We mostly hear about calcium's significance to strong bones, but calcium is also necessary for the blood's ability to coagulate and for wound healing. Calcium deficiency also seems to play a part in the development of colon cancer. Calcium is good for the blood pressure, participates in the formation of energy, and plays a part in the structure of RNA and DNA.
Calcium is also a part of various enzymatic and metabolic processes. A calcium supplement can protect against lead poisoning by increasing the excretion of the lead in the body that is accumulated in bones and teeth.
Calcium deficiency can result in muscular cramps, nervousness, palpitations, brittle nails, eczema, hypertension, joint pain, elevated cholesterol levels, arthritis, cataract, decomposition of teeth, insomnia, "sleeping" sensations in the arms and legs, and various mental illnesses.
Our bones are our calcium depots. The building and decomposition of calcium in the bone is determined by a long line of factors like the thyroid hormones, thyroid hormones, and certain vitamins and minerals. In women there is also a clear connection between a low oestrogen level and osteoporosis.
It is, however, of vital importance to the building of calcium in the bones that the muscles are used to some extent. In case of inactivity, the calcium in the bones is broken down and calcium supplements alone are no guarantee of strong bones.
RDI
The recommended daily intake is 800 mg. a day but should probably be 1,200 - 1,500 mg. Athletes might have better results from 1,55 - 2,000 mg. a day.
Therapeutic dosage
Calcium supplements should be taken with meals.
You can take 500 - 2000 mg. daily.
Large single supplements are best utilized if taken in the evening.
Sources of calcium
Calcium can be found in seeds, nuts, almonds, sardines, shellfish, asparagus, brewer's yeast, broccoli, cabbage, oats, parsley, and many more. There is also a large amount of calcium in dairy products, but pasteurization makes the calcium more difficult to absorb. Calcium from milk also might disturb the absorption of other minerals.
Several conditions inhibit the body's calcium absorption
- A diet rich in phytin (cereals).
- A diet rich in oxalic acid (spinach, rhubarb, ordinary tea, and more).
- Food and drink containing phosphorus (large amounts of meat, readily prepared dishes and soda).
- Large daily alcohol consumption.
- Consumption of large amounts of zinc and iron.
- Hard workout (moderate exercise, however, increases the absorption).
- Vitamin D deficiency.
- Magnesium deficiency.
- Reduced amount of gastric acid.
- Reduced kidney function.
- Illnesses of the small intestine and illnesses where the production of bile is reduced.
- Heavy metal strain.
Please note
Do not take calcium supplements alone for long periods of time - take with, for example, magnesium, and the vitamins B5, -B6, -B9 (folic acid), -C, and -D in the form of a multi-vitamin/mineral tablet. If you do this you can counteract constipation and prevent calcium from being deposited outside of the bones.
