Calcium is the greatest occurring mineral in our bodies. Our bones and teeth contain 99% of the calcium found in our bodies. In the bones, calcium is combined with phosphorus to form calcium phosphate. Calcium phosphate and protein form the building blocks of bone. Calcium is constantly being absorbed and lost from our bones so it’s really important that we include calcium rich foods, like milk, in our diet every day.

Calcium is critical to bone health - to its development and maintenance - and is also important for the development of teeth. But beyond bones and teeth, calcium also has other important functions in the body. As it circulates throughout the body in the blood, it is takes part in reactions that are responsible for

• Contraction and relaxation of muscles, which includes heart beat
• Coagulation of blood
• Transmission of nerve impulses

Even when we are not getting enough calcium in our diets, the level of calcium in our blood only varies slightly within the normal range. The body adjusts to the lowered intake of calcium in several ways, one of which is to withdraw what it needs from the bones. If calcium intake is always below the recommended levels, bones will lose calcium and become weaker as we age. In other words, if we never get enough calcium in our diets then our bones lose calcium, which can make our bones weak and brittle. This can lead to the development of Osteoporosis.

How Much Calcium do you need? Check out the next page for more information!