Hypertension - Too little calcium in the diet increases the risk for high blood pressure. Because calcium influences muscle contractions, researchers believe it may have a role in preventing high blood pressure by decreasing the muscle contractions in blood vessel walls. Consuming 1,000 milligrams of calcium every day has been shown to cut the risk of developing hypertension by as much as 40 percent. Kidney Stones - Nearly 75 percent of all kidney stones contain calcium, along with a substance called oxalate. Because excess calcium in the body passes through the kidneys, researchers used to believe eating less calcium would help reduce the risk for developing this type of stone.
New information indicates just the opposite.
Oxalate, which is found in tea, nuts and several fruits and vegetables, is believed to be more influential in kidney stones formation than calcium. Too little calcium in the diet may actually increase the amount of oxalate available for forming kidney stones. There are several d ifferent kinds of kidney stones and different factors that affect their formation. Experts recommend checking with a physician before making any dietary changes. Researchers are also exploring possible connections between calcium and the prevention of breast and colon cancer, and the lowering of blood cholesterol levels.