NAN-H-32
Calcium
By Olasunkanmi Onifade
Abuja, Feb. 25, 2017 (NAN) Dr Safiya Ojo, a medical doctor at the Wuse General Hospital, Abuja, on Saturday urged Nigerians to consume foods rich in calcium to stay healthy.
Ojo, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja, said that calcium was the most common and important mineral in the body.
“Normally, the level of calcium in the blood is carefully controlled. When blood calcium levels get low (hypocalcemia), the bones release calcium to bring it back to a good blood level.
“When blood calcium levels get high (hypercalcemia), the extra calcium is stored in the bones or passed out of the body in urine and stool.
“The amount of calcium in the body depends on the amount of calcium you get in your food.’’
According to her, calcium and vitamin D are absorbed by the intestines.
Ojo said it was important to get the right amount of calcium in food because the body loses calcium every day.
She listed foods rich in calcium to include dairy products (milk, cheese), eggs, fish, green vegetables, and fruit among others.
Ojo said most people, who have low or high levels of calcium do not have any symptoms, adding that calcium levels need to be very high or low to cause symptoms.
She said that the body needs calcium to build and fix bones and teeth, help nerves work, make muscles squeeze together, help blood clot, and help the heart to function properly.
According to her, almost all of the calcium in the body is stored in the bone.
On breast feeding, the medical doctor advised expectant mothers to breastfeed for six months in order for the baby to have all the necessary nutrients to grow. (NAN) OEO/EEE
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Edited by Ese E. Ekama