mineral in the body, an estimated 1 percent of your body's total calcium is found in the blood, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. While it may be a small amount when compared to your bones and teeth, blood calcium is responsible for a variety of body functions, including helping your heart beat. If your body does not have an adequate calcium source from your diet, it will begin to pull calcium from your bones. To avoid this, take steps to increase your blood calcium.
Step 1
Increase your daily calcium intake by consuming at least 400mg of dietary calcium sources, according to Internet FAQs Archive, a health resource that addresses common nutritional questions. Foods made from dairy products supply an estimated 75 percent of calcium intake in the American diet, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. These include milk, yogurt and cheese. However, non-dairy foods also can be high in calcium, including pinto, red and white beans; kale; and spinach.
Step 2
Increase your dietary intake of vitamin D to at least 5mcg per day, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin D is necessary for the body to be able to absorb calcium and maintain proper blood levels. Because few foods naturally contain vitamin D, you may need to consume vitamin D-fortified foods, including milk and orange juice. Other options include salmon, sardines, Swiss cheese and egg yolks.
Step 3
Spend between five to 30 minutes in the sun each day, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. The skin uses sunlight to produce vitamin D in the body. While you should limit exposure as much as possible and wear a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 15 or higher, getting a small amount of sun may increase your body's ability to absorb calcium.
Step 4
Use a calcium or calcium/vitamin D dietary supplement, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. While the best sources of calcium come from your diet, a supplement may help incorporate more calcium into your blood. Some supplements now come in chewable form, which may make them more user-friendly. Look for supplements labeled "lead-free" since some supplements contain trace amounts of lead.
Things You'll Need
- Calcium-containing foods
- Calcium/vitamin D supplements
