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. The average adult male loses from 85 to 420 mg per day. If heavily exercising, as much as 1000 mg may be lost daily. If calcium is deficient, it is taken from the bones and, when available, sent back.