Why Your Body Needs Calcium? –Essential Facts You Should Know

Calcium is one of the most vital minerals your body needs for overall well-being. From building strong bones and teeth to supporting heart function and muscle movement, calcium plays a critical role in maintaining optimal health. Yet, many people underestimate the importance of calcium, especially as they age.

In this blog, we will explore why calcium is important, how much you need, what happens when you don’t get enough, and how general health insurance can help manage calcium-related conditions.

What is Calcium?

Calcium is a micronutrient that supports many biological functions, especially those related to the skeletal system. Approximately 99% of the calcium in the body is stored in the bones and teeth, while the remaining 1% circulates in the blood, muscles, and other tissues.

Importance of Calcium in Human Body

• Supports bone density and strength
• Helps in blood clotting
• Aids nerve signalling
• Ensures smooth muscle contraction
• Regulates heartbeat

Your body cannot produce calcium on its own, which makes dietary intake or supplementation crucial.

The Role of Calcium in the Body

What does calcium do for the body? It's a question that many people might overlook, but the answer is comprehensive. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body, with 99% stored in bones and teeth. This mineral is essential for developing and maintaining strong bones throughout your life. As children grow, calcium contributes significantly to bone development. It helps adults maintain bone strength and prevent bone density loss, a natural part of ageing.

1. Muscle Contraction

Calcium helps muscles contract and relax. When your nerves signal muscles to contract, calcium is released into the muscle cells, allowing proteins to work effectively. Without sufficient calcium, your muscles, including the heart, cannot function correctly.

2. Cardiovascular Health

Calcium plays a role in maintaining a healthy heart rhythm and blood clotting. It aids in the contraction and relaxation of the heart muscle and helps regulate blood pressure. Some studies suggest that adequate calcium benefits include lower risks of high blood pressure.

3. Nerve Function

Calcium is vital for transmitting nerve signals. It helps release neurotransmitters, which are chemical messengers that allow nerves to communicate with each other and other cells in the body.

4. Hormonal Secretion

Calcium aids in the secretion of hormones and enzymes essential for various bodily functions.

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Calcium Supplements Benefits

Despite the wide availability of calcium in foods, not everyone meets their daily requirements. This is where calcium supplements' benefits come into play. Supplements can help fill the gap, ensuring that your body gets the calcium it needs. However, it's essential to choose the right type of supplement and take it correctly to avoid any potential side effects. Benefits of calcium supplements include:

1. Convenience

Calcium supplements are an easy way to ensure adequate calcium intake for those who are lactose intolerant, vegan, or have dietary restrictions.

2. Support During Pregnancy and Lactation

Pregnant and breastfeeding women need higher calcium. Calcium supplements can help meet these increased demands and support the development of the baby s bones.

3. Bone Health Maintenance

As we age, our bodies become less efficient at absorbing calcium from food. Calcium supplements can help maintain bone health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

4. Preventing Deficiencies

Supplements are essential for preventing deficiencies in individuals with certain medical conditions or those taking medications that interfere with calcium absorption.

Also Read: Top 15 Muscle-Building Fruits You Need to Eat

How Much Calcium Should You Take?

Your daily calcium requirement depends on your age, gender, and life stage. Below is a general guideline:

It’s always best to consult your doctor before taking supplements, especially if you have health conditions that affect calcium absorption or retention.

Natural Sources of Calcium

While calcium supplements' benefits are clear, obtaining calcium from natural food sources is always preferable. Foods rich in calcium include:

• Dairy Products: Milk, cheese, and yoghurt are excellent sources of calcium.
• Green Leafy Vegetables: Broccoli, kale, and turnip greens are packed with calcium.
• Fish: Sardines and salmon, especially with bones, are great sources of calcium.
• Fortified Foods: Many cereals, juices, and non-dairy milks are fortified with calcium.
• Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, sesame seeds, and chia seeds are good sources of calcium.

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How Can You Improve Calcium Levels in Your Body?

Improving your calcium intake doesn’t always require supplements. The most effective way to maintain healthy calcium levels is through a balanced diet rich in calcium-containing foods and supportive nutrients.

Top Calcium-Rich Foods

• Dairy products (milk, yoghurt, cheese)
• Green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale, broccoli)
• Fortified foods (orange juice, cereals)
• Nuts and seeds (almonds, sesame seeds)
• Fish with edible bones (sardines, salmon)

Also, vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption. Make sure you get enough sunlight or take vitamin D supplements if recommended.

When Does Calcium Absorption Start Slowing Down?

Calcium absorption declines with age. This reduction usually begins in your 30s and 40s, and becomes more pronounced in post-menopausal women and elderly men. Reduced absorption of certain nutrients can be attributed to factors such as age, menopause, low vitamin D levels, poor diet, digestive disorders, and lack of physical activity.

