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What Are the Best Sources of Calcium Phosphate?
Calcium is important for healthy tissue, where it is used for proper nerve and muscle function, cell signaling and blood clotting. The main mineral found in bones is calcium phosphate, and it is important for bone strength. The best sources of calcium phosphate in the diet are enriched cow milk and dairy products made from enriched milk. Calcium is so important to health that many foods have been enriched with calcium, including cereal and juices, especially orange juice. Soy products, such as soy milk, soy beans and tofu, also have high levels of calcium.
The main minerals of bone tissue are calcium and phosphorus. This is why calcium phosphate is important to the diet of children and adolescents — it allows the bones to grow and strengthen. Much of the calcium in the bones is stored before early adulthood.
When the body runs low in calcium, it is taken from the bones. Over time, this will weaken the bones and make them more brittle and breakable. Low calcium in the body can also cause muscle pain and spasms as well as numbness. Calcium has been proven to help heart health, prevent colon and rectal cancer and possibly lower cholesterol levels.
Calcium is readily found in milk and dairy products made from milk, which is one reason why dairy is an important staple in nutrition for children, whose bones are still growing. Yogurt actually has a slightly higher calcium level than milk itself. Cheeses produced with more milk, especially Swiss cheese and ricotta cheese, are higher in calcium. Varieties of cheese made from goat and sheep milk are another source of calcium. Milk sugar, which is called lactose and is found in these dairy products, is not tolerated by all adults, so other calcium sources might be needed in the diet.
Soy products, which do not contain lactose, are another good course of calcium phosphate. This would include soy milk, edamame and tofu. There are other calcium phosphate sources that might be surprising. Some types of seafood, such as salmon, sardines, anchovies, clams and oysters, are good sources of calcium. Artichokes, leafy green vegetables, molasses and broccoli are also good sources of calcium.
Calcium-enriched foods, mostly notably enriched juices such as orange juice, have become common. The calcium phosphate in them is similar to that in calcium pills. These products provide alternative sources of calcium in the diet.
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![A sandwich made with Swiss cheese, a good source of calcium phosphate.]()
A sandwich made with Swiss cheese, a good source of calcium phosphate. -
![Salmon is a good source of calcium.]()
By: Witold KrasowskiSalmon is a good source of calcium. -
![Oysters are high in calcium.]()
By: M.studioOysters are high in calcium. -
![Soy products, such as soy milk, contain high levels of calcium phosphate.]()
By: 3dsguruSoy products, such as soy milk, contain high levels of calcium phosphate. -
![Fortified orange juice is a good source of calcium.]()
By: umbertoleporiniFortified orange juice is a good source of calcium. -
![Edamame contains calcium phosphate.]()
By: Mindy W.M ChungEdamame contains calcium phosphate. -
![Cow's milk contains calcium phosphate.]()
By: Africa StudioCow's milk contains calcium phosphate. -
![Dairy products made from enriched milk are excellent sources of dietary calcium phosphate.]()
By: lidanteDairy products made from enriched milk are excellent sources of dietary calcium phosphate. -
![Sardines -- a type of small fish in the herring family -- are rich in calcium and other minerals, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids.]()
By: Picture PartnersSardines -- a type of small fish in the herring family -- are rich in calcium and other minerals, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Discussion Comments
@Feryll - You are right about milk being a good way to build muscle and hydrate your body when you are working out regularly. However, large amounts of milk can also lead to kidney stones for some people. For a person who has had problems of this type, milk might not be the best drink.
One sign that could be an indication someone is low on calcium is cramping. When there is not enough calcium in the blood the muscle will start to twitch and cramp. Of course, there are plenty of other reasons for cramping, but this is a possibility.
I lift weights and like to drink milk regularly because this is a good source of calcium and a good way to keep my body hydrated, which is another reason your muscles might start to cramp. All and all, I think milk is much better for the body than all of those sports drinks that are so popular now.
@Laotionne - After a certain point in your life (probably early 20s) loading up on calcium is going to do little to help your bones. The reason kids and young adults need calcium is because during those years is when the bones are storing up on calcium. That's why schools serve milk.
You hear all those advertisements for calcium supplements, but in reality the older women these ads are directed at are not getting the benefit of bone building from calcium supplements. I even heard that too much calcium can also be a health problem.
I think the average person who eats regular meals is getting enough calcium. Am I right in thinking this way, or should most people be taking calcium phosphate products for their bones?
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