Calcium is a mineral found in your body. Most of the calcium is
found in your bones and your teeth. You need plenty of calcium
to keep them healthy and strong throughout your life. There is
also calcium in your blood, in your muscles and in the fluid
between your cells. Your body uses calcium to help blood vessels
and muscles expand and contract, and to regulate the pH level of
your blood. It also helps produce hormones and enzymes as well
as move impulses through your nervous system. Your body can’t
make calcium, so it’s important to make sure that you provide it
with all the calcium it needs. If you are younger than 50 years
of age, you need about 1,000 milligrams (mg) of calcium per day.
If you are older than 50, you need 1,200 mg of calcium per day.
It is best to get your calcium throughout the day rather than
all at once. You can do this by eating a calcium-rich food with
every meal or taking a supplement twice a day rather than all at
once. You should also be sure to get enough vitamin D each day
to hel