Several factors affect how efficiently the human body absorbs calcium from food.
The first is age. Children are able to absorb about 60% of the calcium in their food ~ this ensures that they obtain enough calcium to supply their growing bones and teeth. As people age, their ability to absorb calcium declines. Adults manage to absorb only about 20% of calcium in their food. Further decline of calcium absorption in old age can lead to a calcium deficiency and people over 51 should take in extra calcium to counteract this effect.
The amount of vitamin D in the body also affects calcium absorption. Vitamin D is also obtained from the diet but it can also be made in the skin when it is exposed to sunlight. The more vitamin D in the body, the better its calcium absorption efficiency.
Women who are pregnant absorb calcium from their food at a much higher level than when they are not pregnant. This adaptation helps ensure that the growing baby gets enough calcium for healthy bone formation.
The first is age. Children are able to absorb about 60% of the calcium in their food ~ this ensures that they obtain enough calcium to supply their growing bones and teeth. As people age, their ability to absorb calcium declines. Adults manage to absorb only about 20% of calcium in their food. Further decline of calcium absorption in old age can lead to a calcium deficiency and people over 51 should take in extra calcium to counteract this effect.
The amount of vitamin D in the body also affects calcium absorption. Vitamin D is also obtained from the diet but it can also be made in the skin when it is exposed to sunlight. The more vitamin D in the body, the better its calcium absorption efficiency.
Women who are pregnant absorb calcium from their food at a much higher level than when they are not pregnant. This adaptation helps ensure that the growing baby gets enough calcium for healthy bone formation.
