Common Questions About Calcium

What is Calcium?

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in our bodies, as adult body has about a kilogram of it, mostly stored in our bones.

What does Calcium do for the body?

Most of the calcium in our bodies can be found in our bones, which is why this mineral is essential for building and maintaining our bones. The rest of calcium is used in other processes in our bodies, such as muscle contractions, transmission of nerve impulses, blood clotting and other.

How much Calcium do I need?

The recommended daily intake of calcium varies by age and gender. Moreover, there might be differences in recommendations between different countries. For most adults, it is recommended to aim for around 1 gram of calcium per day. However, specific recommendations may vary based on individual health circumstances and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

What are the health benefits of calcium?

Calcium is essential for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth. It also plays a crucial role in muscle function, nerve transmission, and blood clotting. Adequate calcium intake also helps to prevent osteoporosis, a condition characterized by brittle and weak bones.

Can calcium be harmful?

Hypercalcemia is a condition characterised by excessively high calcium levels in the blood. That might lead to symptoms such as fatigue, constipation, abdominal pain, kidney stones, and more. This condition typically develops due to other underlying diseases, and excessive calcium intake from food is rarely the cause. Nevertheless, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any supplements, including calcium.

What if your Calcium is low?

Low calcium levels in the body can lead to conditions such as osteopenia, which means reduced bone density. That can increase the risk of developing osteoporosis, when the bone density is reduced even further, making bones more prone to fractures. Low calcium levels might be due to some other underlying issues, such as low vitamin D, which is why it is crucial to identify the root cause for the deficiency before proceeding to solution. If however your calcium levels are low due to insufficient calcium intake, consider incorporating more calcium-rich foods into your diet and consult a healthcare professional to discuss the need for calcium supplementation.

How do vegans get their Calcium intake?

Vegans can get their calcium intake from a variety of plant-based sources such as fortified non-dairy milk, tofu, tempeh, leafy greens (kale, bok choy, collard greens), almonds, chia seeds, and sesame seeds. It's important for vegans to include calcium-rich foods in their diet to meet their nutritional needs.

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