Calcium is one nutrient that is sometimes overlooked. However, it is one of the most important nutrients your body needs. Calcium plays an important part in body functions and some development. Knowing how much calcium you need daily and where to get it from can ensure that you will lead a healthier life and live longer.

What does Calcium do for us! Well, calcium does many things for your body. Everyone knows calcium is great for the bones. It also plays a role in keeping your muscles and nerves working properly. It also helps blood clot and keeps your heart functioning properly. Lacking calcium in your diet can greatly affect your health for years to come.

When your body does not get enough calcium it begins to take calcium from the bones. When this occurs, the bones become deficient and problems can start such as osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease that mostly affects older people. Osteoporosis is a disease where the bones get thin and brittle. However calcium is important at any age. In children calcium is important to help with bone growth. Pregnant women calcium intake is also very important. Along with other nutrients the baby needs calcium to grow. So, more calcium intake is important during pregnancy.

Here are some basic guidelines for calcium. Intake 1,300mg a day for children age 1-10, 1,600mg a day for age 11-25. Pregnant and breast feeding mothers should get 1,500mg a day. Don't worry about taking too much calcium. Intakes of up to 2,500mg are still a safe level. Most of the Excess calcium is easily removed form the body.

We suggest the follow as a good guideline for calcium foods. Try to get at least three to four servings a day of dairy products. Most greens are good sources of calcium. Make better choices when buying foods with added calcium can help you to make sure you are getting enough calcium.

Calcium is often overlooked as an important nutrient. It is up to us to make sure we are getting enough. Remember it is quite easy to add calcium foods into our diet. Soft bones are most often contributed, because of a lack of calcium intake.