All about Calcium 7 Aging Sharply

All About Calcium

By Charlotte Meschede - Nutritionist

In order to give more clarity about the role of calcium in the body, I will elaborate a little on each of these specific functions.

What is calcium and why do we need it? Calcium is a mineral that is necessary for life. When most people think of calcium, they think of bone and dental health, but actually, calcium has many more functions in the body other than making our bones and teeth stronger. Whilst it is true that 99% of the calcium in our bodies is in the bones and teeth, calcium is integral in blood clotting mechanisms, muscle contraction and enabling the beating of the heart.

Calcium and Bone Health

You probably understand that calcium is necessary for your bones. Calcium is essentially a building block for bone, but it can only be absorbed into the bone tissue if there is sufficient vitamin D and other nutrients such as magnesium and phosphorous to facilitate this process. That is why it is important for calcium supplements to combine with vitamin D in order to ensure adequate absorption. If there is insufficient vitamin D, then calcium in food and supplements will be released back into the blood stream and not be absorbed.

Calcium and Muscle Contraction

Calcium affects muscles by regulating contractions. Since the heart is also

a muscle, calcium is needed for the functioning of the heart in the same way as it is used in other muscle contractions. When a nerve stimulates a muscle, calcium is released into the blood. When the calcium is subsequently pumped out of the muscle, the muscle then relaxes. This is why a lack of calcium can cause cramps and muscle stiffness.

Calcium and Blood Clotting

The blood clotting process is a complex metabolic process, which involves several elements, including calcium. Vitamin K is one of the major nutrients associated with the coagulation process (blood clotting). The ability to bind calcium ions (Ca2+) is required for the activation of seven vitamin K-dependent blood clotting factors. These are specific proteins like prothrombin which help to stop bleeding through clot formation.

Other Roles of Calcium in the Body

Calcium is a co-factor for many enzymes, without which they cannot work efficiently. Most of these enzymes are involved in muscle metabolism. Low dietary intake of calcium and inadequate vitamin D status have been linked to the increasing prevalence of obesity worldwide. There is consistent evidence that calcium and vitamin D increase the breakdown of body fat (oxidation) and that calcium promotes a modest energy loss through increased fat excretion. Calcium is also linked to a higher metabolic rate, suppression of those enzymes, which play a role in fat deposition and reduced hunger or greater satiety..1

Is there a danger of too much calcium?

Very high levels of calcium in the blood can lead to kidney problems, calcification of soft tissues and blood vessels, kidney stones and constipation. Since calcium is a positively charged ion (2+), it may interfere with the absorption and/or assimilation of other ions such as iron as they compete for similar absorption sites. It is also important to be aware of other conditions or diseases that may be present and either the condition or the medication required to treat certain conditions can lead to releasing excessive amounts of calcium into the blood. Thyroid conditions are one of the examples that can cause high calcium levels. If an individual consumes excessive amounts of carbonated beverages, too much magnesium (supplementation), excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption, then they may not absorb calcium effectively and this will be reflected as high levels in the blood, contributing to the above-mentioned conditions.

How much calcium do you need?

General recommendations for calcium requirements are reflected below. These recommended amounts vary slightly according to different countries and regulatory bodies.

• 0–6 months: 200 milligrams (mg) • 7–12 months: 260 mg • 1–3 years: 700 mg • 4–8 years: 1,000 mg • 9–18 years: 1,300 mg • 19–50 years: 1,000 mg • 51–70 years: 1,000 mg for males and 1,200 mg for females • 71 years and above: 1,200 mg2

Pregnant and breastfeeding women require 1,000–1,300 mg depending on age. Additional calcium may be recommended for women in the perimenopause, any individual who has suffered from or has anorexia nervosa, individuals with a lactose

intolerance or cow’s milk allergy, women who exercise excessively and those individuals who follow a vegan diet.

Generally, people who have adequate calcium in their diet tend to have: • lower blood pressure • improved cholesterol levels • a lower risk of colorectal tumors of the non-malignant kind • a lower risk of fracture in elderly people3

Good food sources of calcium include: • yogurt • milk • fortified dairy alternatives, such as soy milk • sardines and salmon • cheese • tofu • green leafy vegetables, such as broccoli, turnip leaves, watercress and kale.

It should be mentioned that some foods like spinach, strawberries and rhubarb, contain oxalic acid which can block calcium absorption. This isn’t normally a problem unless a person literally consumes abnormally large amounts of these foods and has a low calcium intake as a result. Also eating large quantities of oxalic acid, together with a low water intake, can also predispose an individual to kidney stones. If you think you are at risk then engage with a health professional who can advise you appropriately.

CalciAIM

This powerful supplement contains a blend of calcium, magnesium, vitamin D and other nutrients required for the optimal absorption and metabolism of calcium, to facilitate all the metabolic processes associated with calcium in the body.

References 1.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih. gov/22385576/ 2.https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/ articles/248958 3.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih. gov/29945463/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih. gov/32156010/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih. gov/15090625/

Aging Sharply

During their youth, most people don’t give a second thought to aging. Some may begin to worry about it once they reach a milestone in years.

The anxiety associated with getting older is usually the loss of youth. However, those in their golden years know that there are far greater things to worry about.

One of the greatest apprehensions is the loss of cognitive function. Age is the strongest known risk factor for memory loss. Even though there is nothing anyone can do to stop growing older, there are steps you can take to keep your mind sharp.

Sensible Choices

Leading a healthy lifestyle is the best way to take good care of yourself. Wholesome food, physical and mental activity, social interaction, stress management and sufficient sleep are factors that have a positive influence on your body and mind.

If your aim is to age with a sharp mind, then the carefully selected ingredients in GinkgoSense can add other positive factors for maintaining your memory, concentration and mental clarity. Ginkgo biloba extract shows positive results for difficulties with concentration and memory, absent-mindedness and confusion.

Curcumin extract may improve both memory and mood, and black pepper extract helps the body to effectively absorb curcumin.

Ashwagandha root helps the body to adapt to stressors that can cause lack of concentration.

Lutein, zeaxanthin and ginger root’s antioxidant properties reduce oxidative stress that have a detrimental effect on the brain.

Age sharply with some help from GinkgoSense.