I've been thinking about my mum's serious osteoperosis a lot lately and wondering if this is a herititary disease. I was recently at the pharmacy looking for a good quality calcium supplement to take so that I don't have the same crumbling spine when I'm in my mid 60s.The main causes of osteoperosis are :
- being underweight
- poor nutrition
- excessing drinking
- smoking
- lack of exercise
- low estrogen levels
Sources
Calcium is available through many resources. The best natural sources are: milk, milk products (cheese, curd, skimmed milk, butter milk), egg yolk and fish. The cheapest dietary sources are green leafy vegetables, but calcium is in insoluble form so it can not be absorbed properly.
Calcium is also found in drinking water and in some fruits.
Absorption
Normally, about 20-30 per cent of dietary calcium is absorbed, which is regulated to some extent by our body needs.
Requirements
For adults, daily intake of around 1,000 mg is required. In children, this intake is higher.Functions
Calcium in our plasma performs many functions, such as:- Formation of bones and teeth
- Coagulation of blood
- Contraction of muscles
- Milk production
- Cardiac action
- Keeping cell membranes intact
- Transformation of light to electrical impulses in retina
- In metabolism of enzymes and hormones.
Deficiency
If calcium is taken in low quantities or if it does not meet the body requirements, rickets and Osteomalacia can arise. In Rickets, the bones are bent at the ankles.
Calcium deficiency in young girls can cause abnormal formation of bones, which can lead to problems during pregnancy and delivering babies.
After 50 years of age, calcium deficiency can lead to decrease in the bone density, and this can lead to easy fractures. So, a glass of milk a day keeps your bones and teeth strong. I think drinking milk regularly is worth the trouble.
If you are taking a supplement to get your daily calcium make sure you are also taking magnesium with it. Do not exceed 2000mg of Calcium per day - it could cause kidney stones.