That’s why maintaining an adequate calcium intake through food and supplements becomes more important as you age.

Side Effects of Taking Excessive Calcium

While calcium is essential, consuming too much can lead to hypercalcemia—a condition where calcium levels in the blood are abnormally high. Common side effects include constipation, kidney stones, calcium deposits in arteries or tissues, and impaired absorption of other minerals.

Experts recommend not exceeding 2,500 mg per day from all sources unless specifically prescribed. Always stick to the recommended daily intake and consult a doctor if you’re considering high-dose supplements.

Also Read: Vitamin D Foods - Sources, Benefits, & Deficiencies

Common Health Problems Due to Lack of Calcium

A calcium deficiency, also called hypocalcemia, can have long-term health impacts if left untreated. Below are common issues that arise from calcium deficiency:

• Osteoporosis: Low calcium over time weakens bones, making them fragile and prone to fractures.
• Rickets: A disease in children caused by a lack of calcium and vitamin D, leading to soft, weak bones.
• Muscle Cramps and Spasms: Calcium is crucial for muscle contraction. Deficiency can cause frequent cramps.
• Numbness and Tingling: Low calcium can affect nerve function, leading to numbness, tingling, or seizures.
• Dental Problems: Calcium deficiency can cause tooth decay, weak enamel, and gum disease.

If you’re at risk of any of these, a complete health insurance plan can help manage the costs of diagnosis, treatment, and preventive care.

Health Benefits of Calcium for Men and Women

The health benefits of calcium are significant for everyone, but there are specific advantages for men and women at different life stages. For men, calcium benefits include supporting bone health, which can help prevent fractures and osteoporosis later in life. Additionally, adequate calcium intake has been linked to better blood pressure regulation and cardiovascular health. For women, especially post-menopausal women, calcium's benefits to the body are crucial. Women are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis due to a decrease in estrogen levels, which affects bone density. Adequate calcium intake and vitamin D can help mitigate this risk and maintain bone health.

Why Health Insurance Is Important for Calcium Deficiency?

Managing calcium-related health issues may require bone scans, blood tests, medications, supplements, or even surgery in severe cases like fractures. A general health insurance or complete health insurance plan can cover the costs of:

• Routine check-ups and diagnostics
• Consultations with specialists (e.g., orthopaedists, endocrinologists)
• Hospitalisation for fracture treatment or bone surgery
• Outpatient expenses for chronic conditions like osteoporosis

If you’re caring for elderly parents, consider a medical insurance plan for parents that includes orthopaedic care, diagnostics, and medication benefits.

Conclusion

Understanding calcium—why calcium is important—can make a big difference in how you manage your health. From strengthening your bones and teeth to ensuring proper heart and muscle function, calcium is an indispensable nutrient throughout your life. With ageing, your body becomes less efficient at absorbing calcium, increasing the risk of bone disorders and other complications. That's why it's critical to monitor your calcium intake, maintain a calcium-rich diet, and consider health insurance to cushion the financial burden of treatments.

Whether you're aiming to improve your general well-being or prevent chronic conditions in the future, getting the right balance of calcium—and having the right complete health insurance plan—can set you on the path to a healthier life. For a healthier future, be proactive about calcium and make sure you're protected with the right general health insurance plan from Bajaj General Health Insurance tailored to your needs.

FAQs

1. Why is calcium important for the body?

Calcium's importance in the human body is for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth, enabling muscle contractions, ensuring proper blood clotting, and supporting heart and nerve function.

2. How much calcium do I need daily?

The recommended daily intake varies by age and gender, but most adults require about 1,000 to 1,200 mg of calcium per day. Teenagers and elderly individuals may need more.

3. What are the common signs of calcium deficiency?

Signs include muscle cramps, brittle nails, fatigue, memory issues, numbness, and in severe cases, osteoporosis or rickets.

4. Which foods are rich in calcium?

Dairy products, leafy greens, fish with edible bones, tofu, almonds, and calcium-fortified foods are rich in calcium.

5. Can calcium supplements replace dietary calcium?

Supplements can help if you're not getting enough from your diet, but they shouldn't be your primary source. Natural food sources are always preferable.

6. What are the risks of taking too much calcium?

Excessive calcium can lead to kidney stones, constipation, and calcification of tissues, and it may interfere with the absorption of other minerals.

7. How does calcium deficiency affect health insurance coverage?

Chronic conditions like osteoporosis may increase the cost of health insurance or influence underwriting. A complete health insurance plan can ensure adequate coverage for treatment and management.

8. Who is at risk of calcium deficiency?

People at risk include post-menopausal women, older adults, vegans, individuals with lactose intolerance, and those with digestive disorders affecting absorption.

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***Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.