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Calcium, combined with a good diet, regular exercise, good genetics, and
other factors, is one of the best defenses against osteoporosis and many other conditions. Eating calcium-rich foods during adolescence and all through menopause is the best way to avoid calcium deficiency, especially for Causcasian and Asian women. However, it is no longer an easy task to derive calcium from food.
The over-farming of soils and the use of pesticides and chemicals have depleted much of the food supply of plant-derived calcium. Dieting and "fat free" food trends have contributed to lower consumption of high-quality calcium products, such as milk. And many are unable to consume dairy products because of lactose intolerance.
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Calcium depletion can also be caused by the following substances: caffeine, sugar, sodium, alcohol, high-protein intake and certain vegetables like spinach, chard, sweet potatoes and dried beans. In addition, stress, some medical conditions, prescription medications and illness can deplete the blood stream of calcium.
Throughout a person's life, his or her calcium needs can change. The following demonstrates the difference between the amounts of calcium people should be getting and how much is actually being absorbed. The amount of absorbed calcium depends on the calcium's source and the percentage of elemental calcium in a supplement. |
