Nutrition and Health Info Sheet: Calcium

Abstract

What function does calcium have in the body? Calcium is a mineral used for numerous functions, including building bones and teeth, muscle contraction, blood clotting, maintenance of cell membranes, and nerve transmission. 1 Because most of the calcium in the body is found in the skeleton, calcium' s critical function in maintaining bone health receives much attention. What are the effects of calcium deficiency? Adequate intake of calcium is essential for maximizing bone density. Therefore, an inadequate intake of calcium can adversely influence bone formation and may contribute to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a decrease in bone density and strength that results in increased susceptibility to bone fractures. It is a debilitating disease most commonly found in postmenopausal women; however, men are also at risk for this disease. In the United States osteoporosis affects an estimated 35 percent of postmenopausal Caucasian women. 2 Osteoporosis cannot be cured; it can only be prevented or its progression delayed. The best ways to prevent the disease are to build strong bones early in life by eating a well-balanced, calcium-rich diet, and by making weight-bearing exercise a regular routine. How much calcium should be consumed each day?

Status of circulating bone turnover markers in elderly osteoporosis/osteopenia patients in comparison with healthy subjects

“…Participants who consumed moderate levels of alcohol had a lower risk of hip fracture. Although, high consumption of alcohol increases in loss of calcium in urine which reduces the bone mass [50,51]. Moreover, a number of studies revealed that osteoporosis was not associated with daily exercise [52,53].…”