What is Calcium needed for?
- Calcium is needed for the maintenance of normal bones and teeth.
- Calcium contributes to normal muscle function and neurotransmission.
- Calcium contributes to normal blood clotting.
- Calcium contributes to normal energy metabolism.
- Calcium contributes to the normal function of digestive enzymes.
Calcium rich foods include:
- milk, cheese and other dairy foods
- green leafy vegetables – such as broccoli and cabbage
- soya beans
- soya drinks with added calcium
- bread and anything made with fortified flour
- fish where you eat the bones – such as sardines and pilchards
How much Calcium do you need?
You should be able to get all the calcium you need through a balanced and varied diet, however there can be times when a supplement can help.
Adults (19-64 years) require approx. 700mg per day.
The department of health advises that taking a supplement containing 1500mg or less a day is unlikely to cause any harm.
Source: www.nhs.uk (Next review due 03/08/2023)
