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Calcium |
Calcium is crucial to maintain life. Just about every cell in the body, including those in the heart, nerves and muscles, relies on calcium to function properly. Bones require calcium to maintain their strength. |
Because calcium is so important, the body has a carefully regulated system to ensure that a good supply is always - and immediately - available. The body does this in three ways; It absorbs calcium directly from the food we eat. It takes calcium from our bones if there is not enough available. When this happens, the bones become less dense and more fragile. It slows down the amount of calcium that leaves the body in the urine by returning some to the blood stream where it remains available to organs and cells. The main goal of good calcium nutrition is to maintain an adequate supply so that our bodies do not have to dip into our only calcium reservoir - our bones. |
Additional Information |
In the body, calcium is found in three places: - in the skeleton and teeth - in the cells - in the blood. |
Source(s): Osteoporosis Canada |
While many foods contain calcium, dairy products are the most significant source. Milk, yogurt, cheese and buttermilk contain about 300mg of calcium per serving. Some green, leafy vegetables — including broccoli, collard greens, kale, mustard greens, turnip greens and bok choy or Chinese cabbage — are good sources of calcium. Canned salmon and sardines, shellfish, almonds, Brazil nuts and dried beans are also good dietary sources of calcium. |
Role in Human Health |
Sources of |
Negative Effects |
There are few cases of illness soley realated to the consumption of calcium. If taken properly there are no downsides. |