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Shereen Jegtvig

Why You Need Calcium

By , About.com GuideSeptember 1, 2011

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You need calcium not only for strong bones and teeth, but also for normal blood clotting, and for healthy muscle and nervous system function. Most adults need around 1000 mg to 1200 mg every day (and teenagers need more). You can get enough calcium from the foods you eat.

Dairy products are one well-known as a source of calcium, but you don't need to consume dairy if you can't or don't want to, because you can get calcium from other foods too. Legumes, green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds and bony fish (like canned salmon) are contain calcium. And don't forget your vitamin D. If you don't get enough sun exposure (up to 30 minutes twice each week), then you might want to consider taking vitamin D supplements.

More About Calcium and Vitamin D

Comments
September 4, 2011 at 11:48 pm
(1) Stephanie :

My nutrition coach sends me articles a lot and sent me this link from your blog. He’s always after me to find Calcium in sources other than dairy because I tend to have inflammation from dairy products. He has me using maca root and chai seeds in my protein shakes as well as some of the things you mentioned, fish, greens, and so on. Nice blog and I can tell him to stop beating this into my brain now. :)

September 5, 2011 at 2:23 pm
(2) Shereen Jegtvig :

Glad to know this helps you find non-dairy sources of calcium.

Shereen

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