Calcium - Health Benefits

Introduction

This section outlines the biological function, deficiency symptoms and therapeutic properties of Calcium.

Calcium deficiency is known as Hypocalcaemia or Hypocalcemia.

Adrenal System

       Calcium may enhance the function of the Adrenal Glands.  

Cardiovascular System

       Calcium may enhance the Blood Clotting (coagulation) process:  

 Calcium may activate Prothrombin which converts Fibrinogen to Fibrin.  

 Calcium may regulate Blood PH balance.

       Calcium (500 - 1,500 mg per day) may lower Blood Pressure in many High Blood Pressure patients:  ^[1]

 Abnormalities in Calcium ^[2] may be an important factor in the pathogenesis of Hypertension.

 When optimal levels of available Calcium are present in cells (intracellular Calcium), Calcium acts as its own Calcium Channel Blocker, controlling its own influx across the Cell Membrane.

  Caution:  Excessive Calcium also causes Hypertension, i.e. some Hypertension patients are found to have excessive INTRACELLULAR Calcium levels.

       Calcium may normalize Heart rhythm in Arrhythmias patients and Arrhythmias may occur as a result of Calcium deficiency - Calcium allows the Heart muscles to contract.  

       Calcium may help to prevent (both forms of) Stroke.  ^[3]

Cells

       Calcium may facilitate the normal process of Apoptosis (which helps to destroy some types of Cancer Cells).  ^[4]

       Calcium may improve the permeability of Cell Membranes.  

Digestive System

       Calcium may help to prevent Constipation and Constipation patients are often found to be deficient in Calcium.  

       Calcium may help to alleviate Ulcers - Gastric.  

       Calcium (600 mg of the liquid or tablet form of the Calcium Carbonate form of Calcium taken every two to three hours) may alleviate sopme cases of Heartburn (according to some naturopaths).  ^[5]

Excretory System

       Calcium may help to regulate the body's balance of Electrolytes.

       Excessive Perspiration (Hyperhidrosis) may occur as a symptom of Calcium deficiency.  

       Calcium may help to prevent Kidney Stones (except in people with Hypercalciuria (abnormally high excretion of Calcium via the Urine), in which case additional Calcium increases the risk of Kidney Stones).  ^[6]

       Calcium is involved in the function of the Kidneys.  

Ears/Hearing

       6.5% of Otosclerosis patients exhibit elevated SERUM Calcium levels (implying deficient Bone Calcium levels) and Calcium (combined with Vitamin D) supplementation may result in significant Hearing improvement in approximately 20% of Otosclerosis patients.  ^[7]

Eyes/Vision

       Calcium (500 mg per day) may help to prevent Cataracts.  ^[8]

Immune System

       Calcium (up to 2,000 mg per day) may help to prevent some forms of Cancer:  

 Calcium may help to prevent Cancer - Brain:  ^[9]

 Calcium may help to prevent Gliomas.  ^[10]

 Calcium may help to prevent Meningioma.  ^[11]

 Calcium may reduce the incidence of Cancer - Colon by forming insoluble compounds with some mild carcinogens produced within the body, including Bile Acids.  ^[12]