Why Is Calcium Vital to Bone Health?

While calcium has many roles in the body, its function as a bone builder and strengthener is one of the most important; bones and teeth contain 99 percent of the body's calcium.

Calcium in the Bones

• Calcium binds with phosphorus to form calcium phosphate, a mineral that helps to form and strengthen bones.

Intake

• The Institute of Medicine has established an adequate intake level for calcium at 1,300 mg for people nine to 18 years old; 1,000 mg for adults 19 to 50; and 1,200 mg for adults over 50.

Bone Disease

• Insufficient calcium can lead to osteomalacia, a softening of the bones, and osteoporosis, a condition of brittle, porous bones and loss of bone density that puts you at risk for bone fractures.

Vitamin D

• Vitamin D aids the body's absorption of calcium, so foods rich in both calcium and vitamin D are important for strong, healthy bones.

An Early Start

• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a 20-year-old woman already has most of her bone mass, meaning that children and teens need plenty of calcium to prevent bone disease much later in life.