- Since calcium deficiency is a common condition in the elderly, risks of hip and other types of fractures are substantially increased
- Osteoporosis is a condition commonly suffered by post-menopausal women
- Calcium intakes are not only important for teeth and bones, an adequate amount of calcium will provide better nerve functioning and clotting of blood
- As an adult over 50 years of age, 1200 mg of calcium is recommended for adequate protection
- Calcium is prevalently known to play a role in preventing many diseases as well as pregnancy complications
When your mother made you drink milk rather than soda with your meals, she had some very good reasons behind her demands. Calcium is a necessary mineral for added bone strength. This is especially true for post-menopausal women who are at great risk for osteoporosis. The elderly, in general, are at an increased risk of hip fractures, which is why calcium intakes are strongly advised for young and old alike. Calcium intakes are also important for teeth, decent heart functions, muscles, nerve functioning, and the clotting of blood.
As a required mineral which provides several pertinent elements in a diet, calcium is an important component of teeth, soft tissues, bones, and even the metabolism. Calcium is also important on a cellular level as is will play a role in controlling biological membranes which includes permeability and electrical properties. As a result, calcium will indirectly control muscles and nerve functioning. Decent muscle contraction, glandular secretions, and blood vessel dilation as well as efficient clotting of blood will also take place with sufficient calcium intakes.
The majority of dietary sourced calcium is taken up in the small intestine and conveyed to the bloodstream. When the amount of calcium in the bloodstream is insufficient, the body will drain calcium from the bones, which is when bone health is compromised. Osteoporosis, a direct result of a calcium deficiency, may lead to fractures and breakage of various bones structures of the elderly. Women are especially affected by osteopenia, which is a low bone mass condition.
There are some guidelines to follow when taking in the proper amount of calcium. A child from one and three years of age is recommended to have 500 mg per day. This amount gradually increases with age until a recommended dosage of up to 1,200 mg per day is suggested for individuals over 50 years of age. Signs of calcium deficiency, or hypocalcaemia, may include tingling and numbness in the fingers, low appetite, muscle cramps, confusion, and lethargy. One can also experience abnormal heart rhythms.
Besides the wide use of calcium for osteoporosis, supplements of calcium are being studied and sometimes recommended for hypertension, cardiovascular disease, colon cancer, PMS, stroke, pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, and even obesity. Nevertheless, it is known that calcium in sufficient amounts is pertinent in the prevention of several diseases. When insufficient amounts are taken as the requirement increases throughout the aging process, supplementation of calcium should be considered for adequate protection.
