Calcium is used by our bodies in many different ways for our on-going health (1). It supports healthy bones, teeth, muscle movement, blood circulation, and so much more. Because it’s used for so many things, our bodies need a lot of calcium every day.

Our bodies don’t produce calcium, so we need to make sure we get enough through our diet. Dairy foods are high in calcium (milk, yogurt, and cheese), but it can also be found in kale, broccoli, and white beans. Because it is so essential to our body’s function, many foods have calcium added to them.

Calcium is needed for every move you make

Each time your muscles move, they need calcium. When calcium makes its way into our muscles, they tighten up, and when our body pumps calcium out of our muscles, they relax. Specifically, calcium helps the proteins in our muscles carry out some complex reactions in two different systems (2). But for our purposes, it’s enough to know that our muscles need calcium to move. And since we move a lot, we need a lot of calcium.

Used in our bones, brains, and blood

Think of any body part or system and, odds are, calcium is needed for its proper function. Our bones are the body’s main storage container for calcium. If any system in our body needs extra calcium, it comes at the expense of our bones, so it’s vital to keep up our calcium supply (3). Calcium plays a role in carrying messages between cells in our bodies and brain (4). This nutrient is hugely important to many different functions in our body.

Healthy people need a lot of calcium daily

The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for calcium changes depending on age and gender. Adults generally need 1,000 milligrams per day. In Future Proof we include 230 milligrams of calcium.

Calcium is generally considered safe for healthy people. Too much calcium can result in abdominal pain, constipation, or bloating. In excessively high doses, it can actually weaken your bones and muscles or cause kidney problems.

Disclaimer: It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before you take any type of supplement. And if you experience any negative side effects when you are taking one, contact a healthcare expert immediately.

References

1. Role of calcium in brain aging - Retrieved from National Center for Biotechnology Information
2. Calcium regulation of muscle contraction - Retrieved from National Center for Biotechnology Information
3. Dietary Reference Intakes for Calcium and Vitamin D - Retrieved from National Center for Biotechnology Information
4. Role of calcium in brain aging - Retrieved from National Center for Biotechnology Information