What is calcium with vitamin D for and when to take it?
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It is a general culture to know that the body requires vitamins and minerals for optimal functioning, these nutrients are acquired by the human being through food, which is why it is so necessary to have a balanced and nutritious diet.
Today’s section has relevant information on two types of nutrients important for bone and muscle health, such as vitamin D and calcium. This is in order to help you maintain a healthy locomotor system.
What is calcium and vitamin D?
Calcium is a mineral that we find as the main ingredient in human bones and teeth, in addition, more recent studies have shown that this component is necessary to regulate cell functioning, as well as intervenes in the nervous system and cardiovascular health.
This means that the presence of calcium is essential to maintain the overall health of the body.
On the other hand, we have vitamin D. One of the many vitamins that are important for human health, this is responsible for benefiting the immune system and enhancing the process of the nervous system. At the same time, it is essential for the body to absorb calcium.
Health benefits.
The proper functioning of the body is based on the absorption of nutrients such as calcium that help keep it healthy.
One of the most notable benefits of calcium in the body is its contribution to the strengthening of bone structures, having a constant intake of calcium allows humans to develop strong bones, healthy teeth and balance in the nervous system.
While vitamin D provides health benefits in the first instance by helping the body absorb the calcium it needs to preserve its health and boosting the immune system, at the same time it is responsible for strengthening the muscles and maintaining balance in the nervous system.
Both nutrients are essential to protect the body from various diseases ranging from infection by viruses and bacteria to the development of conditions such as osteoporosis.
Diseases caused by a lack of calcium.
We have already seen that calcium is involved in several aspects of the body. Therefore, the result of a diet low in calcium would lead to diseases such as:
Osteoporosis:
Weakening of the bone structure achieving a weak and brittle condition.
Periodontal disease:
It affects the gums as well as the bones that hold the teeth, causing tooth loss.
Muscle weakness:
Cramps, muscle problems such as pain and weakness as well as neuromuscular problems occur.
Hypertension:
During pregnancy there are chances of suffering from hypertension due to lack of calcium since this mineral is involved in the cardiovascular process and is largely absorbed by the fetus.
At what age should I start taking calcium with vitamin D?
There are several ways to obtain these nutrients, it is important to know to what extent we implement each one to make positive changes if necessary to improve intake and avoid the manifestation of diseases in the long term.
Depending on how you choose to obtain the supplementation will depend on the age limit at which you can apply it.
Foods rich in calcium:
You can try a balanced diet with calcium-rich foods that help your body maintain or improve the condition of your bones. For example:
- Dairy products: Cheeses, milk and yogurts are the best source of calcium.
- Green vegetables: Broccoli, Swiss chard, green mustard and kale are extraordinary sources of calcium.
- Nuts: Almonds, sunflower seeds, and/or walnuts are also a good source of calcium.
Consuming foods rich in calcium is important and necessary from the time we are in childhood, once the infant finishes breastfeeding he must have a balanced nutrition with all the basic vitamins and minerals for the development of the body.
Calcium supplements:
Most dietary supplements have a wide variety of vitamins and minerals, including calcium.
It is important to have a doctor’s recommendation to start taking this type of supplement, as the daily consumption of calcium and the dose of the supplement must be considered.
What about vitamin D?
This is produced naturally in our body as a result of exposure to the sun, for a few minutes it can be healthy for people to receive UV rays in order to stimulate the production of this essential vitamin for the absorption of calcium.
You can also find it in foods and supplements. Currently some foods are enriched with this nutrient in order to help compensate for the lack of sun exposure.
Remember that, if you need to increase calcium levels in your body, you must combine it with vitamin D intake to achieve the desired results.