What is Calcium Requirement?

Calcium is an essential mineral, and a major constituent of bones and teeth. It plays a central role in healthy functioning of your nervous system, controls muscle contraction, and secretion of hormones, such as insulin. Our bodies do not produce calcium, hence we must get it through dietary sources. Calcium deficiency may result in bone loss and osteoporosis.\n\nCalcium metabolism refers to a series of biochemical processes to maintain and regulate the calcium level in blood. The state of calcium metabolism affects your calcium requirement, which is regulated by three main mechanisms, which are calcium absorption in your intestines, calcium reabsorption in your kidneys and bone turnover. \n\nGenetic variations in several key genes have been found to be associated with lower levels of calcium.\n\nThe RDA for adults is 1,000mg per day. It increases to 1,200mg per day for those over 50 years old. Other factors that may increase your chances of calcium deficiency include excessive alcohol consumption, premenstrual symptoms, vitamin D deficiency and magnesium deficiency.

How It Affects Your Body

Calcium is essential in various processes in our body. It is essential in cellular functioning, muscle contraction, nervous system functions, bone strength maintenance, and much more. A deficit in calcium can lead to osteoporosis, stunted growth, cognitive impairment, motor function impairment, impaired heart functions, and much more. Left untreated, deaths have been observed in severe cases of calcium deficiency (hypocalcemia).

Symptoms

Menopause

A drastic drop in estrogen levels can affect calcium absorption and utilization.

Physical Activity

Athletes and physically active individuals require a higher intake of calcium due to increased bone repair, and muscle and nervous system activity.\

Lactose Intolerance

Milk is a rich source of calcium. Individuals with lactose intolerance or an allergy to cow___s milk will cause them to avoid milk, reducing total calcium intake.

Vegetarians

Individuals who consume a vegetarian diet tend to avoid dairy and animal products which are rich sources of calcium.