By Marcia Holman, Pure Matters Women's diets often fall short in
vital minerals and vitamins. A woman's physiology can make it
harder to hang onto some nutrients, too. Women also are more
likely than men to develop an eating disorder, which makes it
difficult to maintain healthy nutrition. Here are six nutrients
that women are often deficient in, either because they lose too
much of a nutrient, don't get enough of a nutrient, or both. Why
you need it:Calcium builds teeth and bones, curbs premenstrual
syndrome, helps maintain normal blood pressure and may protect
against colon cancer. It is also needed for muscle contraction,
hormones and enzymes, and nervous system function, according to
the American Dietetic Association (ADA). Nearly all of the
body's calcium is stored in the teeth and bones. Women's risk
for bone loss rises at menopause with waning levels of estrogen,
a hormone that helps keep calcium in your bones. Getting
adequate calcium, vitamin D and exercise as a child and teen can
lessen the impact o