SCIENCE

Calcium Supplementation

1. Calcium and Teeth: Calcium is a major component of teeth, and taking calcium supplements can benefit dental health. For example, when symptoms like gum bleeding or gum swelling occur, the teeth may often become noticeably loose. In such cases, supplementing with calcium can effectively help improve tooth looseness. Additionally, calcium can help improve cracks in teeth and is effective in preventing cavities, as cavities can lead to gum recession. Supplementing calcium can make teeth stronger and reduce the likelihood of tooth decay.

2. Calcium and Bone Health: Calcium is a major component of human bones and plays an important role in many physiological functions. It is not only essential for bone health but also impacts the overall health of various parts of the body at different stages of life. Infants and toddlers are in the period of calcium deposition, while pregnant women need significant calcium for fetal development. After middle age, calcium begins to be lost, which can lead to conditions like osteoporosis. Therefore, calcium supplementation is crucial for bone formation and overall bone health.

3. Glucosamine and Joint Health: Glucosamine (also known as amino glucosamine) is a natural substance found in cartilage cells. In the body, glucosamine is converted into glycosaminoglycans, which are important raw materials for cartilage and joint lubricants. Studies have shown that glucosamine can be highly effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative arthritis, and other joint conditions. It stimulates cartilage cells to produce more collagen, glycoproteins, and glycosaminoglycans, thus improving joint health.

4. Vitamin C and Immune Health: Vitamin C (also known as L-ascorbic acid) is crucial for immune system function. It is a water-soluble vitamin that helps maintain the normal function of several enzymes. It also has strong antioxidant properties and increases the body's ability to fight infections. It enhances the phagocytic activity of immune cells, improving overall immune resistance. Vitamin C supplementation is particularly beneficial for people with weakened immune systems.

5. Calcium Supplementation for Children: Childhood is a golden period for calcium supplementation, as children need significant amounts of calcium to build strong teeth and bones. Adequate calcium intake can help prevent growing pains caused by calcium deficiency. During growth spurts, calcium is also required to support bone development.

6. Calcium Supplementation for Women: Calcium supplementation is essential for women, particularly during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. During menstruation, blood calcium levels tend to drop, which can lead to cramps, so calcium supplementation is important. During pregnancy, the demand for calcium significantly increases to ensure proper fetal development and to support the mother's physiological metabolism. Calcium is needed for the accelerated growth and calcification of the fetus's bones and teeth. Insufficient calcium intake can lead to conditions like rickets in the fetus. Therefore, calcium supplementation during pregnancy is very important. During menopause, calcium loss increases, which can lead to osteoporosis. Adequate calcium supplementation can help prevent symptoms associated with menopause, such as irritability, hot flashes, night sweats, leg cramps, and emotional depression.