Infants, children, teenagers, adults and seniors all need calcium for normal body function. Calcium supports bones and teeth, and the amount of calcium needed on a daily basis has much to do with the age of the individual. You will find more calcium in the body than any other mineral. In the young, calcium builds up developing bones, and it maintains bone strength in the elderly.
The Facts
Calcium is categorized as a mineral. With the exception of 1 percent, all calcium in the body is found in the bones and the teeth. More calcium is needed by pregnant and lactating women and by children between the ages of nine and 18. As a person ages, calcium absorption decreases. Calcium absorption is enhanced with the addition of Vitamin D. Foods, such as beans, nuts, seeds, collard greens and sweet potatoes, prohibit calcium absorption.
Significance of Calcium
Calcium plays an important part in the health of your bones, and although many people are aware of this fact, the majority of people living in America are not taking in the daily amount of calcium required for bone strength, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. If people are informed about calcium's effects on the body, they may be more inclined to include more of this essential mineral in their diet.
Function of Calcium
Up until the age of 30, an individual's bone mass increases and is in need of a certain amount of calcium intake every day. Calcium intake contributes to the development of bone mass during this period. When a person starts to age, calcium is needed to build up bones that start to break down. Calcium is also necessary for the contraction of muscles, the proper functioning of blood vessels, the production and release of hormones and enzymes and thrust sent via the nervous system.
Getting Calcium
Calcium can be found in foods that naturally contain calcium and in foods that have calcium added to them. It also comes in supplemental form, such as in pills and antacids. Some food sources of calcium are yogurt, sardines, milk, cheese, salmon, broccoli, cooked spinach, baked beans and calcium fortified cereals.
Warning
When the body does not get enough calcium, bones become weak as they break down. Individuals who do not consume enough calcium may fall victim to osteoporosis, which is a degenerative bone disease that can result in wrist, pelvic, rib, vertebral and hip fractures that may be debilitating. Women are more at risk for osteoporosis than men are, especially after menopause. Others who are more vulnerable to this disease are individuals who are not active, seniors, cigarette smokers, alcoholics, people who are on the thin side and those with family members who have, or had, osteoporosis.
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