

The two major calcium-containing complexes found in these tissues are Calcium Phosphate and Hydroxyapatite with latter one being the most abundant. Without question the most recognizable function of calcium is to make the bones and teeth hard. The Calcium intake recommendations according to NIH (National Institutes of Health) are listed below:Īfter discovering information about Calcium, now let us know its health benefits in detail: What Are the Recommendations for Calcium Intake? Furthermore, a diet having a higher phosphorus-to-calcium ratio may reduce calcium absorption and the ratio of phosphorus to calcium in the diet should not exceed 2:1. Because of this calcium supplements should be taken with a meal and the one with the least amount of vegetables. It is estimated that as little as 5 percent of the calcium is absorbed from spinach because of the presence of inhibiting substances in the digestive tract.Īdditionally, factors such as normal stomach acidity and presence of certain amino acids in small intestine seems to enhance the efficiency of absorbing calcium. Plants can contain substances called oxalates and phytate, which can bind to calcium in the digestive tract and decrease its absorption. What Dietary Factors Can Influence Calcium Absorption?

Calcium citrate may be taken with or without food. Therefore, it needs to be consumed with food.

In order to be absorbed, calcium carbonate requires stomach acid. Calcium is usually sold as calcium carbonate or calcium citrate. For them, taking daily supplementation is normally recommended. Still, many people do not obtain a sufficient amount of calcium from food. Other foods with higher amounts of calcium include soymilk, sardines, fortified orange juice, tofu, fortified cereal, kale, and turnip greens. These include dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Many foods have excellent and very good amounts of calcium. People can feel fine and be completely unaware of this problem until they break a bone or a doctor screens them for osteoporosis.

Eventually, people low on calcium will have lower bone mass, as well as a deterioration of bone tissue. They have not been ingesting enough calcium in their diet for years, and the body has used the calcium from bones to keep the levels up. However, many people develop a deficiency of calcium in the bones as they age. Vitamin D is also essential for the body to absorb and use calcium.įor most people, the level of calcium in the blood stays normal and never causes a problem. The main hormone is called parathyroid hormone, and it is necessary for the body to maintain a normal calcium level. A number of hormones and vitamins help regulate this process. This involves the absorption of calcium from food, the storage of calcium in bone, the elimination of excess calcium in the urine, and the resorption of calcium into the blood from the bone if levels get low. There is a complicated regulatory process that keeps the blood level of calcium stable when a person is in good health. This allows it to form mineral complexes found in bone and teeth as well as interact with proteins to make things happen in certain cells. Due to this heavy positive charge, calcium interacts with substances bearing a negative charge strongly. Calcium atoms, therefore, are most stable after they have given up two electrons. Calcium is found in foods and the body as an atom with a +2 charge (Ca++ or Ca2+). However, most people really do not understand how calcium functions. Furthermore, calcium tends to be portrayed as a hero for protecting the human body from osteoporosis. It is absolutely necessary in order for all the systems of the body to function properly. Calcium is about 40 percent of total body mineral weight and about 1.5 percent of total body weight. Calcium is a naturally occurring most popular mineral that is an essential component of the human body.
