Calcium performs many functions throughout the body. In addition to building strong bones and teeth, calcium aids in transmitting messages between nerves throughout the body and the brain. Calcium triggers the release of hormones and enzymes and supports healthy blood vessel functions. The Food and Nutrition Board of the National Institutes of Medicine suggests that adults consume between 1,000 and 1,200 mg per day to maintain good health. Although you may ingest enough calcium, several factors may reduce the absorption of calcium.
Foods
The food you eat provides your body with calories that convert into energy as well as vitamins and minerals. Some foods contain chemical substances that can interfere with the absorption of calcium. Oxalic acid, a chemical found in chives, spinach, kale, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and some types of beans, can interfere with calcium absorption. Oxalic acid combines with calcium to form a salt compound, therefore making it unavailable for the body to absorb and utilize. Other types of foods, such as grains, seeds and nuts contain phytic acid. Phytic acid allows the plants to store phosphorus. After phytic acid is ingested, it combines with calcium which inhibits its absorption.
Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D can be consumed in some food sources, such as fortified milk, fortified breakfast cereals, fish or eggs. In addition, your body makes most of your vitamin D. When exposed to the ultraviolet rays of the sun, cells in your skin convert a substance known as 7-dehydrocholesterol into pre-vitamin D3 that later becomes vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium. Failing to get adequate amounts of sun exposure, which vary depending on your skin color or consuming adequate levels of vitamin D in foods can result in a deficiency. Without enough vitamin D, your body won't absorb calcium.
Medication Interactions
Some prescription medications can interfere with the absorption of calcium. Medications prescribed to lower your cholesterol levels, known as bile acid sequestrants, such as cholestyramine or colestipol can interfere with calcium absorption and increase the amount of calcium excreted in the urine. Certain types of diuretics, also known as water pills, can also affect calcium absorption. Loop diuretics, such as furosemide, decrease the amount of calcium in the body. Anti-seizure medications, such as phenobarbitol and primidone, also interfere with calcium absorption, thus resulting in lower calcium levels. Patients taking corticosteroids, medications that decrease inflammation, over long-periods of time also experience decreased amounts of calcium.
References
- National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements: Calcium
- The Journal of Biological Chemistry: Phytic Acid
- National Institute of Medicine: Food and Nutrition Board: Dietary Reference Intakes
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Possible Interactions With Calcium
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin D
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