What are the benefits of calcium among all the essential vitamins and minerals? Calcium is a naturally occurring mineral that is essential in the bones and skeletal structure. Among the benefits of calcium is the wide variety of sources, ranging from fish to shells to cow milk, goat milk, camel milk (!), and various nutritional supplements that provide calcium alone, or in conjunction with other vitamins, such as vitamin D, which is essential for calcium absorption.

Calcium is a necessary nutrient to promote healthy bones, as well as other bodily functions. So the health benefits of calcium largely surround maintaining the optimal performance of the bodily functions and preventing deterioration of bones, which is a condition known as osteoporosis. Although it is widely known that calcium is essential for children whose teeth and bones are developing, calcium supplements also frequently are recommended for elderly and people of all ages to prevent or slow down the progression of osteoporosis.

The benefits of calcium include prevention or reduction of osteoporosis and high blood pressure. Other calcium benefits are to lower the risk of colon cancer, and according to the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, the benefits of calcium also include helping to prevent childhood obesity.

Calcium occurs naturally in the body. In fact, most of the calcium in the human body is in the bones and teeth. The other one percent of calcium is distributed in the blood and cells of the body. This one percent of calcium is vital for bodily functions. Health benefits of calcium in the body include helping in the functioning of nerves, muscles and blood clotting. Other calcium benefits include helping the body to regulate enzymes and control blood pressure.

Since bones and teeth are made of calcium, failing to meet recommended daily calcium intake requirements can result in weaker bones, which can result in increased susceptibility to bone fracture and also to dental problems with teeth. Although natural foods such as broccoli and milk can be one of the most important sources of calcium it may not be enough. Children are drinking less milk than their parents did as children. This decline in milk consumption means that increasingly children may become calcium deficient. Adults who fail to get their daily calcium may be putting themselves at risk for osteoporosis and other health problems later in life.

One of the ways to solve the problem of calcium deficiency is to take calcium vitamins, either as incorporated in multi vitamin and mineral supplements, or as calcium supplements, such as widely available. The benefits of calcium supplements include knowing that you are consistently meeting your daily calcium needs. To get the benefits of calcium supplements there are several forms of calcium available. calcium carbonate supplements, such as Rolaids or Tums, are good sources of calcium, and also are used to treat upset stomachs. Calcium citrate is another form of calcium supplement that is usually added to orange juice. Calcium phosphate is an easily absorbed form of calcium. The benefits of calcium can be obtained with calcium lactate and dolomite, made with bone meal. Calcium comes in the form of pills, tablets or calcium liquid.