
Calcium is essential for overall health. Almost all cells of the body require calcium for optimal functioning. Some of the areas where the body uses calcium include:
Studies on the effect of calcium on health have shown:
- Bone health and osteoporosis: Bones need an enormous amount of calcium and vitamin D during childhood and adolescence to reach their peak strength and calcium content by about the age of 30 years. After 30 years, bones start to lose calcium. However, it can be reduced by getting recommended amounts of calcium throughout adulthood. Osteoporosis is a condition where the bone becomes porous and fragile. Taking calcium and vitamin D supplements may prevent osteoporosis and preserve bone health.
- High blood pressure: Some studies have shown that taking daily required calcium can reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure. Especially, eating a fat-free diet that includes low-fat dairy products, vegetables, and fruits has been shown to lower blood pressure.
- Preeclampsia: Pregnant women who take less than 900 mg of calcium a day can increase preeclampsia risk. It is a condition where the woman suffers from high blood pressure and kidney problems that lead to protein release in the urine. It can also lead to stillbirth or death of the mother or their unborn babies. Ensure to get 1000 mg of calcium from the diet or through supplements.
What are the health risks of not taking sufficient calcium?
Not taking sufficient calcium will not produce any symptoms in the short term because the body maintains the calcium level in the blood by taking it from the bone. Over the long period, calcium deficiency can have consequences, such as:
- Osteopenia (low bone mass)
- Osteoporosis
- Bone fractures
Severe calcium deficiency can attribute to the following signs and symptoms:
- Numbness and tingling in the fingers
- Convulsions
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Depression
- Extreme fatigue
- Muscle aches and cramps
- Brittle nails
- Dry skin
- Tooth decay
Who is at higher risk of developing low calcium level?
Certain populations are at greater risk for low calcium levels, including:
- Postmenopausal women
- Lactose intolerant and dairy-avoiding people
- Anorexic people or those with other eating disorders
- Vegans
- People who take certain medicines for osteoporosis (bisphosphonates)
- People who have parathyroid disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, or liver or kidney disease.
- People who consume a large amount of protein or sodium, which can cause the body to excrete more calcium
- People receiving long-term corticosteroid treatment
What are the different types of calcium supplements?
There are several types of calcium compounds used in calcium supplements. Each compound comprises a variable amount of the mineral calcium known as elemental calcium. Some of the most common calcium supplements include:
- Calcium carbonate (40% elemental calcium)
- Calcium citrate (21% elemental calcium)
- Calcium lactate (13% elemental calcium)
- Calcium gluconate (9% elemental calcium)

SLIDESHOW
The 14 Most Common Causes of Fatigue See SlideshowHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
Family Doctor. Calcium: What You Need to Know. American Academy of Family Physicians. https://familydoctor.org/calcium-what-you-need-to-know/
Top What Does Calcium Do for Your Health? Related Articles
Calcium-Rich Dishes
Explore 15 delicious calcium-rich dishes. Tender stuffed chicken, Spanish cheese, and almond cake top this array of tasty foods packed with calcium.Hypercalcemia (Elevated Calcium Levels)
Hypercalcemia is a condition in which calcium levels in the blood are elevated. Hypercalcemia is associated with other conditions such as hyperparathyroidism, lung cancer, breast cancer, kidney failure, and elevated levels of vitamin D. Symptoms of hypercalcemia include constipation, nausea, abdominal pain, and kidney stones. Treatment depends on the cause of hypercalcemia.Vitamins and Calcium Supplements
Vitamins are organic substances that are essential for the proper growth and functioning of the body. Calcium is a mineral essential for healthy bones and is also important for muscle contraction, heart action, and normal blood clotting.What Does Calcium Do for the Body?
Calcium is an essential mineral required for the optimal functioning of the body.Why Are Calcium Levels Low in Renal Failure?
Renal failure usually causes calcium imbalance. During renal failure, the kidneys may no longer filter out extra phosphorus and remove it from the body or from urine. Over time, phosphorus may increase in the blood. Calcium and phosphorous usually keep each other in check.