Calcium
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Calcium is a mineral that our body stores mainly in our bones and teeth. Calcium is a vital part of our diet as it is needed to build and maintain strong, healthy bones.
The growth of new bone tissue requires an adequate supply of calcium, so it is especially important that children, teenagers and young adults get enough of this mineral.
However, as bone tissue is constantly being eroded and replaced with new bone tissue, the body’s requirement for calcium continues throughout life.
Calcium is also important for our teeth. The part of the tooth that lies under the outer enamel has a structure very similar to that of bone and, as such, it requires an adequate intake of calcium to build strong healthy teeth.
As well as existing as a hard substance in teeth and bones, calcium is also present in the body in a dissolved form. This is important in a wide range of body cells, particularly in the muscles and nerves.
It is never too late to start taking calcium but it's particularly helpful if you start taking it in your 20s. In order for calcium to be absorbed by the body, it’s important we have enough vitamin D in our diet.
Food sources
Dairy products are particularly rich in calcium, as are small fish (where you eat the bones as well). The following foods are all good sources:
- cheese
- milk
- prawns
- tinned sardines and pilchards
- tofu
- yoghurt.
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This information does not replace medical advice. If you are concerned you might have a medical problem please ask your Boots pharmacy team in your local Boots store, or see your doctor.
