Calcium 101

What do PMS, colon cancer, high blood pressure and osteoporosis have in common? A secret enemy: calcium. Women have heard for years that adequate calcium intake-from food or supplements--protects bones and delays osteoporosis. Several research studies show that calcium's value extends to many other functions as well.

A recent study showed that women who took 1,200 mg of calcium per day had far fewer PMS symptoms than those who didn't. Is PMS a signal to women that they're not getting enough calcium? In other studies, teenagers with high blood pressure saw big reductions after taking 1500 mg of calcium per day, the equivalent of 5 glasses of skim milk. 2 other studies have shown that improved calcium intake can reduce the growth of precancerous colon polyps.

The more we learn about calcium, the more benefits we discover. Calcium can aid digestion, improve wound healing and blood clotting, and reduce muscle cramps.

Most women must take calcium supplements to meet their recommended daily allowances. Choosing which calcium and how much to take can be confusing.

Created: 2/25/2004  -  Donnica Moore, M.D.