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| Of the body's total calcium, about 99% is in the bones and teeth where it plays a structural role. The main function of calcium is structural. There is continuous movement of calcium between the skeleton and blood and other parts of the body. Metabolites of Vitamin D are important in this, increasing reabsorption of calcium by bones. This is thought to be due to animal protein increasing calcium loss from bones. Treatment & Prevention People aged 19 to 50 should be getting 1000mg of calcium per day in the form of low oxalate greens, fortified foods or dairy products. Pregnant adolescents are an exception to this, having particularly high calcium needs. The NIH recommends a calcium intake of 1000mg per day for pre-menopausal women and post-menopausal women on estrogen replacement therapy (ERT). Calcium absorption decreases with age so it is important that the elderly receive adequate dietary calcium. Complications Vitamin D is needed for absorption of dietary calcium and so calcium deficiency may be linked to rickets in children. Bone loss is greatest in women following the menopause. |
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