Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body, and almost all of it is stored in your bones and teeth, giving them their structure and hardness (NIH). The rest does work that has nothing to do with your skeleton at all, which is why running short matters more than most people realise.
What does calcium do in the body?
Beyond building and maintaining bone, your body needs calcium for muscles to contract and for nerves to carry messages between your brain and the rest of you. It helps blood vessels move blood around the body and plays a part in releasing hormones that affect many functions (NIH). Vitamin D is essential to the picture, because without it your body cannot absorb calcium properly (NIH).
Adults aged 19 to 50 need 1 000 mg a day, rising to 1 200 mg for women over 50 and for everyone over 71 (NIH). Calcium is absorbed best in doses of 500 mg or less at a time, so splitting your intake across the day works better than taking it all at once (NIH). FoodGrown Natural Calcium with Ovocet® offers calcium from a natural eggshell source, and FoodGrown Cal-Mag pairs calcium with magnesium.
Who is most likely to fall short?
Postmenopausal women absorb and retain less calcium, which over time can lead to fragile bones (NIH). People who avoid dairy, whether through lactose intolerance, a milk allergy or a vegan diet, are also more likely to fall short, along with teenagers, whose needs are higher than at any other stage.
Dairy, canned fish with bones, kale, broccoli, tofu and fortified plant milks are all good food sources (NIH). Weight bearing movement such as walking and strength work supports bone density alongside your intake. Pair your calcium with FoodGrown Vitamin D to support absorption, and explore the Food Grown range to round out your bone health routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is calcium good for?
Calcium builds and maintains strong bones and teeth, and supports muscle contraction, nerve signalling, blood vessel function and hormone release.
How much calcium do I need a day?
Adults aged 19 to 50 need about 1 000 mg a day. Women over 50 and all adults over 71 need about 1 200 mg. Teenagers need 1 300 mg.
Should I take calcium with vitamin D?
Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium, so the two are often taken together. Many people in South Africa top up vitamin D through winter in particular.
When is the best time to take calcium?
Split larger amounts across the day, since calcium is absorbed best in doses of 500 mg or less. Some forms are absorbed better with food, so check your label.
Disclaimer
This blog is intended for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, particularly if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a chronic medical condition, or are currently taking prescription medication. Individual results may vary. FoodGrown products are dietary supplements and are not intended to replace a balanced diet or professional medical care.
