Calcium and Osteoporosis

If you grow old to be a hunched person, blame your parents for it. Experts say that osteoporosis is actually a pediatric issue.

Calcium and osteoporosis is linked together like bread and butter. The calcium intake during the early years of life will determine if the child will grow and reach his full potential. Moreover, it is also the basis for the strength of the child’s bones. Those from 1-3 years old are required a daily calcium intake of at least 500 mg. Children with ages ranging from 4-8 need about 800 mg, while those from 9-18 years old should have a daily intake of 1300 mg calcium to be able to achieve maximum growth potential.

Unfortunately, the relationship between calcium and osteoporosis is one of the most misunderstood issues of science. The Institute of Medicine has found out that a good number of our children are taking in calcium below the amount that is required of them. Painful as it is, we are depriving them of a healthier future.

Calcium and osteoporosis are closely associated with each other because about 99% of the body’s calcium is found in the bones. But this does not mean that this amount is intended for the bones’ use only. Should the body require calcium for its other processes, the calcium found in the bones can be expelled into the bloodstream. However, the calcium in the bones is the one that gives them strength. This means that the lesser the calcium in the bones, the weaker the bones are.

The issue of calcium and osteoporosis varies according to one’s sex, menopausal status, and age. There are studies conducted which revealed that the majority of females above 11 years old shows a decline in their calcium intake. This is because they opt for soda in their diet instead of milk, but males do not seem to have the same problem.

Medical practitioners insist that women should be more informed about calcium and osteoporosis matters because they are more susceptible to the problems associated with these. Furthermore, studies confirmed that a lot of women fail to get the required calcium in their diets. Hence, it is necessary for them to get their calcium needs from supplements.

Since we cannot all go back to our childhood years and hoard on milk and other dairies, it is never too late to act right now. Consult your doctor regarding the right amount of calcium for your body. Regrets over what should have been done will not do anything to improve your health.

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