| Calcium is the most common mineral in the body, and is
important for
strong bones and teeth. It is also important for muscle contraction, proper
nerve function, and blood clotting.
Calcium deficiency causes improper bone formation and stunted growth
in children, and osteoporosis (weak, fracture prone bones) in adults.
Excess calcium may cause drowsiness and lethargy,
and interferes with absorption of iron, zinc, and manganese.
These involve leeching calcium out of the bones so
it can be used in the bloodstream, increasing intestinal absorption, and decreasing losses
in the urine.
There is currently much interest in preventing or slowing
osteoporosis in post-menopausal women by increasing the intake of dietary calcium.
Strong bones, good nerve conduction, and good muscle
contraction are all necessary for peak performance, so sufficient calcium from a variety
of food sources should be part of every athlete's diet.
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A diet high in protein (typical of many bodybuilders) increases losses of
calcium in urine.
You need to maintain constant levels of calcium in
your blood. If your blood calcium gets too low, there are homeostatic mechanisms for
returning your calcium level to normal.
Similarly, if your blood calcium gets too high,
there are homeostatic mechanisms for returning your calcium level to normal. This involves
depositing more calcium in your bones and increasing the amount excreted in the urine.
At this point, the question of whether
supplementation with calcium beyond the RDA does any good in the fight against
osteoporosis has yet to be settled.
Calcium, RDA:
800 mg (male), 800 mg (female)
1-Workout Delivery gives CALCIUM
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