2007-02-08 01:11:16 · 7 answers · asked by Booyah! 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
What's the maximum intake per day?
2007-02-08 01:19:56 · update #1
Calcium is carried through the bloodstream in two distinct forms: about half is in a usable ionized form, and the other half is attached to protein, phosphate and citrate and is unavailable as a nutrient. However, if the pH is too alkaline, even the usable calcium may not be used.
If the normal stomach acid is neutralized (for example by taking anti acids), calcium may not even be absorbed into the body. Also, normally the amount of hydrochloric acid decreases with age. A 75 year old may have only 15% of the stomach acid they had when they were 20 years old.
Additionally, there are some factors which prevent calcium use once in the body. For example eating high oxalate foods such as cocoa, spinach, parsley and soybeans; and eating large amounts of high phosphate foods such as lunch meats, soft drinks, bran and wheat germ; high protein diets.
The body cannot take in more than 500 mg of calcium at once. And you're supposed to take 1200 mg of calcium a day.
2007-02-08 02:28:18 · answer #1 · answered by anna 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most of what is not absorbed is excreted in our urine a lot of which is also lost in the digestion of protein. Particularly animal protein. A lot of vegetarians (vegans) argue that milk is not such a good source of calcium as argued because it has a lot of animal protein which causes the available calcium to be lost due to digesting the protein. Being the skeptic that I am, I think they may be right. Consider the source. The folks that earn their living from milk are the ones telling us that the calcium is so good for us. I don't see the monetary gaines for the vegetarians.
2007-02-08 11:15:20 · answer #2 · answered by stevenhendon 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Excess calcium is passed out of the body through the renal system (kidneys/bladder). A build up of calcium in your system can lead to kidney stones.
2007-02-08 10:46:48 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the past I have consumed more calcium that my system could break down, which has caused several kidney stones. You would think eating brocolli, spinach, and other healthy foods would be good for you, but they cause kidney stones for some people like me.
2007-02-08 09:32:03 · answer #4 · answered by jonmm 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Our body needs certain amount of calcium. Our body absorbs almost all of what we take in. That's why there are diseases caused by too much calcium. If they are excreted, how come that there are such diseases?
2007-02-08 09:20:09 · answer #5 · answered by terrorblade 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. You number 1 and 2 it.
2007-02-08 09:15:50 · answer #6 · answered by marcelsilvae 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, the body does not absorb all the calcium you ingest. It is excreted in your urine (and is the source of kidney and gall stones).
2007-02-08 09:17:51 · answer #7 · answered by Su Z Cue 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