Vitamins-Minerals Health Articles

Calcium - Beyond Healthy Bones

Calcium - Benefits, Deficiency Symptoms And Food Sources
Acid/Alkaline :: Alkaline-forming

Types: protein bound Ca. 46%; diffusable Ca. 6.5%; ionized Ca. 47.5%

What is Calcium?
Calcium is vital for the formation of strong bones and teeth and for the maintenance of healthy gums. Most of the calcium in our bodies - 99 percent of it - is found in our bones and teeth and remaining 1 percent is found throughout the body in blood, muscle, and the fluid between cells. Calcium works by binding with compounds that would otherwise irritate the lining of the bowel. In the absence of vitamin D there is decreased absorption of calcium from the food and also decreased level of phosphate in blood. Ionic calcium greatly helps in blood clothing, by acting as a cofactor in the coagulation process.

Excess calcium always keeps the heart muscle unit in contracting state (calcium rigor) due to association of more contractile units. With the curdling enzymes the soluble paracasein of the milk in the presence of calcium in converted to insoluble casein (calcium paracaseinate) or milk curd. Dairy products like milk, curd, yoghurt, cheese and its other by-products are the best sources of available and usable calcium.

Uses and Benefits of Calcium

Calcium is the most abundant mineral (metal) in your body. It is necessary for bone, cartilage, tendons and connective tissue strength. (Used in bone matrix.)
Assists the actuation of many enzymes including pancreatic.
Works with neuro-transmissions.
Used in ATP, Adenosine Triphosphate release (cell energy reserves).
99% of the body's Ca is located in the bones and teeth. Plays a role in blood clotting.
One of many cellular transporters.
Recommended Dosage of Calcium

The minimum Recommended Dosage Allowance of Calcium are :-

Adults - 800 mg.
Children - 600 mg.
Pregnant Women - 1200 mg.

Deficiency Symptoms of Calcium
A lack of utilization is epidemic. Utilization requires parathyroid/thyroid hormones and alkalization.

Short term deficiencies: muscle cramping and spasms, pounding heartbeat, loss of sleep, irritability, tooth decay, periodontal disease, softened bones, nervousness, back and leg cramps, brittle bones, connective tissue weakness including varicose and spider veins, hemorrhoids, prolapsed conditions of organs and skin, petechiae, hot flashes, hot and cold syndrome, and heart arrhythmias. Plays a role in muscular contraction. Use is regulated by parathyroid hormone and vitamin D. Builds bones and teeth. Normalizes heart action, nerve irritability, blood coagulation, normalizes metabolism. Calcium neutralizes excessive serum histamines. Increased calcium consumption can increase calcitonin production by the thyroid gland (C-cells). This actually inhibits bone re absorption, thus creating the opposite effect of rebuilding your bones. Lead interferes with calcium utilization.

Long term deficiencies: Osteoporosis, scoliosis, rickets and diseases involving the loss of calcium from the bones or the failure of growing bones to have enough calcium for strength and proper growth. Stunted growth. Also, arthritis and depression.

Toxicity: Acidosis, bone spurs, kidney stones, stenosis issues, and calcium deposits in tissues. Also possibly hypertension, confusion, nausea and vomiting.

Rich Food Sources of Calcium
Kelp, sesame seeds, dark leafy green vegetables, carrots, oranges, almonds, broccoli, papaya, sunflower seeds, walnuts, cashews, Brazil nuts, tofu, bone meal, brown rice, and most fruits and vegetables.

Note: Coffee, commercial teas, carbonated drinks, (soda pops, etc.), marijuana, excess salt, cigarettes, refined sugars, alcohol, and chemical diuretics all inhibit or "pull" calcium out of bone and tissues.

If you have lactose intolerance, there are still choices in the market. You can enjoy the pre-treated milk with 99% less lactose, or consume lactase enzyme tablets or drops. Some dairy products are naturally low in lactose such as firm cheese, yogurt and buttermilk.

Calcium is also found in dark green vegetables and dried beans. If you decide to supplement with calcium pills, look for the amount of "elemental" or available calcium in the supplements. If in doubt, ask your dietitian or pharmacist to assist you in choosing the right calcium supplement. Read Calcium Supplements.

Key:

Dairy products are the best source of calcium as other nutrients found in these products help its absorption. Look for % M.F or % B.F on the label and choose lower fat version. Eat a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables and fruits, and include at least 2 -4 daily servings of lower fat dairy products. In addition of consuming adequate calcium intake, physical activity can strengthen your bones as well. So start doing some weight-bearing exercise such as walking and hiking to maintain healthy bones!
Calcium is an essential mineral with a wide range of biological functions. Calcium absorption declines with age. If the body does not get enough calcium, it will rob it from the bones, causing them to become porous and fragile.
Calcium and magnesium are especially essential to many bodily functions, and a shortage of either can lead to problems with bone density and strength. Calcium and magnesium work together synergistically and the recommend ratio of calcium to magnesium is 2:1. When magnesium levels are inadequate, the calcium crystals are weaker thereby permitting fractures to occur. Our Coral Calcium Plus does contain a 2:1 ratio of Calcium to Magnesium.
In addition to the trace minerals found in Coral Calcium, we have also added several other vital vitamins and minerals that are often lacking in the diet such as Vitamin A, the B Vitamins, Folic Acid, Zinc, and Chromium.