Role of Calcium in Women’s Body
By: Tsou JinyeuTotal Views: 361, Word Count: 573,
Calcium is a vital mineral necessary for proper functioning of the brain and nervous system. It is the most abundant mineral found in the body and is essential for the growth and maintenance of bones and teeth throughout life. The role of calcium in women’s body varies with age. Calcium plays different roles at different stages of life.
Role of Calcium in Women’s Body at Different Stages
- Pregnancy
It doesn’t matter at what age a woman gets pregnant, calcium is necessary for both the mother and the infant. The demand for calcium increases at this stage as the baby draws its requirement of calcium from the mother’s body. It has been found that pregnant women taking 1,500 mg to 2,000 mg of calcium supplements every day have lower risk of preeclampsia, which leads to premature birth.
- Breastfeeding
Brest milk is the best source of nutrients and immune factors for an infant. For breastfeeding, the mother requires sufficient amount of energy and nutrients. Additional doses of calcium are essential at this stage to keep the mother and child healthy and strong.
- Birth Control
Females using contraceptive pills like DMPA on a regular basis for birth control lose calcium from their bones. This increases the danger of diseases related to calcium deficiency. So calcium supplements must be taken if someone is using such pills. However, the calcium level in the body gets balanced after a woman stops using contraceptive pills.
- Premenstrual Stage
According to a survey, it has been found that women taking 1,200 mg of calcium every day have 50% less chance of showing premenstrual syndrome. Calcium reduces headache, food carvings, bloating and moodiness during the premenstrual stage. As per a study, calcium also helps a lot in reducing menstrual pain.
- Menopause
Significant bone loss occurs during menopause transition. Bone loss leads to thinning and higher risk of bone fractures. Every woman comes across the stage of menopause and looses good amount of calcium from her body. Calcium intake at this stage is very important to assure sufficient bone quality, quantity and strength.
Role of Calcium in Women’s Body and Some Associated Diseases
- Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is very common in women. It is a disease that causes severe bone loss and makes them fragile. Deficiency of calcium leads to this disease, mainly after menopause in women. Almost 8 out of 10 women in America suffer from this disease. It is also very common with females whose age is 60 or more. A good diet with sufficient calcium supplements can help a lot during this disease.
- Hypoparathyroidism
Underactive parathyroid glands lead to hypoparathyroidism. These glands produce a hormone that regulates the functioning of minerals like phosphorous, Vitamin D, and calcium. Women with this disorder must take a low phosphorous and high calcium diet.
- Colon Cancer
In US, the third most common malignancy in women is colon cancer. After a lot of study, it has been found that calcium supplements can significantly reduce the risk of colon cancer.
There are numerous roles of calcium in women’s body. Starting from birth till the end of life, the mineral called calcium is essential at every stage of life.
About the Author
Dr. Cuthbert is a well known endocrinologist who has done his graduation from Vassar College – Poughkeepsie in New York and MD from Vanderbilt University Medical School, Nashville. His area of interests are bone densitometry, diabetes and nutrition. Nowdays he is working as a medical endocrinologist at NewYork Presbyterian hospital.
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