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Calcium And Calcium Supplements

By Patrick Carpen

Republish: EasyPublish™
Published: 31Mar2009
Word count: 592
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Calcium, the most important element in the human body, has several major functions. In excess of 99% of your body's total calcium is stored in bones and teeth, functioning to support their structure. Blood, muscle and fluid between cells holds the remaining 1% or less of calcium. Muscle contraction, blood vessel contraction and expansion, the secretion of hormones and enzymes, and sending messages through the nervous system are all vital body processes that require calcium for efficient functioning.

Calcium has proven to be an important element for health throughout one's entire life. Critical times, such as childhood, breastfeeding, or pregnancy, require careful attention being paid to calcium intake. In growing children, calcium plays in an important role in strengthening teeth and bones. It also prevents blood clot. In adults, calcium is an important factor in the prevention of osteoporosis.

In instances where one's lifestyle is such that inhibits an adequate daily intake of calcium, calcium supplements may be taken before or after meals with a large glass of water. Chewable calcium supplements should be chewed thoroughly before swallowing. In the event the individual has problems chewing the chewable supplements, they may be dissolved completely in water or juice before drinking. Calcium has been known to interact with other medications, so a time-lapse should be observed between taking calcium and other medications—ask your doctor to learn more.

So what is your daily recommended intake of calcium? Well it varies with age. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academy of Sciences recommends that children between 0 to 6 months consume an average of 210mg of calcium per day. Children 7 to 12 months old should consume an average of 270mg of calcium per day. Children 1 to 3 years old should consume an average of 500mg of calcium per day. Children 4 to 8 years old should consume an average of 800mg of calcium per day. Children 9 to 13 years old should consume an average of 1300mg of calcium per day. Children 14 to 18 years old should consume an average of 1300mg of calcium per day. People aged 19 to 50 years old should consume an average of 1000mg of calcium per day. People aged 51 years and older should consume an average of 1200mg of calcium per day.

So where do you get calcium from? To put things into perspective, the major contributors to calcium in the United States are milk, yogurt and cheese. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Guide Pyramid recommends that individuals two years and older eat 2-3 servings of dairy products per day.

Even though calcium supplements will help with strengthening your teeth and bones, it may not always be suitable for everyone. People with lung disease, kidney stones, stomach problems or diarrhea should always consult a doctor before taking calcium supplements. Pregnant or nursing women should also consult a doctor before taking calcium supplements, as they have been known to infiltrate breast milk.

Under normal circumstances, calcium supplements are good for everyone. However, high doses may cause adverse reactions, such as constipation, vomiting, nausea, a loss of appetite and a dry mouth. If you experience these symptoms when taking calcium supplements, immediately consult your doctor.

When talking to your doctor about calcium supplements, make it clear what medications (if any) you are taking and any history of diseases that may run in your family.

Calcium supplements may be the ideal answer in keeping strong bones and teeth and solving bone related problems. They are inexpensive and may be found in many online stores. Just run a search for "Calcium Supplements". But remember, consult your doctor before taking calcium supplements.

Patrick Carpen developes the recipes website located at http://www.platinumrecipescollection.com . The Platinum Recipes Collection will give you the perfect recipe for every occasion.

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