MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Calcium source

Medical Encyclopedia

Calcium source

Getting enough calcium to keep bones from thinning throughout a person's life may be made more difficult if that person has lactose intolerance or another reason, such as a tendency toward kidney stones, for avoiding calcium-rich food sources. Calcium deficiency also effects the heart and circulatory system, as well as the secretion of essential hormones. There are many ways to supplement calcium, including a growing number of fortified foods.

Update Date: 8/4/2008

Updated by: Elizabeth H. Holt, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Yale University. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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