Importance of Calcium for Women
Most women are not aware of the importance of calcium in their health. It is a fact that most women do not meet the recommended daily intake of Calcium. Calcium is very important especially during adolescence and old age particularly for bone health. This mineral is also the most abundant in the human body. For women, calcium is very important during various life stages, conditions or other situations.
Old Age and Calcium
The importance of calcium for women during their older years is often ignored. According to studies an average woman’s bone mass reaches its maximum density between the ages of 25 and 35. After 35, it begins to decrease thus the need for a higher intake of calcium. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for women 25-50 years old is 1,000mg. For women over 50, the RDA is 1,500mg.
Pregnancy and Calcium
During pregnancy, the importance of calcium for women cannot be ignored. Calcium is very important not just for the mother but also for the baby. Calcium from the mother’s body is used by the growing baby thus a higher demand for the mineral. According to an analysis of various studies published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, pregnant women who took about 1,500 to 2,000 mg of calcium supplement daily throughout their pregnancy had a considerably lower risk of preeclampsia which is the leading cause of premature birth.
Menopause and Calcium
Significant bone loss occurs during menopause. As a matter of fact, women lose significant amounts of their bone mass in the first 3-5 years after the onset of menopause. This results to osteoporosis, bone thinning and fragile bones which increases the risk for fractures. This is why calcium intake should be increased during and after the onset of menopause. This will help prevent loss of bone mass.
Calcium Sources
By now, you should be convinced of the importance of calcium for women. Thus the next problem is where to get your RDA for calcium. The good news is that calcium can be found in many foods. Milk is one of the best sources of calcium containing up to 300mg per glass. However, milk is not for everyone because of lactose intolerance and its high amount of fat.
Other good sources of calcium are yogurt, broccoli, sardines, oysters, clams, turnip greens, mustard greens, soy milk and many more. Calcium-fortified drinks and supplements are also available for your convenience.
