So you probably already know that calcium helps promote strong, healthy bones. But that isn’t the only reason to make it a part of your diet. Take a minute to test your calcium knowledge.

1. Calcium Plays the Following Roles in Your Body:
   a. Develops and maintains strong bones and teeth
   b. Helps maintain normal heart rhythm
   c. Enables muscles to work
   d. Transmits nerve impulses
   e. Aids in blood clotting
   f. All of the above
   
   The answer is (f), All of the Above. Calcium’s impact on your body does go beyond bones - it helps your heart, muscles, nerves and blood function properly.⁽¹⁾
   
   
2. True or False?
   Calcium is important only for adult women.
   
   False. Calcium is vital to good health for people of all ages - infants, children, teenagers and adults. Everyone needs calcium, before birth and throughout life. Children and teenagers need calcium to develop strong bones and teeth, and adults need it to maintain a strong skeleton.⁽²⁾
   
   
3. True or False?
   If you don’t get enough calcium in your diet, your body will take the calcium it needs from your bones.
   
   True. Your body takes calcium from the foods you eat, but if you’re not getting enough, your body will withdraw calcium from your bones.⁽²⁾
   
   
4. True or False?
   Everybody needs the same amount of calcium.
   
   False. The Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) recommended by the British Columbia Ministry of Health vary with factors such as age and gender.
   
   
5. Calcium is Present in the Following Foods:
   a. Broccoli
   b. Almonds
   c. Dairy products
   d. Sardines
   e. All of the above
   
   The answer is (e), All of the Above. Calcium is present in many foods. Dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt, as well as green leafy vegetables such as broccoli and collard greens, are sources of calcium. Almonds contain calcium, as do canned salmon and sardines, if the soft bones are eaten.

Try Minute Maid^® fortified juices. They are a great and easy way to increase your daily calcium intake.

(1) Duyff RL. American Dietetic Association Complete Food and Nutrition Guide. 2nd Edition. New Jersey: John Wiley and Sons. 2002.

(2) National Academy of Sciences 1997 Dietary Reference Intakes for Calcium.