Calcium
Undoubtedly, calcium is the most well known mineral and also the one most commonly taken as a supplement. Millions of women consume it with the hope of preventing bone loss. However, calcium has numerous additional uses as a nutritional supplement. It seems that every week this mineral nutritional supplement. It seems that every week this mineral makes the headlines regarding its importance in human nutrition. This is rightfully so, since every cell in the human body needs calcium to survive.
while too much calcium can be dangerous, all too often the problem is that people fail to get enough. Millions of Americans are suffering from the ill effects of calcium deficiency. The most vulnerable populations are adolescents and the elderly. However, deficiency in children is also common. A wide range of disorders may result, including attention deficit, growth retardation, tooth formation, leg cramps, nosebleed, and bone deformities.
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body, some 99% of it being found in the bones. Thus, the bones serve as the calcium reservoir. If there is too much calcium, the body deposits it in the bones. On the other hand, if individuals become deficient in calcium, the bones release it into the blood. This protective mechanism is necessary, because without calcium certain critical organ systems, such as the nervous system, heart, and arteries, would degenerate and death could result. Fortunately, calcium deficiency of this extreme occurs only rarely in the United States.
since calcium deficiency occurs primarily at the expense of the skeleton, a number of symptoms specifically related to the bones and joints may result. However, because calcium also controls the function of the nerves, an endless list of musculoskeletal and neurological symptoms may develop as a result of mild to moderate calcium deficiency.
Severe calcium deficiency occurs most commonly in certain high risk groups. These groups include diabetics, cardiac patients, post surgical patients, elderly individuals, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s patients, arthritis sufferers, and nursing home occupants. Additionally, certain substances antagonize calcium absorption and/or cause calcium loss into the urine or stool. These substances include:
aspirin, cortisone, chemotherapeutic agents, tetracycline, calcium channel blockers, antacids.
Cortisone is one of the chief calcium antagonizing drugs, since it causes massive mobilization of calcium from bone. With cortisone therapy, the calcium losses may be so severe that the entire skeleton becomes porous. In fact, the bones may become so weak that they split or crack spontaneously. In addition, people who fail to exercise regularly are a high risk for osteoporosis. Sleeping on a soft mattress also increases the risk.
Calcium absorption is dependent upon vitamin D. This vitamin can be consumed through the diet, but it is also synthesized in the skin, a reaction which requires sunlight. thus, those who live in regions with short summers and/or people who rarely go outdoors are likely to be calcium deficient. Additionally, bedridden and wheelchair bound patients usually develop rather severe calcium deficiencies. This category includes nursing home occupants as well as the thousands of bedfast individuals who occupy the hospitals. The risk factors for such individuals are extensive and are listed as follows:
a) they are usually taking drugs which impair calcium
absorption.
b) they get little or no exercise and, thus, readily
lo9se calcium from their bones.
c) they spend most of their time in bed
d) they get little or no sunlight.
e) they usually receive less than the RDA for calcium and
vitamin D in their diets.
f) their diets are high in refined sugars, which disrupt
calcium metabolism and cause bone loss.
g) they absorb calcium poorly even if taking it
supplementally; this is largely due to the decreased production of stomach acid
that invariably occurs in poorly nourished and/or elderly individuals;
hydrochloric acid is essential for calcium digestion and assimilation.
h) they receive little or no food rich in vitamin A, a
nutrient required for efficient calcium absorption and transport.
It is no surprise that spontaneous fractures of the hips and/or spine are a prime cause of morbidity and mortality in the elderly. There is a virtual epidemic of calcium and vitamin D deficiency in this population, one that cannot be corrected simply by drinking a glass or two of milk per day. These individuals require large doses of absorbable calcium and vitamin D on a daily basis.
Which of these apply to you?
1. joint pain
2. slow pulse rate
3. nervousness or irritability
4. tremors
5. twitching muscles and/or leg cramps
6. anxiety
7. chronic back and/or hip pain
8. vulnerability to fractures
9. loose teeth
10. tendency to form cavities
11. brittle nails
12. high blood pressure
13. numbness and/or tingling of the extremities
14. spastic stomach
15. muscular tension
16. chronic headaches
17. soft teeth
18. vertically ridged nails
19. Do you get little or no exposure to sunshine?
20. do you have irritable bowel syndrome (colitis)?
21. Do you avoid eating fresh fish and/or milk products?
22. Do you drink three or more cups of coffee per day?
23. Are you a cigarette, pipe, or cigar smoker?
24. Do you regularly take cortisone or use cortisone
creams?
25. Do you regularly consume antacids?
26. Do you regularly take tetracycline?
27. Are you on calcium channel blockers?
28. Have you undergone or are you currently undergoing
chemotherapy?
29. Do you get little or no exercise?
30. Are you currently bedridden and/or wheelchair bound?
31. Do you consume refined sugar on a daily basis?
Your Score _____
1 to 9 points Mild calcium deficiency: A mild calcium deficit is easily corrected by increasing the consumption of calcium rich foods. Try a Calcium Rich Vegetable Juice Cocktail. Eat foods rich in vitamin D for aiding calcium absorption. If you can tolerate milk products, eat two cups of yogurt or cottage cheese daily. In addition, be sure to exercise regularly, since physical activity aids in the deposition of calcium into the bone. Supplementation may be indicated; calcium has a calming effect upon the nervous system. Furthermore, it is protective against cancer of the colon.
10 to 19 points Moderate calcium deficiency: Follow all the recommendations for mild calcium deficiency. In addition, to further enhance absorption, take a multiple vitamin containing vitamin D and calcium along with an additional 500 mg of supplemental calcium. Walk one mile or more every day. For best absorption take supplemental calcium at bedtime, using calcium with vitamin C or lemon juice. Avoid substances which deplete tissues calcium: cigarette smoke, coffee, antacids, cortisone, soda pop, and refined sugars.
20 or above Severe calcium deficiency: This level of deficiency may not be entirely the result of dietary lack. Numerous disease processes may induce severe calcium deficit. Included are chronic kidney infections and other renal diseases, hyperparathyroidism, hyperthyroidism, hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, sluggish liver syndrome, and cancer. Notice the emphasis upon liver disorders; that is because this organ synthesizes calcium binding proteins, without which this mineral cannot be absorbed. Additionally, vitamin D deficiency may cause calcium loss, even if the dietary intake of this mineral is adequate. To correct the calcium deficit follow the aforementioned advice. In addition, take 1500 mg of absorbable calcium daily. Avoid oyster shell calcium. this type of supplement is poorly absorbed, and its consumption has been linked to kidney stone formation. Another form to avoid is bone meal, or ground bone, since it usually contains residues of heavy metals, particularly lead. Calcium citrate, hydroxyapatite, or calcium lactate would be preferable. Additionally, increase the intake of calcium rich foods and drink a Calcium Rich Vegetable Juice Cocktail daily. Be sure to increase your fluid intake when taking large doses of calcium. Walk two or more miles per day and/or be sure to partake in other exercises regularly in order to stimulate calcium deposition into bone.