The human body needs calcium to maintain and facilitate many important functions. Heart and nerve functions need this nutrient. Your body also needs calcium for healthy bones. If your intake of calcium is low, you are at increased risk for developing the bone disease osteoporosis.
Benefits
Bones help the body in a variety of ways. They offer protection to organs, such as the heart and lungs, which are surrounded by the ribcage. The pelvic bones protect the reproductive organs. Bones are also attached to muscles and permit movement. Additionally, bones give the body structure and support.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disorder characterized by weak or fragile bones. In osteoporosis, bones can break easily. In severe cases of osteoporosis, sneezing could result in a broken bone. Also, broken bones can lead to long-term bone pain. The National Osteoporosis Foundation reports that 20 percent of seniors who break a hip die from complications of the event or surgeries done to repair it.
Facts
The National Osteoporosis Foundation reports that up to 10 million Americans have osteoporosis. In addition, about 34 million are at risk for developing this disease. Risk factors for osteoporosis include being physically inactive, female, Caucasian or elderly. Postmenopausal women and people who have small statures are also at risk for osteoporosis. Additionally, inadequate calcium intake increases a your chances of developing this bone disease.
Calcium and Bones
Calcium is removed from and deposited in the bones daily. This process depends on how much calcium the body needs. Calcium is important for transmitting nerve impulses. Muscle contraction, which enables actions such as heartbeats and movement, also requires calcium. The body also needs calcium for hormone and enzyme secretion.
When the body needs calcium for these or other processes, calcium is removed from the bones. Calcium keeps the bones thick and strong. Therefore, excessive loss of calcium from the bones can lead to less dense bones and osteoporosis.
Expert Insight
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains getting sufficient amounts of calcium from your diet, along with weight-bearing exercise, helps build strong bones, and may reduce your risk of developing osteoporosis. Your body doesn't produce calcium, so you have to get it from the foods you eat.
To get enough calcium from dietary sources, the New York State Health Department suggests that both children and adults should consume three to four calcium-rich foods daily. Dark, green leafy vegetables, nuts, dairy foods and calcium-fortified foods are good sources of calcium. It's important to note that the body needs vitamin D to absorb and use calcium.
