Calcium: More Than Just Bones

Think calcium’s just for bones and teeth? Think again.
In this bite-sized episode, Jase breaks down why calcium is one of your body’s hardest-working minerals — from keeping your heart beating and muscles firing to balancing hormones and supporting metabolism. You’ll learn how much you actually need, why so many Kiwis are falling short, and the smartest ways to get more (hint: it’s not just milk).
Fast, science-backed, and easy to digest — just how your supplements should be.

Transcript : 

Hi there, I'm Jase.
How's it going?
This is your bite size breakdown of everything supplements.
Fast, smart, straight to the point so you can get where you want to go in the fastest
time possible.
Today we're going to be diving into a mineral you probably think you know calcium.
Yep, the bone mineral.
But here's the thing, calcium's rolling your body goes way beyond strong bones and teeth.
Calcium isn't just the most abundant mineral in your body.
It's also a master multi tasker.
Sure about 99% of your calcium is stored in your bones and teeth, acting like a sink is
account for strength and structure.
But that last 1% floating around in your blood, that's where the real action happens.
Calcium plays a starring role in muscle contraction so every time your biceps flicks or your heart
beats calcium is the signal that makes it happen.
It's nerve communication so your brain uses calcium to send messages to every part of your
body, helps with blood clotting, so cut your finger, calcium is part of the team that
stops the bleeding and also hormone release.
It even helps to regulate insulin and other hormones.
Without enough calcium your body will literally rob it from your bones to keep these vital functions
going and over time that's where the trouble starts.
Here in NZ we've got a mixed picture.
Stats in dead, daughter in Ministry of Health so they show a large number of kiwis, especially
women over 50, aren't heading their daily calcium needs.
Here is our traditional go-to but with more people going client base or dairy fee, free, sorry
the gap is widening.
And in fact in 2019 at New Zealand adult nutrition survey follow up found woman aged 19 to 50
average, only 750 milligrams per day while short of the 1000 milligrams a day recommendation.
And remember bone density loss doesn't just happen when you're older, it's a slow burn.
You're building your bone bank up until the age of about 30 and then it's about maintaining
as much as possible.
If you're under 30 now's the time to invest, if you're over 30 it's the time to protect.
When you say calcium most people think milk and yes dairy is one of the richest sources
but it's not the only player.
Of course it's our friendly green like kale, bok choy and broccoli.
There's also like canned salmon, sardines, fortified plant milks, tofu that's set with
calcium and of course nuts and seeds, especially almonds and sesame.
Now here's the kicker, it's not just how much calcium you get but how well you absorb it.
Vitamin D is your calcium's best mate, no vitamin D and your body struggles to pull calcium
into the bloodstream.
Magnesium and vitamin K2 are also important partners, helping calcium get into the bones
instead of hanging around in soft tissues.
If you're not hitting your daily needs through food supplements can help but the more is
better rule doesn't apply here.
Too much calcium, especially without balancing minerals can cause cadastones or calcification
in wrong places.
We don't want that.
Some of the forms you'll see calcium carbonate so that's pretty cheap, it's high in calcium
but best absorbed with food.
Then there's calcium citrate, gender on their stomach can be taken with or without food.
Then there's calcium hydroxpiteate, excuse the pronunciation hydroxpiteate to arrive from
bone contains other bone friendly minerals.
Pro tip, your body absorbs calcium best and doses under 500 milligrams at a time so if
you need more it's best to split it up.
Here's where beyond bone health part comes in, adequate calcium.
It supports steady, hard rhythm, helps maintain healthy blood pressure, can reduce PMS
in some woman and may help with weight management by supporting healthy metabolism.
So calcium isn't just a kid's in old folks nutrients, it's relevant to every single stage
of life.
So that's calcium, the mineral that's been hiding in plain sight, quietly running dozens of
vital jobs while also building a skeleton.
Whether it's from dairy, plants or smart supplements, think of calcium as a life long
investment.
One you start topping up today for a healthier, stronger tomorrow.
I'm Jase, if you found this useful, please share it with a mate and I'll catch you in
the next one.
Until next time, stay curious, stay consistent and remember to take your vitamins.