- Calcium is the most abundant mineral in out body: Calcium accounts for about 1.5- 2% of total body weight.
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Calcium helps build and maintain strong bones: Our bodies require calcium to build and maintain strong bones. Approximately 99% of calcium is stored in our bones and teeth. If an inadequate amount of calcium is received from the diet, it will be withdrawn from bone and teeth stores so that other parts of the body can use it. Thus, if your body is not receiving enough calcium, the body will continue to extract it from the bones and teeth, causing them to become weak and brittle.
- Calcium helps regulate muscle contraction: When a nerve stimulates a muscle, the body releases calcium. The calcium that is released assists the proteins in muscle carry out the work of contraction.
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Calcium supports heart health: Calcium's role in muscular function includes ensuring that the heart muscle is kept active. The smooth muscle that surrounds blood arteries relaxes when calcium is present.
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Calcium supports nerve function: Calcium helps transmit messages through the nerves. Calcium ions bridge the gaps between nerve cells by traveling from one to the next, assisting in the transmission of a nerve impulse to specialized cell receptors.
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Calcium is involved in blood clotting: Calcium is essential for blood clotting, the process by which blood changes from a liquid into a gel. Calcium ions are in charge for complete activation of several clotting factors. Blood clotting is an important process that prevents excessive bleeding when a blood vessel is damaged.
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The body requires vitamin D to absorb calcium: If you do not receive enough vitamin D, you will not be able to produce enough of the hormone calcitriol. Calcitriol is the active form of vitamin D and is essential for calcium absorption. Thus, a lack of this hormone leads to an insufficient amount of calcium being absorbed from the diet. This can cause the body to draw calcium from its skeleton stores, weakening existing bone and preventing the development of new, strong bone.
- Calcium must be sourced from the diet: The human body does not produce calcium; thus, it must be sourced from the diet. Calcium can be found in dairy products, green leafy vegetables, fish where you eat the bones, such as sardines and pilchards, nuts, and seeds, as well as fortified foods products, including breakfast cereals, bread, and soy products. You can also ensure you are receiving an adequate amount of calcium through calcium supplementation. Sona Cal/Mag – Calcium and Magnesium Tablets with Vitamin D3contains the optimum levels of calcium, magnesium and vitamin D for optimum absorption.
References
- Calcium and Vitamin D: Important at Every Age | NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center. (2021). Retrieved 21 June 2021, from https://www.bones.nih.gov/health-info/bone/bone-health/nutrition/calcium-and-vitamin-d-important-every-age.
- EHRLICH, G. (2010). Sunshine and Vitamin D. A Comprehensive Guide to the Benefits of the “Sunshine Vitamin”. The Journal Of Rheumatology, 37(2), 475-475. doi: 10.3899/jrheum.091173.
- Office of Dietary Supplements - Vitamin D. (2021). Retrieved 21 June 2021, from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/vitamind-healthprofessional/.
- O'Grady, B. (2021). How Proper Nutrition Affects Nerve Health. Retrieved 1 July 2021, from https://swfna.com/vitamins-minerals-and-your-nerves-how-proper-nutrition-affects-nerve-health/.
- Sarla, G. (2019). Calcium Supplementation: A Review of Oral Calcium Intake on Human Health. Open Access Journal Of Oncology And Medicine, 3(1). doi: 10.32474/oajom.2019.03.000151.
- Vitamins and minerals - Vitamin D. (2021). Retrieved 21 June 2021, from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-d/.