Calcium
Our 2nd nutrient mineral (in alphabetical
order). Chemical symbol, ‘Ca’.
Essential for human life. Major component
for bones & teeth. Extremely important
in the maintenance of the immune system.
Because it is very important to body processes,
when we lack intake of this crucial mineral
our bodies take what they need from our
bones. This will reduce our bone mass and
cause our bones to become thin and brittle.
As we age, our intestines have difficulty
absorbing calcium. And if we do not bolster
our intake of calcium, our bodies will take
calcium from our bones causing them to become
thin and brittle.
Supporting Nutrients
• Vitamin
D increases our body’s absorption
of calcium.
• Magnesium
regulates the flow of calcium between cells.
• Lactose (a milk sugar) helps in
our body’s absorption.
Functions/Benefits
Helps regulate nerve and muscle function.
Ensures muscle contracts and hearts beat.
Used as treatment and prevention of osteoporosis.
Prevents/reduces the chances of fractures
from falls.
Prevents cancer.
Helps to prevent heart disease.
Treats arthritis.
Keeps skin healthy.
Eases leg cramps.
Encourages heartbeat.
Helps the body to metabolize iron.
Helps blood to clot.
Improves vitality and endurance.
Food sources
Dairy products (milk, yoghurt, cheese, ice-cream).
Greens (broccoli, bok choy, collards). White
or wholemeal bread. Chlorella.
Sesame seeds. Liver. Tofu. Raspberries.
Deficiency Symptoms
Stunted growth.
Rickets.
Osteoporosis.
Weak bones and teeth.
High blood pressure.
Tooth decay.
Dementia.
Nerve disorders.
Leg cramps.
Menstrual cramps.
Rheumatism.
Abnormal heart beats, heart palpitations.
Muscle spasms and convulsions.
US RDA: 800-1,200mg (milligrams)
EU RDA: 800mg (milligrams)
Supplementation up to 2,500 mg is considered
safe.
One glass of milk contains 300 mg of calcium.
One cup of yoghurt contains 415 mg of calcium.
One cup of cooked broccoli contains 178
mg of calcium.
Always consult a professional medical practitioner
when taking any supplements.
Note
Calcium requires magnesium
and vitamin
D for proper absorption. Diets high
in bran, fat and refined food can hinder
calcium absorption.
Nutrient Destroyers
Stress. Lack of exercise. Lack of magnesium.
Lack of hydrochloric acid.
>>
more info on nutrient destroyers
Toxicity
Doses over 2,000mg per day may cause hypercalcemia.
But unlikely as excess calcium is normally
excreted.
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