Calcium and Liquid Vitamins and Minerals
The physiological functions of calcium are so vital to survive that the body will de-mineralize bone to maintain normal blood levels of this mineral when intake is inadequate.
Therefore, an adequate dietary intake of this mineral is a critical factor in maintaining a healthy skeleton.
This mineral also plays a role in
mediating the construction and relaxation of blood vessels,
nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and the secretion of hormones like insulin.
Calcium is the most common mineral in the body, and a liquid supplement is a very effective source
of this mineral due to liquid’s superior absorption ratios and the even distribution of requirements. About 99% of this mineral in the body is found in bones and teeth, while the other 1% is found in blood and soft tissue.
Levels in the blood of calcium and fluid surrounding the cells must be maintained within a narrow concentration range for normal physiological functioning. Supplements are also necessary to stabilize a number of proteins and enzymes, optimizing their activities, including the activation of the seven vitamin K dependant clotting factor in the collation cascade. A low blood level of this mineral usually implies abnormal parathyroid function and is rarely due to low dietary intake since the skeleton provides a large reserve for maintaining normal blood levels. Other causes of abnormally low blood levels of this mineral include chronic kidney failure, vitamin D deficiency, and low blood magnesium levels
that may occur in cases of severe alcoholism.
Heavy sodium intake results in increased loss of this mineral in the urine possibly due to competition between sodium and calcium for re-absorption in the kidney, or by an effect of sodium on parathyroid hormones.
Because urinary loss
accounts for about half of the differences in this minerals retention among individuals, as dietary sodium has a huge potential to influence bone loss.
Also, as dietary protein intake increases, the urinary excretion of this mineral also increases.
Recommended supplements intakes of this mineral for the U.S. population are higher than those populations of less industrialized countries because protein intake in the U.S.
is generally higher. Phosphorus, which is typically found in protein-rich foods, tends to decrease the excretion of this mineral in the urine as well.
However, phosphorus-rich foods tend to increase this minerals content of digestive secretions, resulting in increased loss in the fetus.
The ease of taking liquid vitamins
and supplements for any age group is also a plus, as increasing intakes of phosphorus from soft drinks and food additives have caused concern regarding implications of bone health and bone loss. 75% of these minerals requirements are supplied by dairy foods in the American diet.
Liquid supplementation
is highly recommended however, as it is typically during "the most critical period of bone mass developments" that adolescents tend to replace milk with soft drinks.
Dairy products represent rich and absorbable sources of this mineral.
Certain grains and vegetables also provide ample supplies of this mineral, and plants that are rich with this mineral include the kale family (broccoli, bok choy, cabbage, mustard, and turnip greens).
The best food sources for maximum absorption include: milk, yogurt, cheddar cheese, pinto beans, red beans, white beans, tofu (calcium set), spinach, rhubarb, and fruit punch with citrate malate.
There are several very good liquid supplements of this mineral in today's markets that can help with calcium supplementation.
Natural Sources for Calcium
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