Yet, it is estimated that only 20-40 percent of calcium ingested from food is utilized by most people. This makes it necessary to supplement this mineral. We know that bone and tooth development and maintenance depends upon the proper metabolic absorption of calcium. The medical community agrees that physical exercise as well as adequate dietary intake of calcium, vitamin D, protein and other nutrients are necessary for proper development of bone density. The density of bone, the function of blood clotting and the proper functioning of neuromuscular transmission are all dependent upon calcium.
Calcium affects each age group.
In children, it is necessary for the proper formation of bone and teeth. In the aged, increasing calcium intake may prevent or retard osteoporosis in men, and especially in post-menopausal women. Many factors determine calcium absorption or use by the body. Calcium absorption may be reduced by physical and emotional stress. You may lose as much as 900 mg per day if stress is high.