calcium

[Guest guest]

Calcium dietary mineral

Calcium is needed for so many different functions in the body, from

bones, to blood clotting, your muscles etc. People often think of

bones as a static piece of the body, where very little change occurs,

but that is a totally incorrect perception. Bone is a dynamic part of

the body and calcium is constantly flowing into, and out of it.

Calcium is required for

Calcium is needed for the formation and maintenance of bones, the

development of teeth and healthy gums. It is necessary for blood

clotting, stabilizes many body functions and is thought to assist in

bowel cancer. It has a natural calming and tranquilizing effect and

is necessary for maintaining a regular heartbeat and the transmission

of nerve impulses. It helps with lowering cholesterol, muscular

growth, the prevention of muscle cramps and normal blood clotting.

Furthermore it also helps with protein structuring in DNA and RNA. It

provides energy, breaks down fats, maintains proper cell membrane

permeability, aids in neuromuscular activity and helps to keep the

skin healthy. Calcium also stops lead from being absorbed into bone.

Deficiency of calcium

Prolonged bone re-absorption from chronic dietary deficiency results

in osteoporosis - from either too little bone mass accumulation

during growth or higher rate of bone loss at menopause. Dietary

calcium deficiency also has been associated with increased risk of

hypertension, and colon cancer. When it is in short supply, a variety

of symptoms from aching joints, eczema, elevated blood cholesterol,

heart palpitations, brittle nails, hypertension (high blood pressure)

and insomnia can become evident. Muscle cramps, nervousness, numbness

in the arms and legs, rheumatoid arthritis, convulsions, depression

and delusions have also been noted.

Dosage

The dosage underneath is the (RDA), but be aware that this dosage is

the minimum that you require per day, to ward off serious deficiency

of this particular nutrient. In the therapeutic use of this nutrient,

the dosage is usually increased considerably, but the toxicity level

must be kept in mind. 1,000 mg per day for people aged 19-50 years

1,200 mg per day for people over the age of 51 years.The maximum

level of calcium is 2.5 g/day. It is also recommended one to two

parts of calcium and phosphorus to one part of magnesium.

Toxicity and symptoms of high intake

Excess calcium supplementation has been associated with some mineral

imbalances such as zinc, but combined with a magnesium deficiency it

may cause deposits to form in your kidneys, which could cause kidney

stones.

Best used with

It is recommended to take one to two parts of calcium and phosphorus

to one part of magnesium. Vitamin D and vitamin A are beneficial to

have around this nutrient and it is great when taking a supplement

that it is chelated with amino acids.

When more may be required

More calcium may be needed if you suffer from osteoporosis, are

lacking in Vitamin D, if you have a gum disease or eat processed

foods, ingest excess protein, fat, sugar or caffeine, salt or fizzy

soda drinks. Drinking bottled water with a low mineral content could

require more dietary calcium and so may the consumption of alcohol,

taking a birth control pill, diuretic (water pill) antacids or if you

are on hormone replacement therapy.

Enemy of calcium

Phosphorus, sodium, alcohol, coffee and white flour aids the loss of

calcium from the body, while too much protein, fat and sugars can

have a negative effect with the absorption thereof. Tetracycline and

calcium bond together which impairs the absorption of both.

Other interesting points

Estrogen promotes deposits of calcium in the bones.

Food sources of calcium

Milk, milk products, beans, nuts, molasses and fruit contain good

amounts of calcium. Fish and seafood, as well as green leafy

vegetables supply good amounts of calcium.

[Guest guest]

> Dear Terry,

>

>

> ** It has 300 mg. which is 30% of the daily requirement. The

rest is

> obtained through diet, sunshine, and exercise and proper amounts of

> magnesium. Did you also get the Mineral Toddy? That has both

calcium and

> magnesium in it also.

...no, I did not get the mineral toddy. Based on what you

are saying, i will just take the ultra toddy stuff and not supplement

with my calcium tablets.

If you are already not assimilating it this becomes very

> complicated.

>

> Regards,

>

Yeah, well...complication is the story of my life..LOL!

Terry