Calcium
Calcium is an important component of a healthy diet and a mineral necessary for life. Calcium plays an important role in building stronger, denser bones early in life and keeping bones strong and healthy later in life. Long-term calcium deficiency can lead to rickets and poor blood clotting; in menopausal women, deficiency can lead to osteoporosis, a condition in which the bone deteriorates and fractures more readily. While a lifelong deficit can affect bone and tooth formation, over-retention can cause hypercalcemia (elevated levels of calcium in the blood), impaired kidney function, and decreased absorption of other minerals. Dairy products, such as milk and cheese, are a well-known source of calcium.
Health facts of calcium include:
• Bone health and osteoporosis - Everyone should consume adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D throughout childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood. When calcium intake is low or ingested calcium is poorly absorbed, bone breakdown occurs as the body uses its stored calcium to maintain normal biological functions. Bone loss also occurs as part of the normal aging process, particularly in postmenopausal women due to decreased amounts of estrogen. Many factors increase the risk of developing osteoporosis, including being female, thin, inactive, or of advanced age; smoking cigarettes; drinking excessive amounts of alcohol; and having a family history of osteoporosis. Regular exercise and adequate intakes of calcium and vitamin D are critical to the development and maintenance of healthy bones throughout the life cycle. Supplementation with calcium plus vitamin D has been shown to be effective in reducing fractures and falls (which can cause fractures) in institutionalized older adults.
• Cancer of the colon and rectum - Higher intakes of calcium from foods (low-fat dairy sources) and/or supplements may decrease the risk of colon cancer.
• Cardiovascular health - Calcium may help reduce cardiovascular disease risk by decreasing intestinal absorption of lipids, increasing lipid excretion, lowering cholesterol levels in the blood, and promoting calcium influx into cells.
• Preeclampsia - Preeclampsia is a serious medical condition in which a pregnant woman develops hypertension and proteinuria, usually after 20 weeks’ gestation. It is a leading cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Calcium supplementation during pregnancy may help to reduce the risk of preeclampsia.
