Calcium is an essential mineral for human health. The body needs calcium to maintain strong bones and to execute many other important bodily functions. Most of us are familiar with calcium’s benefits for bone health, but did you know it is critical to muscle and nerve function, as well? Calcium also plays a role in helping blood vessels move blood throughout the body and in releasing hormones and enzymes that affect almost every function in the human body.

And, guess what—we’re not all getting enough of it. According to data derived from a study in the Journal of Nutrition, 38 percent of the U.S. population is falling short of meeting the Estimated Average Requirements (EAR) for calcium. If that fact doesn’t shake you to your bones, the Council for Responsible Nutrition’s Duffy MacKay, N.D., shares five reasons that will make you pick up the bottle—with the calcium supplements in it—for sure!

References:

1. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

2. Women's Health Initiative

3. NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study

4. Vitamin D connection

5. Calcium and vitamin D supplementation

6. Coronary heart disease

7. Observational studies between calcium and body fat

8. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition