Calcium

Calcium is the mineral with the highest proportion in the human body, approximately 1 to 1.5 kilograms. 99 percent of it is found primarily in the bones and teeth. The remaining one percent is found in the extracellular fluids, i.e. in the blood and lymph vessels.

Calcium is also necessary for muscles and nerves, for metabolism, blood clotting and a well-functioning heart rhythm.

In order for calcium to be well absorbed by the body, it also requires sufficient vitamin D3 as well as magnesium.

Calcium is absorbed up to 30 percent in the intestine, although certain foods can inhibit absorption. For example, oxalic acid in spinach or rhubarb as well as phytic acid in cereals and legumes and tannins contained in coffee and tea have an inhibitory effect on calcium absorption.

The loss of calcium is also increased by diets too rich in protein and salt, by heavy alcohol consumption and by an excessively high intake of magnesium.

Smoking and an excessively high proportion of phosphorus-rich foods such as cola promote bone loss.

On the other hand, lactose and vitamin D, which is found in fatty fish or is formed in the body itself through exposure to sunlight, have a beneficial effect.

Menopausal women in particular need a sufficient supply of calcium, as their bone mass tends to decrease rather than increase due to the drop in estrogen levels in the hormone.

This also requires sufficient exercise, because only this stimulates bone formation.

Important for:

• the structure of bones and teeth
• functioning of muscles and nerves
• glycogen metabolism
• cell division
• activation of some enzymes and hormones
• blood clotting
• the functioning of cell membranes

Deficiency symptoms:

• Osteoporosis (bone loss)
• muscle spasms
• neurological dysfunctions
• disturbed acid-base balance
• shortness of breath
• increased bleeding
• dry skin
• heart problems
• brittle fingernails and hair loss
• cataracts
• digestive problems

Contained in: many plant foods and dairy products

Recommended daily dose: Calcium /per day

Calcium is contained in the following products from mySUPERFOOD: