99% of calcium in the body is contained in teeth and bones.
Calcium helps:
- Bones to remain strong by slowing the rate of bone loss with age
- Muscle contraction
- Maintain normal nerve function
- Blood to clot
Consuming calcium during adolescence helps reduce the chance of getting osteoporosis later in life and helps minimize the risks of fractures. According to Dairy Council of California, fracture incidence among children has increased by one-third in boys and one-half in girls compared to a generation ago because they are not getting the amount of Calcium the body needs.
- Studies show that seven out of ten boys and nine out of ten girls are not consuming adequate dietary calcium.
Adults over thirty also need a sufficient amount of calcium to help maintain bone mass and help prevent osteoporosis. A diet high in calcium can also help reduce blood pressure and even help in healthy weight loss. It is best to maintain calcium from foods, such as dairy, rather than supplements. It is easier for your body to absorb and digest calcium from dairy foods.
- The best sources of calcium are dairy products such as cheese, yogurt and milk.
- Young children should consume two cups of dairy per day. At the age of nine, that requirement goes up to three cups.
