Do you need a calcium supplement? At the end of this article, you will be able to discover on your own the answer to this question.
Importance of Calcium
Calcium is a necessary mineral in the body that plays a crucial role in cellular activities, blood clotting and circulation, secretion of hormones and enzymes, muscle contraction, and the transmission of impulses to the nervous system. However, for most people, calcium is popularly known, and rightfully so, for its role in the formation and preservation of strong teeth and bones. In fact, 99% of calcium absorbed by the body is utilized for bone formation.
Sources of Calcium
Dairy products are rich sources of calcium. This includes milk, cheese and yogurt. Certain fruits and vegetables such as oranges, figs, beans, almonds, kale, and collard greens are also excellent sources.
However, if your food intake does not contain calcium rich food sources, you can get your daily recommended dose by incorporating supplements in your diet. Dietitians recommend no more than 600 mg of calcium supplement at a time, because high dosages are not properly absorbed by the body. Thus, it makes sense to spread the doses throughout the day.
Calcium Deficiency
The recommended adequate daily intake of calcium for the average adult is 1,000 milligrams daily, which can be acquired from food sources or a calcium supplement. This increases to 1,200 milligrams upon reaching the age of 50 and above.
If the body is not receiving sufficient amounts of calcium, the effects may not be immediately apparent, but it can have serious repercussions in the long term. As the body advances in age, the breaking down of bone components increases while the capacity of the body to build it up decreases. So, when the body is deficient in calcium, the bones are the first to get affected. Rickets and osteoporosis are the most likely health risks and these conditions result in a greater chance of having bone fractures. Poor blood clotting is another serious risk which may lead to hypocalcemia, which can be fatal.
Final Word
Your health is your wealth. It pays to exert the effort to keep it nourished. If you are not getting enough calcium from your diet, a calcium supplement is needed. There are many affordable supplements in the market; you don’t have to spend a fortune to stay healthy.
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