Calcium
Calcium is one of, if not the most
important, minerals found in the human body. 99% of the calcium in
our bodies is found in the bones and teeth, although a small amount
also exists in the body fluids.
Most people are aware that calcium helps to strengthen
the bones and teeth. This, however, is only one small part of the
role that this mineral has to play. It is now known that it helps to
lower blood pressure, as well as to prevent osteoporosis, and colon
cancer. It is also an integral factor in maintaining the health of
the immune system in the human body.
Calcium can be found in milk products and green leafy
vegetables. The ocean is able to provide a good source of calcium as
well; sardines in particular contain high doses of the mineral, as
does seaweed, which is particularly common in Chinese and Japanese
cuisine.
Calcium deficiency is not uncommon in the US. The
effects of calcium deficiency can be very severe. When the body is
short of calcium it will begin to take it from the bones and teeth
causing them to become weak and brittle. It can also cause spasms in
the muscles of the individual affected. In the human body we find
that there is a delicate balance between calcium and phosphorus.
This balance can be upset for a number of reasons such as thyroid
disease, or medical problems with the parathyroid. When this balance
is upset, the levels of phosphorous rise and so more calcium is
needed to rebalance the levels.
The recommended calcium intake for a grown human
varies between scientists, but is generally considered to be around
1,000 to 1,500 milligrams per day. This is the largest intake
required of any of the vitamins and minerals.
For an article about calcium and its impact on colon cancer, please
click here.
For an article about calcium and Vitamin D and their impact on bone health, please
click here.
For an article that mentions calcium and pregnancy, please
click here.
Also see this article on Osteoporosis
There is a suspected link between the need for calcium and the need for boron.
See our article about boron here.
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