Facts About Calcium

Image via WikipediaA very important mineral that is absolutely needed is calcium. Patients commonly think that calcium is only needed to promote strong healthy bones and teeth, but it is also good to know that it also plays a vital role in multiple body systems.

Calcium is needed for muscle contractions, it help carry substances between the cell wall, it transferring signals from one neuron to another and is also vital in maintaining the ph balance of blood.

Calcium levels are constantly regulated by the body, The bones are used to store calcium. When needed, especially when the blood becomes acidic, calcium is slowly released from the bone and reabsorbed again if there is excess calcium.

Calcium supplements are needed to prevent and treat any calcium deficiency. A typical 20 year old adult needs about 1000mg of calcium a day and teenagers who are at a growth spur needs about 1200 mg a day. Medical experts recommend that supplements are taken in with food and is also advised to spread the does taking half the dose in the morning and the other half in the evening, this is to improve calcium absorption.

Generally, vitamin D is added to calcium supplements. Vitamin D is important since this vitamin is converted into a hormone that synthesizes the production of intestinal proteins, these intestinal protein on the other hand, help in the absorption of calcium in the gut.

There are a lot of food stuffs rich is calcium. Milk is good source of calcium and is easily absorbed. The problem with milk is that a lot of individuals are lactose intolerant.

Soya Milk is a vegetable derived milk rich in protein, calcium is added to meet the required levels.

Another excellent source of calcium is coral calcium. This may be in tablet or powder form and this calcium supplement really comes from fossilized corals. Coral calcium is made of calcium carbonate and trace minerals.