Calcium
Need for strong bones, healthy blood pressure, cancer prevention and cardiovascular health.

People with high blood pressure who are salt sensitive benefit the most from calcium supplements. The greatest effect is on the systolic blood pressure.

Cancer: Protects from colon cancer. Yogurt contains friendly bacteria (acidophilus) that inhibits the effects of known colonic carcinogens.

Helps to increase HDL cholesterol and decrease LDL cholesterol.

Calcium is used to activate the enzymes involved in fat and protein digestion and in the production of energy. It is involved in blood clotting and the transmission of nerve impulses. Calcium also regulates the contraction and relaxation of the muscles, including the heart. It aids in the absorption of many nutrients especially vitamin B12.

Factors that can affect calcium absorption are medication being taken like antibiotics, oral contraceptives and laxatives.

Food Sources
Milk, cheese and yogurt. Others are canned salmon and sardines and green leafy vegetables. Clams, oysters and shrimps are good sources of calcium, followed by kale, broccoli, soybean products.

Oxalic acid found in spinach, swiss chard, beet greens, cocoa, and rhubarb affect the absorption of calcium.

Phytic acid found in the outer layer of real grains interfere with calcium absorption.

Best supplement source is calcium citrate.
Best way to take calcium is with magnesium and vitamin D3 as these three nutrients work together to enhance one anthers absorption and utilization in the body. The ratio calcium to magnesium should be 2 to 1.

Calcium has no known toxic effects.