Your body requires calcium to form strong bones when you are young and to keep bones strong as you getolder. Everyone needs calcium, but it’s exclusively important for women and girls.

Girls ages 9 to 18 need 1,300 mg (milligrams) of calcium every day.

Women ages 19 to 50 need 1,000 mg of calcium every day.

Women over age 50 need 1,200 mg of calcium every day

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body, with over 99% of the amount present being found in the bones and teeth. For the development and maintenance of healthy bones it is essential that we have adequate calcium intake, otherwise we are at risk of developing osteoporosis when calcium leaching is not stable by dietary ingestion. But calcium is not only important for the skeleton; it also has a role to play in nerve function, blood clotting, muscle health, and other areas. While calcium is a key mineral for both sexes, it is especially important to the health of women.

Calcium supplements can be advantageous for people who are lactose intolerant or for those who are uncertain that they are eating enough of the right foods. Supplements that provide the calcium in carbonate, citrate, lactate, gluconate, or phosphate forms are well captivated by the body. Those that combine calcium and vitamin D together are an even healthier option as the vitamin increases calcium absorption and delivers other health benefits. Calcium in the form of oyster shell, bone meal, dolomite, and calcium hydroxyapatite should be avoided.