Calcium

Description

Calcium is a mineral known for its multiple functions such as the formation of teeth and bones, as well as for the normal functioning of nerves and muscles.

Bone Health

Calcium is essential throughout all stages of our lives and plays a key role in maintaining the quality of our bones. Its absorption and bone development is at its peak up to age 20, and then decreases around age 30 causing a decrease in bone density that can lead to osteoporosis. An adequate intake of this mineral and vitamin D can significantly increase bone mass in growing children and young adults, and it can decrease bone loss during aging.

Circulatory Health

Calcium helps blood vessels contract and expand. Thus, when its intake is low, the walls of the arteries can contract. Also aids the transmission of signals in nerves and cells meaning that if blood levels of calcium are low, your body will rob it from your bones.

Calcium also helps the body maintain a proper sodium balance. Low levels of this mineral can result in the accumulation of sodium thus producing hypertension (high blood pressure).

Cardiac Health

Proper calcium intake has been shown to help reduce the incidence of heart disease and hypertension. Although most of the functions of this mineral are related to bone health, it also plays a crucial role in other body functions such as nerve transmission and muscle function. The heart is a muscle and both the blood vessels are connected thanks to the nervous system. A calcium deficiency can cause heart problems as well as high blood pressure.