Calcium is necessary for muscle contraction, blood clotting, nerve impulse conduction and the regulation of many hormones. Calcium also activates a protein called 'calmodulin' in the body, which relays messages to specific body cells to help maintain normal blood pressure.
Our bones constantly absorb and release calcium. They act like a 'calcium bank' for our body. During childhood and adolescence our bones absorb more calcium than they release (for storage). As adults the calcium levels remain relatively stable, while in old age we tend to lose more calcium from our bones than we absorb. However, the way our bones absorb, store and release calcium is also reliant on how much calcium we eat in our diets. If our diet is low in calcium, our bones will need to release more calcium into the blood stream, to keep calcium levels in our body normal, for healthy functioning.
During pregnancy, calcium is essential for the development of your baby's bones. There is also some research indicating that adequate calcium may help prevent high blood pressure during pregnancy and possibly premature birth. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should aim and have at least 900 to 1200 milligrams of calcium each day (or 3 to 4 servings of calcium rich foods).
Dairy foods tend to contain the highest amounts of calcium. However, if you have a vegan diet, you will need to look at eating alternative foods that contain calcium. This is particularly important during pregnancy, when your baby will draw on the calcium stores in your bones, for their own growth and development inside the womb. Some commercially prepared foods have added calcium. For example, there are now some brands of orange juices, cereals and tofu with added calcium. If your diet is unable to keep up with the recommended calcium intake, you may need to discuss taking calcium supplements with your caregiver. You can read about supplements, as well as how much calcium is in what foods in
calcium in foods.