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CALCIUM AND OSTEOPOROSIS PREVENTION.

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body, and 99% of it is found in the teeth and bones. The rest is found in other body tissues, nerve cells, blood and other body fluids. Calcium helps in blood coagulation, nerve signals, muscle relaxation and contraction, as well as in the release of certain hormones. It is also necessary to keep the heartbeat at a normal level.

Appropriate calcium levels during each lifestage can help prevent osteoporosis. Children between 1 and 2 years old are often recommended to drink whole milk; nevertheless, in view of current health and nutritional problems, dairy products’ fat content consumed by adults and children older than 2 constitute a concern. Such dairy products’ fat intake can be easily reduced while maintaining the adequate amount of calcium by choosing skimmed milk and other low-fat dairy products (2% or 1%). Calcium is not found in the “fat portion” of milk. Therefore, cutting the fat doesn’t affect the calcium content.

Other dairy products like yogurt and cheese are excellent sources of calcium, and fat-free or low-fat alternatives are the best choices. Other sources of calcium are vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, salmon and canned sardines with soft bones. Seafood and almonds are also a good source of calcium, but it is difficult to eat the adequate amount of these foods to obtain an optimal calcium intake.

Lots of foods have calcium, but dairy products are the most significant source of calcium. Milk and its byproducts such as yogurt, cheese and butter contain a type of calcium that is assimilated in a more efficient way. During childhood and adolescence, calcium absorption for bones and teeth formation is favored by the hormones typically present during the growth and development stage; this is why achieving a healthy bone structure before 20 is key to prevent decalcification problems during the adult stage.

For adults, continuing with the care of bones and teeth involves consuming other sources of calcium. Here are 3 recommendations to enhance calcium absorption and prevent osteoporosis and alterations caused by calcium deficiency:

  • Accompany calcium-rich foods with foods rich in vitamins, such as white cheese quesadillas and orange juice .
  • Exercise on a regular basis including strength exercises in your routine, such as weight training with dumbbells or rubber bands.
  • Adequate sun exposure for a correct absorption of vitamin D.