Calcium is a major mineral essential for healthy bones and teeth. There are several minerals known to be essential to the human body and which must be obtained from food. The major minerals (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, chloride and potassium) are needed in the greatest quantities or are present in large amounts in the body. The three main functions of minerals are as constituents of the skeleton, as soluble salts which help control the composition of the body fluids, and as essential adjuncts to the action of many enzymes and other proteins.

Friday, February 6, 2009

Why Calcium Is Vital For Far More Than Just Strong Bones

It is known that adequate calcium is important for maintaining strong, healthy bones and teeth, and actually, this is where some 99% of about 1.2 kg in the average adult human body can be found. But that is not in fact these vital minerals in the body most important function, because calcium is also present in the blood in very precise quantities to ensure that certain important physiological processes on undisturbed.

They include the narrowing and widening of blood vessels? essential for the establishment of an internal temperature control, the transmission of nerve impulses, release of energy for muscle contraction, the secretion of certain vital hormones like insulin, and the coagulation of blood.

as evidence for the importance of these functions, it is only necessary to note that the stripes of the body of calcium in the bones to make the necessary blood levels of the mineral should these be in danger too low because of inadequate nutrition. Since the bones, like the body of the structures are in a constant state of regeneration and repair, the potential consequences if such a deficiency is entitled to over time can be catastrophic.

In extreme cases, deficiency in children and adolescents can lead to weakness and characteristic malformation of the disease, rickets. In adults, especially older adults, the most obvious consequence is the loss of bone mass known as osteoporosis - a major cause for the greatly increased incidence of serious fractures, which are such a significant risk to the health of older people.

But there are other problems associated with the low intake of calcium.

There is good evidence to ensure low calcium intake as a risk factor for the development of hypertension in pregnancy (preeclampsia) in women who are susceptible to this potentially dangerous condition, and, interestingly, research has shown that supplementation with calcium to a daily dose of 1000? 1200 mg per day may also be effective in reducing blood pressure in the general population. A number of studies in connection with low calcium pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) and indicate that supplementation of May reduce the severity of symptoms.

There is already some evidence that low calcium intakes May tend to view the body to deposit more fat within existing fat cells. Although the relationship is not completely understood, it seems safe to say that a wide variety in the diet or supplemental calcium is important for success in the pursuit of a weight loss program.

Given the importance of calcium in all these ways, it is alarming to note that the average intake for most people in the developed world are known to be far below the levels proposed, and the numbers are particularly serious for young people whose growing bones, the greatest need. Perhaps as much as 75% of boys and 90% of girls in this age group may be calcium deficient.

Dairy products are by far the best sources of dietary calcium and an 8 oz serving of milk or yogurt, or 1? oz cheese, about 300 mg of calcium. Green vegetables, except spinach, are also a useful source, although you must servings 3 a.m. to 4 p.m., for example, broccoli or kale, to match the calcium from a single standard glass of milk. It should also ensure that the consumption of diets high in protein and salt, that is the property of the wealthy western world, is known to the excretion of calcium and thus the risk of shortages and the problems associated with bone strength and health.

This and a number of other possible variables, the individual need for dietary calcium, the Food and Nutrition Board has the numbers for an adequate intake (AI) of the mineral, instead of Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), the it is often the case for vitamins and other important nutrients. Infants and young children should begin with an intake of about 200 mg per day, up to 800 mg at the age of eight years. Of nine children and more young people whose bones still growing, the over 50-year-olds, and pregnant or breastfeeding women have higher standards and should consume 1200? 1300 mg calcium per day.

in order to preserve the health and bone density of the fully formed adults from 20 to 50 should consume 1000 mg calcium daily, through a combination of diet and supplements. In all cases, the combination of supplementation with at least 400 IU vitamin D is clearly in the introduction of necessary calcium.

Calcium supplements should also always be taken with food, the recommended safe upper limit for the total calcium intake to 2500 mg, in which there should be no problems. However, since high calcium intake may negatively affect the absorption of other important minerals, especially magnesium, zinc and iron, it is recommended that additional calcium should always be regarded as part of a comprehensive multi-mineral supplement.

 

Steve Smith is a freelance copywriter specialising in direct marketing and with a particular interest in health products. Find out more at http://www.sisyphuspublicationsonline.com/LiquidNutrition/Information.htm

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephen_P_Smith

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