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Calcium is an essential mineral required for the optimal functioning of the body.
Calcium is an essential mineral required for the optimal functioning of the body. Calcium helps the body in the following ways:
- Maintains the strength of bones
- Supports the structure and hardness of teeth and bone
- Aids muscle movement
- Improves blood circulation
- Help release hormones and enzymes that are responsible for optimal body functions
- Helps the nerve to transmit messages from the brain to various body parts (nerve impulse conduction)
- Enables the blood to clot in response to injuries
What should you take care of while taking calcium?
Before taking calcium, you should tell your health care provider if you take the following medicines:
- Bisphosphonates
- Tetracycline or Fluoroquinolone antibiotics
- Levothyroxine
- Phenytoin
- Diuretics
- Antacids
- Mineral oil
- Glucocorticoids
These drugs may interact or interfere with calcium and can raise or lower calcium levels in the body.
Also, getting too much calcium can cause:
- Constipation
- Interference with the absorption of iron and zinc
- Increase in the risk of kidney stones
Calcium overdose is not possible with food alone; it usually comes from the use of calcium supplements.