What Is Calcium And Why Is It Important at Every Age

What is Calcium and What Does it Do? | How Much Calcium Do You Need? | Sources of Calcium | Calcium Deficiency

The human body requires several minerals to stay healthy and function normally. The minerals required in larger quantities are called macrominerals whereas those needed in very small quantities are called trace minerals. One of the most important macrominerals that plays a vital role in formation of the bones is calcium.

What is Calcium and What Does it Do?

Calcium is a chemical represented by the symbol Ca and is found in most living organisms. It is one of the most abundant minerals found in the human body and plays several important roles such as:

• It helps develop and strengthen the bones during the growing phase; after the bones attain their peak mass, calcium helps to maintain the bone strength as well as prevent its loss.
• This macromineral plays an important role in regulating the contraction of body muscles, including those of the heart.
• Calcium is an important ingredient of human teeth; it lends strength, structure and hardness to the enamel of the teeth.
• Calcium is vital for the normal process of blood clotting.
•  It is involved in the mechanisms that control the release and action of important enzymes and hormones involved in biochemical processes in the body.

How Much Calcium Do You Need?

Age is the major factor that governs the amount of calcium a person needs. Generally, the recommendations are as follows:

Age	Recommended quantity in mgs
Up to 6 months	200
7 months – 1 year	260 mg
1 – 3 years	700
4 – 8 years	1000
9 – 18 years	1300
19 – 70 years	1000
Pregnant and breastfeeding women	1000 – 1300
Women 51 – 70 years	1200
71 years and above	1200

Sources of Calcium

Calcium Deficiency

Too low a consumption of calcium leads to calcium deficiency that may result in health conditions such as osteopenia – low bone mass – and osteoporosis – weak and brittle bones. Some persons may not suffer from these diseases, but there are other symptoms of deficiency such as tingling and numbness in the fingers, abnormalities in heart rhythm and convulsions that can lead to grave consequences.

While calcium is important for the body, it is equally vital to understand that too much of it can lead to problems such as bloating, gas and constipation. In some adults, there is also a greater risk of kidney stones and cancer of the prostate when calcium consumption is in excessive quantities. In other words, get the right quantity of calcium but avoid an excess to ensure you stay healthy.

Calcium FAQ

Who is at a High Risk of Developing Calcium Deficiency?

As we age, the body’s ability to absorb calcium decreases. This is why older individuals, in particular, are a high-risk group. However, children and adolescents are also at risk. This is because, during growth phases, there is an increased need for calcium to ensure that sufficient quantities are deposited in the bones. Anyone who avoids milk and dairy products for ethical or health reasons may also be at risk of developing a calcium deficiency.

What are the Symptoms of a Calcium Deficiency?

If the calcium level in the body is too low, the typical symptoms are muscle cramps, itching, heart and circulation problems, hair loss, dry skin, brittle fingernails and impaired tooth development. If the supply of calcium is too low over an extended period of time, the body begins to lose bone mass.