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.

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

 

B-Group Vitamins

Vitamin B is a group of water-soluble vitamins that are vital for various body functions, such as the production of energy and blood cells. Although the body uses carbohydrates, fat and protein for fuel, it is the B vitamins that allow your body to use it. Although B group vitamins are found in many foods, they are water-soluble and easily destroyed by cooking, food preparation and alcohol. The body is also not able to store most types of Vitamin B, so a poor diet may lead to a deficiency within a few months.
Vitamin B1 - also known as thiamine, is essential for energy production. It helps the enzymes responsible for converting carbohydrates to energy to function properly. Vitamin B1 also helps to metabolize protein and fat, maintains healthy nerve, brain and muscle function and supports good heart health. Vitamin B1 is found in whole grains, seeds (especially sesame seeds), legumes, wheat germ, nuts, yeast and pork.

Vitamin B2 - also known as riboflavin, is important for the metabolism of other B vitamins, especially Vitamin B3, B6 and folic acid. Vitamin B2 also plays an important role in maintaining healthy hair, skin, nails and eyes. It helps the liver to detoxify our bodies of pollutants and toxins that we are exposed to in the environment. Vitamin B2 is found in milk and dairy products such as yoghurt, whole grains, egg whites, green leafy vegetables, meat and yeast.

Vitamin B3 – also known as niacin, is an important vitamin that is needed for the function of over 200 enzymes in the body, especially those involved in energy production. It also maintains healthy cell division, reduces inflammation, supports healthy nerve and brain function and helps to maintain blood sugar levels within a healthy range. Vitamin B3 is also important for the health of the lining of the digestive tract. It is found in meats, including fish and poultry, milk, eggs, whole grains, nuts and mushrooms.

Vitamin B5 - also known as pantothenic acid. It is found in a wide variety of foods. It helps to regulate fat and cholesterol production and is necessary for the manufacture of hormones. These hormones play a part in fertility, inflammation and our reactions to stress. Vitamin B5 also maintains nerve fiber insulation, which is essential for normal nerve impulse transmission. Vitamin B5 is found in many foods, but particularly good sources include liver, milk, kidneys, eggs, meat, yeast, peanuts and legumes.

Vitamin B6 - also called pyridoxine and is found mainly in muscle tissue. It is essential for making amino acids, the building blocks of proteins needed for tissue growth and repair. It also maintains muscle function, energy production, a healthy immune system, supports the reproductive system and maintains fluid balance. Vitamin B6 is necessary for the manufacture of certain brain chemicals that have a calming effect on the nervous system. It is found in cereal grains, legumes, leafy green vegetables, fish, shellfish, meat, poultry, nuts, liver and fruit.

Vitamin B12 - also known as cobalamin. It has many important effects, such as regulating cell division and the growth of red blood cells. It is also necessary for making myelin sheaths around nerves, which allow for the efficient transmission of nerve impulses. Vitamin B12 also plays an important role in mood regulation and maintenance of the lining of the digestive tract. As we age, our bodies are not able to absorb as much Vitamin B12 from foods, which is why the elderly are particularly at risk of a Vitamin B12 deficiency. It is found in liver, meat, milk, cheese and eggs.

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