The importance and why we need to supplement calcium

Calcium is mainly concentrated in bones and teeth, playing a role in building and maintaining their structure. Although a small amount of calcium (about 1%) is found in blood serum and extracellular fluid, it is critical for normal physiological functions in the body.

Building bones

Calcium is the most important component in forming a strong skeletal framework. Once the bone framework has developed to sufficient length and width, it becomes solid and sturdy thanks to the process of depositing minerals (calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium) into the bone. Therefore, providing sufficient calcium during growth, especially during puberty, will create a strong skeletal framework, achieve maximum height, and reduce the risk of bone fractures by 50% in later years of life. If the body does not receive enough calcium during this phase, you are at a higher risk of osteoporosis in the future. Early signs usually include bone pain, and in severe cases, bones will deform and collapse, causing spinal curvature and hunchback. At the same time, bones become brittle, more susceptible to fractures from impact, and more difficult to heal if broken.

Creating teeth

The foundation for creating healthy tooth buds for children is for mothers to supplement enough calcium during pregnancy and throughout the development of their child's teeth. Calcium deficiency during tooth development is the leading cause of tooth decay. In addition, a lack of calcium during pregnancy and breastfeeding can lead to delayed bone growth, delayed walking and sitting, and delayed motor skills.

Participating in important biochemical reactions in metabolism

Although the amount of calcium in the blood accounts for only 1% of the total calcium in the body, it is involved in dozens of extremely important biochemical functions of the body. The commonly mentioned functions of calcium include involvement in blood clotting, regulation of heart rhythm, transmission of nerve impulses, absorption of vitamin B12, participation in the activity of pancreatic enzymes in fat digestion, muscle contraction, and more.

However, calcium deficiency in the diet may not show clear symptoms, as the body will regulate itself by taking calcium from the bones and dissolving it into the blood for use. However, in the long run, this will lead to osteoporosis and may pose a high risk of calcium metabolic disorders in the body. The consequences of calcium metabolic disorders can cause symptoms such as low blood calcium, high urinary calcium, bone spurs, or calcium stones. Low blood calcium leads to seizures, numbness in the limbs, and even death from respiratory muscle contraction.

According to the World Health Organization's recommendation, we should supplement about 1000mg of calcium per day for the body. However, based on the dietary habits of most people in developing countries, we only provide about 350mg of calcium from daily meals. Therefore, the risk of osteoporosis, tooth decay, or calcium metabolic disorders due to calcium deficiency in the diet is very high. If you feel tired, have bone pain, or simply experience occasional muscle cramps, numbness in the hands or feet, or spasms, you may be deficient in calcium in your daily diet. You should supplement calcium to limit these issues or at least reduce the risk of osteoporosis in old age.