Information Page

General Information

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in your body. Here is Wikipedia’s definition. It can be  found in many foods, is commonly added to foods, can be consumed in pill form, and can even be found in some medicines, like antacids. Calcium is needed for many bodily functions, and the lions share of calcium found in our body is not surprisingly found in our bones.

Food Sources

a. Animal Sources

Calcium can be found in dairy products, meat, and fish and sea food.

b. Plant Sources

Non-animal sources of calcium include spinach, cabbage, kale, broccoli, leafy green vegetables, nuts, and beans.

Many foods are fortified with added calcium, such as milk, fruit juices, grain products (bread, cereal, ect.)

Benefits and Therapeutic Effects

Over 90% of the calcium found in our bodies is in our bones and teeth, so an obvious benefit is strong bones and teeth. Calcium is also essential for maintaining ones energy, blood coagulation, muscle contraction, beating of the heart, nerve conduction, maintaining a strong immune system, glandular and hormonal balance, to name a few.

Signs Of Deficiency

If one suffers from dietary deficiency of calcium, you can lose bone mass, and weakening of your bones and teeth and ultimately osteoporosis. Hypocalcemia is a low level of calcium in the blood, and can be caused by certain medications, such as diuretics, medical treatments, or disease processes, such as renal failure or hypoparathyroidism.

Calcium deficiency is a serious matter, and should be discussed with your health care practitioner immediately.

Dosages

The recommended daily allowance of calcium as recommended by the Food and Nutrition Board is: 200 mg for infants, and up to 1300 mg for teenagers Lactating women need addition calcium to help their babies produce strong bones and teeth. Be sure to follow the recommended dosages of calcium by the manufacturer if taking calcium supplementation.

Side Effects and/or Toxicity 

Calcium toxicity is rare since our intestines tend to limit the body’s absorption of this mineral.  However, toxicity is possible when a very large of amount of calcium and vitamin D are consumed together or a person is receiving calcium through an IV.  Too much calcium in the diet can lead to constipation, stomach discomfort, and kidney stones.

Conclusion

Our bodies are mostly water, with the next in order being calcium. If you live in the US you more than likely receive a full days supply in the calcium rich foods we eat. If your doctor tells you to supplement your calcium, supplementation is as simple as taking a daily pill.