Calcium: Health Benefits, Foods, And Deficiency 

Calcium is essential for maintaining healthy bones and teeth while also playing a major role in muscle contraction stimulation, the blood clotting process, and also in controlling heartbeat and nerve processing.

Most of the body’s calcium is preserved in the bones, and the rest is scattered in muscles, blood, and other tissues.

Recommended intake value of calcium

The suggested daily requirement of calcium for women over the age of 19 to 50 years is 1000 mg, and for women over 51 years of age, it is recommended to be 1200 mg by Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA).

Deficiency of calcium

Calcium levels within the body are kept sufficient throughout life. With the decrease in calcium levels, bones release calcium into the blood but with no symptoms to tell the difference.

Kidney failure, diuretics medication that alters absorption, and gastric bypass, which is the digestive tract surgery, all are caused due to extreme deficiency of calcium known as hypocalcemia. 

Symptoms of hypocalcemia

• Loss of appetite
• Irregular heart rate
• Numbness or tingling in fingers
• Weakness or muscle cramps

People develop calcium deficiency, especially in progressing age when they lose the ability to absorb calcium or their diet does not contain sufficient quantity.

Osteopenia develops at the beginning when bone loss starts to occur, which, if left untreated, becomes severe and forms osteoporosis.

Health Benefits of Calcium

1. Bone health

Calcium is present within 99% of the body in bones and teeth. Calcium is also needed for the growth, development, and regulation of bone health.

With growing age, calcium plays an important role in the formation of bones. However, even after the growth process stops, calcium is still used to keep up the health of bones and may decrease the speed of bone density loss, all part of aging.

Females with menopause tend to lose bone density more speedily than males or younger people. Osteoporosis is a threat to them which is why calcium supplements are usually prescribed by doctors, especially for females.

2. Muscle contraction

Calcium is used to strengthen the muscle contraction process. When a muscle is stimulated, it releases calcium in the body, which helps the power to work on contraction.

When calcium is removed from the muscle, it will result in relaxation.

3. Cardiovascular system

Blood clotting is handled by calcium. Clotting involves several steps that are complex. Chemicals like calcium are also required in it. Muscle function of the heart is maintained due to the presence of calcium.

Calcium also plays a role in the smooth muscle relaxation of blood vessels. A possible connection can be seen due to multiple studies stating good consumption of calcium can result in low blood pressure. Another important vitamin related to bone health is vitamin D, which aids in the absorption of calcium.

Foods high in Calcium 

The food sources of calcium are:

• Milk
• Fortified dairy products like soy milk
• Yogurt
• Cheese
• Sardines, salmon, and tofu
• Fortified fruit juices
• Grains and legumes
• Nuts and seeds
• Green vegetables such as spinach are rich in calcium.

Conclusion

In conclusion, calcium is a vital mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and strength of bones and teeth. Adequate intake of calcium is necessary for proper growth and development, and a deficiency in calcium can lead to serious health problems such as osteoporosis. Calcium can be obtained through a balanced diet that includes dairy products, leafy green vegetables, and fortified foods. However, if dietary intake is inadequate, calcium supplements may be needed. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Regular exercise and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can also help maintain strong bones. Overall, calcium is an essential nutrient that should not be overlooked in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.