Tell me about...
Calcium
Why do we
need calcium?
Calcium is the most common mineral in the human body. Calcium
is essential to the growth and maintenance of strong, healthy
teeth and bones. It is also necessary for regulating the heartbeat
and lowering cholesterol levels.
What are
some good sources of calcium?
Dairy products and vegetables are the main sources of calcium;
meat, fish, eggs, cereal products, beans, and fruits can also
be good sources.
What can
happen if we don't get enough calcium?
Aching joints, dry, brittle nails, tooth decay, high blood
pressure/high cholesterol levels in the blood, and muscle
cramps have all been associated with calcium deficiencies.
Perhaps the most significant potential complication from inadequate
calcium intake is bone loss, often leading to osteoporosis
and increasing the risk for one fractures.
Other Resources :
The
More You Know About Minerals
The
More You Know About Nutrition
References
• Martin AD, Bailey
D, McKay H, et al. Bone mineral and calcium accretion during
puberty. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 1997:66,
pp611-615.
• Dawson-Hughes
B, Harris SS, Krall EA, et al. Effect of calcium and vitamin
D supplementation on bone density in men and women age 65
and older. New England Journal of Medicine 1997:337,
pp670-676.
• Thys-Jacobs
S, Starkey P, Bernstein D, et al. Calcium carbonate and the
premenstrual syndrome: effects on premenstrual and menstrual
symptoms. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
1998:179(2), pp444-52.
• Baron
JA, Beach M, Mandel JS, et al. Calcium supplements for the
prevention of colorectal adenomas. The New England Journal
of Medicine 1999:340(2), pp101-107.
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