Calcium

Calcium is just one of many minerals which are essential to your health.

It is considered a major mineral as is present in your body and necessary for optimal health in relatively large amounts.

A mineral is an inorganic element which cannot be altered in any way and once in your body, calcium remains in your body until excreted.

Calcium is required by your body in amounts measured in milligrams (mgs) and is present in a wide range of foods, both of plant and animal origin.

However, there are many factors which can enhance or limit the bioavailability or digestion and absorption of calcium from food you consume.

While some plant foods contain large amounts of calcium, much of this calcium is not absorbed into the body.

Bone mineralization is only one of calcium's many functions in your body. Both calcium deficiency or over consumption of calcium can adversely affect how your body functions.

When determining how much calcium you need it is necessary to take into account several factors which include:

• Adequate Intake
• Tolerable Upper Level
• Calcium sources
• Bioavailability
• Factors which affect calcium absorption
• Absorption rates
• Functions of calcium
• Calcium deficiency
• Calcium toxicity
• Calcium supplements

Adequate Intake (AI)

Adequate intake is the average daily amount of a nutrient that appears sufficient for health.

This value is used when an RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) cannot be determined.

The amounts below indicate the amount of calcium that should be obtained from food sources. Infants will obtain....link to the full article to learn more.