Do You Need a Calcium Supplement?

Many people are prescribed a calcium supplement by their doctor, either to treat or prevent a deficiency of this essential mineral. Most people are not able to get the calcium they need through diet alone, despite the fact that there are many foods available that are good sources of calcium. Adults, especially, do not consume enough calcium-rich foods to meet the recommended daily intake of calcium. While most children drink enough milk and eat a sufficient amount of dairy products to take in the calcium they need, they often stop eating these calcium-rich foods as they get older.

Not only does the body use a significant amount of calcium for normal functions, but calcium is also lost through the skin, hair, sweat, feces, and urine. This calcium needs to be replaced in order for the body to function properly. In addition, some people are more at risk of osteoporosis and are in particular need of a calcium supplement. Those at greatest risk are people who are very thin, vegan, post-menopausal, or who suffer from food allergies. Additionally, pregnant and nursing women require considerably more calcium than the general population.

The Body’s Need for a Calcium Supplement

The primary function of calcium in the body is to build strong bones and teeth. The calcium that is ingested, whether through food or a calcium supplement, goes into the bone and is stored there, creating a bank of calcium that the body will draw on whenever it is needed. A ready supply of calcium in the body will help prevent the bone loss associated with osteoporosis.

In addition to building and maintaining bone strength, there are other vital functions in the body that use calcium. Calcium is used to regulate the heartbeat, clot the blood, conduct nerve impulses, stimulate hormone secretions, and more. In fact, you would be hard pressed to find a function in the body that does not use calcium in some way. This is why it is so important to maintain a high level of calcium in the body - and this usually means taking a calcium supplement.

If your doctor prescribes a calcium supplement for you, he can help you determine which one is best for your particular needs.