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Calcium -- an essential mineral Calcium is essential for building and maintaining strong bones. In fact, 97% of your body's calcium is found in your bones. Bone growth occurs from infancy to early adulthood (into your 20's.) Approximately 40-45% of peak adult bone mass is actually build up during the teenage years. After adolescence and early adulthood, calcium in the bones can be lost, but not added. So when you're in your 30's and onward, your bone mass can actually decrease. This occurs especially in women who are postmenopausal. Decreased estrogen levels, resulting from menopause, can lead to rapid bone loss, osteoporosis and even bone fractures. Calcium also serves important nerve, muscle, and blood clotting functions. These functions are so important, that calcium will be pulled from the bone if necessary to make sure they happen appropriately. Your body doesn't make calcium naturally, so you need outside nutritional sources like food or supplements to supply it. How much calcium do you really need? The National Academy of Sciences
outlines the following guidelines for adequate daily intake of calcium:
Yogurt is an excellent source of calcium. Each 6oz. cup of Stonyfield Farm nonfat yogurt provides 250-350mg of calcium. Other sources of calcium:
While calcium is key to building and maintaining bone mass, other minerals and weight-bearing exercise contribute as well. The Surgeon General recommends one-half hour of weight-bearing exercise five days per week to maintain bone mass and prevent osteoporosis and bone fractures. So, be strong and be well by building calcium-rich foods, like Stonyfield Farm yogurt, and exercise into your life.
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