Calcium and its Importance

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body. Calcium was isolated in 1808 by Sir Humphry Davy. It has several important functions. More than 99% of total body calcium is stored in the bones and teeth where it functions to support their structure [1]. Calcium is what makes your bones and teeth hard.

The level of calcium circulating in the blood is closely regulated to ensure a constant and adequate supply to our cells. One way our body maintains that level is by pulling calcium from our bones if we do not consume enough. Over time, this leads to osteoporosis (literally, "porous bones") and can result in broken bones.

The remaining 1% is found throughout the body in blood, muscle, and the fluid between cells. In these areas calcium helps your muscles contract and your blood clot. It also helps your nervous system work properly [2].

Specific Benefits of Calcium are as follows;

• Healthy Skeletal Function

• Prevention of Bone Loss

• Prevention of Colon Cancer

• Prevention of Hypertension

• Prevention of Preclampsia of Pregnancy

• Cardiovascular Wellness

• Strong Bones and Teeth

• Tissue Glue: Calcium participates in cell adhesion maintaining the integrity of the linings of body cavities and the skin

• Calcium regulates pH and the cell membranes voltage and channel openings, thereby bringing nutrients to the cell

• Required for normal DNA function

• Essential for nerve impulse conduction

• Required for skeletal muscle contraction

• Calcium is required for almost every major body functions

• Essential for cell division, immune function, enzyme activity and hormone production

What is the Recommended Intake for Calcium?

Male and Female Age	Calcium (mg/day)	Pregnancy & Lactation
0 to 6 months	210	N/A
7 to 12 months	270	N/A
1 to 3 years	500	N/A
4 to 8 years	800	N/A
9 to 13 years	1300	N/A
14 to 18 years	1300	1300
19 to 50 years	1000	1000
51+ years	1200	N/A

*mg=milligrams Source: [2]

Lack of Calcium

Based on recent studies there is a concern that Americans are not meeting the recommended intake for calcium. According to CSFII 1994-96 (Continuing Survey of Food Intakes of Individuals), on average, the following percentage of Americans are not meeting their recommended intake for calcium [3]:

• 44% boys and 58% girls ages 6-11

• 64% boys and 87% girls ages 12-19

• 55% men and 78% of women ages 20+

It is best to meet your calcium requirements from food based sources. However, due to today's modern farming practices, pesticides, genetically modified foods and soil mineral depletion has taken its toll on the many of the sources of food based calcium. Food based calcium supplements can help you meet the RDA, however, not all calcium supplements are the same. The sources of most calcium in supplements varies, depending on the brand. Calcium carbonate, calcium lactate, calcium gluconate and oyster shells (basically calcium carbonate) are the most common sources.

Food Matrix Calcium supplements are food based. Food Matrix Calcium supplements have been proven in numerous studies to have five (5) times more greater absorption and sixteen (16) times greater retention and utilization. Click here for more information on Food Matrix Calcium. For more information on Food Matrix absorption, retention and utilization click here.

What are the Food Based Sources of Calcium?

All milk (whole, 1 percent lowfat, 2 percent lowfat, skim, nonfat dry, buttermilk, chocolate, or malted) and other dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, ice cream and ice milk are excellent sources of calcium. However these products may contian synthetic hormones and other substances that are of question safety. Also, butter, cream, cream cheese, and whipped cream contain mostly fat and are not considered good sources of calcium.

Importance of Vitamin D

Vitamin D biochemistry is very complex. Calcium and Vitamin D (especially Vitamin D3) work hand-in-hand, neither nutrient can be effective without each other. A substantial proportion of calcium absorption into the body is under the control of vitamin D3. This vitamin exerts important influences on the handling of calcium by the body. When the proper levels of Vitamin D are not met, the blood levels of calcium will tend to fall. This intern will cause the body to pull calcium from the bones leading to osteoporosis.

Importance of Sunlight

Sunlight is the most important source of Vitamin D. It is synthesized in the skin as a consequence of exposure to sunlight. Ricketts, a disease that afflicted mainly coal miners is caused by a lack of Vitamin D. Sunlight is important for healthy Vitamin D synthesis, however modern science has clearly defined the health risks associated with overexposure to the sun.

Independent Studies on Food Matrix Supplements Containing Calcium (in pdf format);

• Comparison of Different Forms of Calcium on Blood Pressure of Normotensive Young Males

• Comparison of Calcium Absorption

[1] Shils ME. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 9th ed. Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins, 1999.
[2] Standing Committee on the Scientific Evaluation of Dietary Reference Intakes, Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Vitamin D and Fluoride. Washington DC: The National Academies Press, 1997.
[3] U.S. Department of Agriculture. Results from the United States Department of Agriculture's 1994-96 Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals/Diet and Health Knowledge Survey. 1994-96. http://www.barc.usda.gov/bhnrc/foodsurvey/Products9496.
html#foodandnutrientintakes.