Calcium Nutrition for Better Health

Calcium and Children: Building Strong Bones from a Young Age
Children's calcium supplements are gaining a lot of popularity because parents are realizing that they must build strong bones from the start. This article discusses the importance of children's calcium supplements, and discusses how calcium and children must go hand in hand. Some tips for building stronger bones in children include playing, eating a healthy diet, taking calcium supplements and more. The article also discusses what to avoid, such as salty foods.

Get Calcium: Health Tip from Bastyr University
Calcium is a nutrient essential for healthy bones, muscle contractions, and the proper functioning of the nervous system. This article discusses two sources of calcium and explains why one source is better than the other. Calcium is present in dairy foods, dark green leafy vegetables, tofu, almonds and other plant-based foods. One can also find calcium in supplements, which are available for those whose diets lack calcium-rich foods. There are two forms of calcium supplements: calcium carbonate, which is the cheaper of the two, and calcium citrate, which is more expensive but is more readily absorbed by the body.

Can Calcium Supplements Affect a Calcium Channel Blocker Anti-Hypertensive Medicine?
"Women with essential hypertension, a profile of low renin (a kidney hormone), and lower blood calcium, are actually quite sensitive to dietary salt," this article says. But it notes that their blood pressure lowers when they take calcium supplements and with taking calcium channel blockers such as nifedipine. This site discusses other dietary changes that can improve heart health.

Osteoporosis and Calcium and Magnesium
There are many kinds of calcium supplements, from coral calcium to calcium magnesium supplements. So this doctor includes information about the types of calcium supplements and their benefits. The doctor recommends chelated forms calcium supplements (calcium citrate, calcium lactate, or calcium gluconate) because it is the easiest form for most people to absorb. Most people should have 1000mg to 1500 mg of calcium everyday. The doctor also features lists of calcium rich foods that will help you get more calcium everyday - and it's always good to eat foods high in calcium.

Top 10 Calcium Rich Foods
Calcium offers a myriad of health benefits, from building strong bones and teeth to regulating blood pressure and maintaining a normal heartbeat. This article lists its top recommendations for calcium-rich foods. The list includes dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese. Aside from dairy, the list also includes canned sardines and salmon, as well as plant-based foods such as calcium-fortified soy or almond milk, soy nuts, tofu, vegetables such as collard greens, turnip greens, mustard greens, spinach, okra, and sesame seeds. Calcium-fortified orange juice also makes it to this list. The article also offers the recommended amount for each of the food sources.

Calcium and Vitamin D in Bone Health
This article examines the roles calcium and vitamin D play in the health of bones. Calcium is a building block of bones, and aids in strengthening bones throughout life. However, calcium can only function properly if it is properly absorbed by the body with the help of vitamin D. The article also lists good sources of calcium such a milk, yogurt, tofu and calcium-fortified juices and cereals. One can also find in the article a link to the National Osteoporosis Foundation’s daily recommended dietary calcium for various age groups. The article also touches on vitamin D, its sources and the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommended vitamin D intake for various age groups.

Calcium and High Blood Pressure: Can Calcium Nutrition Lower It?
This web site discusses whether eating calcium rich foods or taking calcium supplements can help to lower blood pressure. It says many Americans do not eat foods rich in calcium, and the symptoms of calcium nutrition deficiency are not immediately noted as the body breaks down calcium. But over time, the benefits of calcium supplements are evident for those who take calcium supplements - their bones are stronger and they are overall healthier. Calcium magnesium supplements are also recommended, as well as calcium and Vitamin D, for better absorption.

Calcium and Kidney Stones: Is Calcium the Culprit?
Kidney stones are becoming increasingly common among American women in the past four decades. A study that analyzed data on more than 36,000 post-menopausal women found the development of kidney stones in 17 percent more women taking calcium supplements and vitamin D versus those in a placebo group. Post-menopausal women are most affected, especially those taking calcium due to loss of bone density and the potential for osteoporosis. The article says that calcium guidelines for women over age 50 is to take 1,200 milligrams, including from food sources such as dairy and green vegetables, ion addition to supplements.