Topic

Calcium plus Vitamin D3

Calcium - an essential mineral

Calcium is the most frequent mineral in the body and a substantial component of bones and teeth. To be able to build up the bone mass optimally, the bone has to be supplied with an adequate amount of calcium. Calcium cannot be built by the body itself. Therefore, it has to be supplied with nutrition from outside. In case of a longer insufficient supply via nutrition, the body takes the calcium from its store - the skeleton. A deficiency can lead to a loss of the bone stability, the solidity of the bone decreases and it becomes porous.
Together with other minerals, calcium provides for the stability of our skeleton. Up to an age of approx. 35 years, the bone mass is in the augmentation phase. From the age of 40 years, this process is slowing down and the age-related natural bone resorption starts. In order to maintain the bone density now, a sufficient calcium supply is a precondition.
 
But also in case of sun sensitivity, calcium can support the body and make possible a carefree enjoyment of the sun. Calcium helps to balance the increased demand and to avoid light-related skin irritations. It stabilises the skin cells and can prevent from sun-related skin reactions in this way.

Who should pay special attention to an adequate calcium supply?

Pregnant and breast-feeding women, children and adolescents need particularly much calcium. In general, women in and after the menopause as well as elder people have to pay special attention to a sufficient calcium supply. The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährung (German Society for Nutrition) recommends 1,000 mg calcium per day for adults, pregnant and breast-feeding women. For the age group from 13 to 19 years, 1,200 mg calcium are recommended. Calcium is mainly contained in milk and milk products.

Why additionally vitamin D3?

The calcium intake from nutrition is linked with an adequate supply with vitamin D. The fat-soluble vitamin ensures that calcium can be absorbed from the bowel into blood and reaches the bones this way. Vitamin D can be built in the skin through sunlight. Especially in the seasons lacking in sunshine, this own production often is not enough. Moreover, in the old age the skin loses its ability to produce vitamin D to a large extent. If less vitamin D is available for the body, a corresponding lower amount is stored into the bones. Above all, fatty kinds of fish such as e.g. mackerel, salmon and eel contain usable vitamin D. Often it is, however, difficult to guarantee the daily demand solely through nutrition. The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährung (German Society for Nutrition) recommends 5 µg vitamin D per day for adults, corresponding to 200 International Units (IU). For adults from 65 years, even the intake of 10 µg/day is recommended.