Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body, and one of the most important. Calcium is one of the nutrients that form the basis of a healthy diet , however its metabolism and its actions are dependent on other elements such as vitamin D, and trace elements such as magnesium and phosphorus. It is mainly stored in the bones and teeth , it participates in their growth as well as in the maintenance of their health. Its absorption by the body decreases with age resulting in osteoporosis (decalcification of the bones).
Calcium is the most important mineral element in our body because it is located in the bones. Calcium also participates in a large number of physiological phenomena: synthesis of bone and dental tissue, blood coagulation, nerve conduction, muscle contraction. Hypocalcaemia can cause convulsions and tremors (spasmophilia, tetany). Apart from calcification concerns, a calcium intake has shown a reduction in the risk of high blood pressure, colon or prostate cancer, for example. Calcium needs vitamin D to be absorbed in the intestines. Once in the blood, calcitonin will allow the bones to store calcium.
Calcium supplements are very convenient because they are easy to take and provide a concentrated dose of calcium in a single dose. They are also very useful for people who have difficulty getting enough calcium in their diet, such as vegetarians, the elderly or people with absorption disorders.
In addition to bone formation and strength, calcium can also help regulate blood pressure and prevent heart disease . Indeed, a recent study showed that people who regularly consume calcium supplements have a significantly lower risk of developing heart disease.
Also, calcium-based dietary supplements can also help prevent depression and improve our mental well-being . Indeed, some studies have shown that calcium can act as a mood stabilizer and improve our emotional state.
The balance of calcium in the blood is essential to life , and in particular to cardiac functions; therefore its blood level is extremely regulated (calcemia) to avoid variations that are fatal to the body. Indeed, if the diet does not provide enough, the parathyroid glands release parathyroid hormone (PTH), which uses the calcium present in the bones to restore balance, which explains why osteoporosis is linked to a calcium deficit.
Hypocalcaemia is defined by a blood calcium level below 2.20 mmol/L. It may be due to:
It translates to:
Calcium is an essential element for the health of our body . It is necessary for the formation and strength of bones and teeth, as well as for the proper functioning of muscles and nerves. Unfortunately, many of us do not get enough calcium in our daily diet. This is why calcium-based food supplements can be an excellent solution to improve our health .
Hypercalcemia is defined by a blood calcium level above 2.60 mmol/L.
It is due to:
It is often asymptomatic , but sometimes constipation, anorexia, nausea and vomiting, polyuria, muscle weakness can be observed.
Calcium is mainly found in the following food sources :
Bone loss , also known as osteoporosis, is a common health problem that occurs when bones become weak and brittle. It usually occurs as we age, but can also be caused by a variety of factors such as imbalanced hormonal levels, nutrient deficiencies, medications, a sedentary lifestyle, or family history.
Bone loss can lead to fractures and reduced quality of life . Hip, wrist and spine fractures are especially common in people with osteoporosis. It is therefore important to take steps to prevent bone loss or slow its progression.
Among the three prevention consultations provided for by the social security financing bill, that concerning people aged 60 to 65 aims to “detect the appearance of the first fragilities or loss of autonomy”.
From this perspective, the prevention of osteoporosis is a priority.
Diffuse disease of the skeleton characterized by a decrease in bone density and alterations in the microarchitecture of the bones which weaken the bone, osteoporosis affects 39% of women in France around the age of 65. Among those aged 80 and over, this proportion rises to 70%. Men are not spared even if this disease affects them less and later: a quarter of bone fragility fractures occur in men. Fragility fractures are those that occur as a result of minor trauma - equivalent at most to falling from one's own height while walking.
Osteoporosis is generally asymptomatic : the diagnosis falls when the first fracture occurs following a fall. However, the disease is rather well known, its risk factors and the means of preventing it too.
Calcium-rich diet from childhood, vitamin D supplementation on medical prescription, physical activity, maintenance of a satisfactory weight – low weight associated with a low Body Mass Index of less than 19 favors the occurrence of osteoporosis – no alcohol and no tobacco are the advice issued by the Health Insurance.
Calcium supplements are a great way to improve our overall health . They offer a concentrated source of calcium that can help maintain our bone health, regulate our blood pressure, prevent heart disease and improve our mental well-being. So why not start consuming calcium supplements today to reap all of these health benefits!