The need and benefits of Calcium

Much has been written about the body’s need for calcium, the mineral that is crucial for good bone strength, yet Osteoporosis Australia advises that “1 in 2 women and 1 in 3 men over 60 years in Australia will suffer an osteoporotic fracture”, a staggering statistic!

Whilst it is not too difficult to obtain sufficient calcium from a well balanced diet, the reality of our fast paced lives results in less than half of Australians getting their daily intake through diet alone.

Calcium is the building block of our bones and is required for the normal development and ongoing strength of our skeleton. It is also necessary for cardiac and neuromuscular functioning. The body has the ability to absorb and “bank” calcium in our bones and teeth until needed.

If the body’s system still senses a lack of calcium in your blood, it reduces the amount expelled by the kidneys and urine. If it still senses a lack of calcium, it will go into its own storehouse or “bank” – your bones and teeth – and take the necessary calcium to maintain calcium levels in the body. If sufficient calcium is not replenished into the body, however, the long-term effect is a gradual weakening of the bones, commonly called osteoporosis.