Calcium, the most plentiful mineral found in the human body ideally comprises 1.5 to 2% of an adult's total body weight. Every cell and organ in the body depends on calcium for proper functioning. Teeth and bones contain the majority of the body's calcium (about 99%). Calcium's primary function is in the development and maintenance of healthy bones and teeth. Of equal importance though is calcium's role in digestion, blood clotting, wound healing, nerve signal transmission digestion and our acid/alkaline balance. We, as a society -- especially women over the age of 45 -- are routinely told by their doctors, and the media, to supplement with 1000-1500 mgs of calcium daily to prevent Osteoporosis. As with most tissues, bones are constantly being reformed ?broken down and rebuilt. Osteoporosis (porous, brittle bones) is the result of bone deterioration over time (more mineral resorption than absorption). Women are led to believe that they are particularly prone to calcium deficiency and osteoporosis. This is due to their presumed higher levels of estrogen which apparently restricts calcium absorption. The end result of osteoporosis can be spontaneous skeletal fractures. However getting enough calcium won't guarantee a lifetime of healthy bones. Skeletal strength depends on many minerals, especially silica, but also including phosphorus, magnesium, boron, strontium and an adequate creation of vitamin D. In fact, in the first volume of "Silica ?the Forgotten Nutrient," Klaus Kaufmann challenges the sole use of calcium supplementation by adults and shows its interdependency with silica. |
