5 Reasons Why Our Bodies Need Calcium for Good Health

The most abundant mineral in the body is calcium and it is absolutely vital for healthy teeth and bones to develop and stay strong. Calcium is also essential for helping our hearts, nerve endings, muscles and other parts of the body to function properly. Young children need calcium to stop rickets and as we age, calcium is also necessary to prevent the degenerative bone condition osteoporosis developing.

Here are 5 essential things to know about calcium.

1. Calcium is not only important for building strong bones and teeth but it also helps our blood clot normally, lowers high blood pressure and regulates our heartbeat. The body needs other nutrients to absorb calcium properly, including vitamins D and K, magnesium and phosphorous.
2. The best source of calcium is in food, especially dairy products such as milk, cheese and yoghurt. Other calcium-rich foods include dark leafy green vegetables such as cabbage, okra and broccoli, tofu and soya beans, sardines and pilchards, nuts and anything made with fortified flour such as bread.
3. A calcium deficiency can lead to the disease rickets in young children, which is a softening and weakening of the bone. As we reach our 30s, our bone density begins to lessen and so we need to ensure we eat a calcium-rich diet to prevent osteoporosis, a condition that particularly affects older women.
4. Adults need 700mg of calcium every day. If you are calcium deficient because of your diet, you can take calcium supplements but you should not overdose on these as high doses can cause stomach upsets. Don’t take any more than 1500mg per day.
5. The two most popular forms of calcium supplement are calcium citrate and calcium carbonate. Each contains different amounts of the mineral and absorbed differently by the body. If you are considering taking a calcium supplement, consult your GP for advice on which one would work best for you.