Calcium is the most abundant mineral found in your body. You get it from food sources such as dairy products, vegetables and grains. A calcium deficiency can result in both short-term and long-term side effects such as osteoporosis. Postmenopausal women, vegetarians and people who are lactose intolerant are all more likely to develop a calcium deficiency. Maintaining adequate levels of calcium can help you manage a healthy weight, keep your body structurally strong and sustain daily bodily functions.
Structural Health
In the body, 99 percent of the calcium supply is stored in the bones and teeth, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. The main function of the calcium located in your bones is to support the structural process. Your bones are constantly reforming and your body needs calcium for this. With age, your body begins to lose more calcium than it takes in, which is what can cause osteoporosis. Peak bone mass is reached around the age of 30, making calcium equally important at an early age as it is the older you get. If your bones are strong around age 30, they will also take longer to deteriorate.
Muscle and Nerve Health
Besides its role in structural health, calcium is important to your nervous system and muscles. When it comes to brain communication, calcium ions are essential to the electrical conversion. In addition, calcium also translates the nerve impulses that allow your muscles to move and contract. Without calcium you could experience severe complications such as an abnormal heartbeat.
Weight Management
The exact reasoning for how calcium affects your weight is still being researched. Different studies have found multiple options when it comes to the correlation between calcium and fat; however, it is clear that calcium somehow affects your weight. For example, one study published in the "International Journal of Obesity" found that calcium binds with dietary fat, which then prevents the fat absorption. More research needs to be conducted, but sufficient calcium intakes may help you maintain a healthy weight.
Lower Cancer Risks
Colon, rectum and prostate cancer all have a slight association with calcium intakes. The Calcium Polyp Prevention Study found that adequate calcium intake led to a risk reduction for precursor tumors for colon cancer. Results of other studies are inconclusive, but adequate calcium intake may aid in the prevention of these cancers. Consult your health care provider for more information about the role of calcium in cancer prevention.
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