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As calcium is one of the most important and essential minerals in our body it is critical that we get enough if we want to remain healthy. Calcium is not only abundant in our bones, teeth and nails, but is required by almost every cell including the heart, nerves and muscles. And without our skeletal system, well we would not be much use and quite floppy, so it is essential for the bones. In fact our entire skeleton is renewed every 7 years! So without enough calcium in our diet, the body takes stored calcium out of the bones for other essential functions. It’s a bit like a bank account, where you have to keep the deposit topped up in case it is needs withdrawals somewhere else.

 

Who Needs More Calcium?

· Women over 16 years old

· Coffee and tea drinkers

· Daily alcohol drinkers

· Pregnant or breastfeeding women

· Dieters or sports/exercise enthusiasts

· Smokers

· People with allergies or dairy intolerance

· Vegetarians / Vegans

· Anyone on a high protein diet

· Underweight or small boned individuals

 

How Much Calcium Do I Need?

Typically the body needs between 700-1500mg of calcium a day and it is best to get calcium from natural food sources as much as possible.  As
calcium is high in only a small number of foods, it is wise to use a supplement if
required.

 

High Calcium Food Sources (per 100g serving):

· Sea Vegetables                                   1100mg

· Swiss Cheese                                      950mg

· Tahini                                                   600mg

· Spirulina                                               445mg

· Torula Yeast                                         424mg

· Carob                                                   352mg

· Kale                                                      249mg

· Almonds                                               245mg

· Salmon Canned with Bones                 240mg

· Figs                                                       240mg

· Soya Beans                                          226mg

· Watercress                                           192mg

· Brazil Nuts                                            186mg

· Tofu                                                      156mg

· Chickpeas                                            150mg

· Broccoli                                                123mg

· Silverbeet                                             115mg

 

Which Vitamins and Minerals can help Calcium absorption?

· Magnesium is the carrier of Calcium to the cell membrane which maintains the correct balance within the body.  Magnesium may also help reduce the accumulation of excessive amounts of calcium built up in the kidneys.

· Vitamin D supports the absorption of Calcium by helping maintain normal blood calcium levels and stimulating the reabsorption mechanism.  Sources of Vitamin D are from the sun or from food sources such as cod liver oil.

 

What Type of Calcium is Best?

Calcium is just not calcium, as there are many different types coming from varying sources.

· Calcium Hydroxypatite is processed crushed cow bone.

· Calcium Citrate is limestone or chalk processed with lactic or citric acid.

· Calcium Carbonate is limestone or precipitated chalk.

· Calcium Gluconate is limestone or chalk processed with gluconic acid.

· Calcium Lactate is limestone processed with lactic acid.

 

All of these forms are found in many general Calcium Supplement Formulas and may work sufficiently, but as we do not absorb minerals in rocks like plants do, some
individuals find them less effective.  It is therefore best to take naturally occurring
calcium from plants and vegetable foods, if not Hydroxypatite from animals. The best
absorbed and tolerated sources are Calcium Hydroxypatite, Calcium Citrate and Sea Vegetables. Sea Vegetables are a great source for allergy sufferers and vegetarians.

 

Please consult with your health practitioner for further information and products suitable for your needs.

 

References

· “Calcium - Health Benefits” - Hyperhealth Pro 2006 (v6.0)

Calcium

We all know that calcium is good for the bones, but that’s where its role in the body just begins. Calcium is also needed for healthy joints, muscles, teeth, hair, skin, nails as well as supporting other major systems.

 

Why Do We Need Calcium?