Calcium, the most important element in the human body, has
several major functions. In excess of 99% of your body's
total calcium is stored in bones and teeth, functioning to
support their structure. Blood, muscle and fluid between
cells holds the remaining 1% or less of calcium. Muscle
contraction, blood vessel contraction and expansion, the
secretion of hormones and enzymes, and sending messages
through the nervous system are all vital body processes
that require calcium for efficient functioning.
Calcium has proven to be an important element for health
throughout one's entire life. Critical times, such as
childhood, breastfeeding, or pregnancy, require careful
attention being paid to calcium intake. In growing
children, calcium plays in an important role in
strengthening teeth and bones. It also prevents blood clot.
In adults, calcium is an important factor in the prevention
of osteoporosis.
In instances where one's lifestyle is such that inhibits an
adequate daily intake of calcium, calcium supplements may
be taken before or after meals with a large glass of water.
Chewable calcium supplements should be chewed thoroughly
before swallowing. In the event the individual has
problems chewing the chewable supplements, they may be
dissolved completely in water or juice before drinking.
Calcium has been known to interact with other medications,
so a time-lapse should be observed between taking calcium
and other medications—ask your doctor to learn more.
So what is your daily recommended intake of calcium? Well
it varies with age. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the
National Academy of Sciences recommends that children
between 0 to 6 months consume an average of 210mg of
calcium per day. Children 7 to 12 months old should consume
an average of 270mg of calcium per day. Children 1 to 3
years old should consume an average of 500mg of calcium per
day. Children 4 to 8 years old should consume an average of
800mg of calcium per day. Children 9 to 13 years old should
consume an average of 1300mg of calcium per day. Children
14 to 18 years old should consume an average of 1300mg of
calcium per day. People aged 19 to 50 years old should
consume an average of 1000mg of calcium per day. People
aged 51 years and older should consume an average of 1200mg
of calcium per day.
So where do you get calcium from? To put things into
perspective, the major contributors to calcium in the
United States are milk, yogurt and cheese. The U.S.
Department of Agriculture Food Guide Pyramid recommends
that individuals two years and older eat 2-3 servings of
dairy products per day.
Even though calcium supplements will help with
strengthening your teeth and bones, it may not always be
suitable for everyone. People with lung disease, kidney
stones, stomach problems or diarrhea should always consult
a doctor before taking calcium supplements. Pregnant or
nursing women should also consult a doctor before taking
calcium supplements, as they have been known to infiltrate
breast milk.
Under normal circumstances, calcium supplements are good
for everyone. However, high doses may cause adverse
reactions, such as constipation, vomiting, nausea, a loss
of appetite and a dry mouth. If you experience these
symptoms when taking calcium supplements, immediately
consult your doctor.
When talking to your doctor about calcium supplements, make
it clear what medications (if any) you are taking and any
history of diseases that may run in your family.
Calcium supplements may be the ideal answer in keeping
strong bones and teeth and solving bone related problems.
They are inexpensive and may be found in many online
stores. Just run a search for "Calcium Supplements". But
remember, consult your doctor before taking calcium
supplements.
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Patrick Carpen, the author of this article, is the writer,
designer and owner of the website:
http://www.platinumrecipescollection.com . The Platinum
Recipes Collection lists thousands of recipes in hundreds
of categories.
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