Key Benefits
- Essential for bone and teeth formation
- Required for muscle contraction
- Supports nerve transmission
- Necessary for blood clotting
- May support healthy blood pressure
What is Calcium?
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in your body, with 99% stored in your bones and teeth. The remaining 1% circulates in blood and soft tissues, where it performs critical functions including muscle contraction, nerve signaling, and blood clotting.
Bone Health Across Life
Your body continuously remodels bone, breaking down old bone and building new. Adequate calcium intake, especially during childhood and adolescence, helps maximize peak bone mass—the best protection against osteoporosis later in life.
Beyond Bones
Calcium is so essential for nerve and muscle function that your body tightly regulates blood calcium levels. If dietary calcium is insufficient, your body will pull it from bones to maintain blood levels—weakening your skeleton over time.
Absorption Factors
Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption. Calcium is also best absorbed in smaller doses (500 mg or less at a time). Certain foods like spinach contain calcium but also oxalates that reduce absorption.
Food vs Supplements
Dietary calcium from dairy, fortified foods, and leafy greens is preferred when possible. If supplementing, calcium citrate is absorbed better than calcium carbonate, especially in older adults or those on acid-reducing medications.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.