Why Is Calcium So Important To You?

Did you know you have more calcium in your body than any other mineral? Calcium is very important and 99 percent of your body's calcium is stored in the bones and teeth, and this makes them strong. In fact, calcium is so important to us that if we do not take in enough calcium, our body will take calcium from our bones to maintain the calcium levels in our blood. Calcium helps muscles and blood vessels contract and expand, and aids in secretion of hormones and enzymes to send messages though the nervous system. It is very important to include calcium rich foods in your diet, such as dairy products, milk, cheese, yogurt and leafy green vegetables. As we grow, our bones are constantly formed and reformed again. To maintain the calcium levels in our blood, the calcium from our bones will go into our blood when we have a low calcium level. As our bone is mainly made up of calcium, when we do not take in enough calcium, the lost bone is not replaced. The amount of calcium you need depends on age and other factors. Young adults need more calcium than growing children and older women and men need plenty of calcium to help prevent osteoporosis.

Lactose Intolerant
People who are Lactose intolerant are people who cannot drink milk or eat food containing milk sugars. As milk is often the main source of food we get calcium from, lactose intolerant people cannot drink milk and do not get enough calcium. Here are a few ways for such people to ensure that they take enough calcium daily:

• Have yogurt. The "friendly" bacteria help to digest lactose.

• Buy lactose-reduced or lactose-free milk and dairy products.

• Include calcium-rich foods in your diet such as soya-bean milk and green leafy vegetables.

How much calcium is needed a day?
Anyone not getting enough calcium through diet should be taking a calcium supplement. Below you will find a calcium chart that will give you an idea on how much calcium you should take in a day for your age range.

Infants
• 0 - 6 months (breast-fed) 300mg
• 0 - 6 months (formula-fed) 400mg
• 7 -12 months 400mg

Children
• 1 to 3 years 500mg
• 4 to 6 years 600mg
• 7 to 9 years 700mg

Adolescents
• 10 - 18 years 1000mg

Adults
• 19 - 50 years 800mg
• 50 years and above 1000mg
• Women breastfeeding / pregnant 1000mg