$10 billion in hip fractures!

DIGESTIVE SYSTEM - Calcium may also play a role in colon health but further studies are necessary to confirm the link. Researchers have found that people who eat a lot of calcium containing foods are less likely to develop colon problems than those who eat small amounts. Calcium may exert its protective effects by binding to certain colon irritants. Calcium may also normalize the growth of cells in the intestinal wall thus protecting the colon.

BLOOD PRESSURE - Calcium deficiency can lead to high blood pressure. Increasing intake has been shown to lower blood pressure in cases where there are deficiencies. Whether calcium can lower blood pressure in cases where there are no apparent deficiencies is controversial.

MUSCLES - When calcium levels drop below normal, muscle cramps can occur as low levels of calcium in the blood can increase the sensitivity of the nerves and cause muscles to go into spasm. Pregnant women whose diets are deficient in calcium are at greatest risk of muscle cramps.

TEETH - Calcium's role in tooth development and health are well documented.Those at risk of calcium deficiency include the elderly, people who don’t eat dairy products, those on high protein or high fiber diets and those who drink a lot of alcohol. People on weight reducing diets are also at risk as calcium containing foods are often high in calories. Athletes and premenopausal women whose menstrual periods have stopped may also be at increased risk of deficiency which can lead to stress fractures, shin splints, weak bones, poor bone healing and eventually osteoporosis. Studies have shown that calcium is deficient in the diets of may women with around 35% of women suffering from osteoporosis after menopause. The average daily intake in the US is 600mg and in many countries calcium is the mineral we are most likely to be deficient in. Hip fractures cost $10 billion in the US and $175 million per year in Australia.