The A to Z of ‘miracle mineral’ calcium and how it helps your body to function at its optimum best

The A to Z of ‘miracle mineral’ calcium and how it helps your body to function at its optimum best
 
CALCIUM MEMO
• Start early! Continuously low calcium intake in the growing years makes you more prone to osteoporosis later, because your peak bone mass has not been achieved.
• Stay active! Exercise is vital to make the most of calcium.
• Stay alert! Sex hormones (especially oestrogen), exercise, smoking and diet all affect calcium absorption and excretion. Excessive amounts of salt, caffeine, alcohol and excessive animal protein have a negative effect on the calcium balance.
• Stay healthy! Crash dieting, in which dairy products are slashed out, increases your risk of osteoporosis.
• Get sunny! Vitamin D increases calcium absorption and is required for good bone functions.