Calcium (Ca)

Why is Calcium important for your Healthspan?

‍Calcium levels are fundamental for maintaining healthy bones throughout life, which is critical for mobility and independence during your Healthspan. Adequate calcium helps prevent conditions like osteoporosis, reducing the risk of fractures as one ages. Beyond bone health, proper calcium balance is essential for the normal function of muscles, nerves, and the heart. Imbalances in calcium can indicate underlying issues with kidney function or hormone regulation, and addressing these imbalances helps preserve overall physiological health and support a longer, active life.

‍What is Calcium?

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body, with approximately 99% stored in the bones and teeth, providing their structure and strength. The remaining 1% circulates in the blood, where it plays diverse and equally important roles. This small but active portion of calcium is essential for proper nerve impulse transmission, allowing communication between the brain and the rest of the body. It is also necessary for muscle contraction, including the rhythmic beating of the heart, and plays a role in blood clotting. Blood calcium levels are tightly regulated by complex hormonal systems involving parathyroid hormone (PTH) and vitamin D, which work together to ensure that calcium levels in the blood remain within a narrow range, pulling it from bones if dietary intake is insufficient.

‍How do we take action?

To maintain healthy calcium levels and support bone health, one should ensure adequate dietary intake of calcium-rich foods such as dairy products, leafy green vegetables, and fortified foods. Sufficient vitamin D is also necessary for the body to absorb calcium effectively. Regular weight-bearing exercise helps strengthen bones. If blood calcium levels are found to be too high or too low, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider to investigate potential underlying causes, which could include issues with kidney function, parathyroid glands, or nutrient absorption. Addressing these underlying conditions is key to optimizing calcium balance and supporting overall Healthspan.

‍Additional Sources

Institute of Medicine (US) Committee to Review Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin D and Calcium; Ross AC, Taylor CL, Yaktine AL, et al., editors. Dietary Reference Intakes for Calcium and Vitamin D. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2011. 2, Overview of Calcium. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK56060/

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