3 People Ask Why Calcium And Vitamin D Are Important!

We are all aware of how important calcium is for growing children. Every mother emphasises the need for milk and curd for her children. However, as we grow older, we neglect our body’s need for calcium.

Why do you need calcium?

Calcium is one of the key nutrients essential for healthy bone development. Peak bone mass is usually reached in the late teens. This means that by the time you have reached the age of 20, you have accumulated the maximum bone mass.

Other than its importance for strong bones, calcium is essential for the function of various organs within the body. If blood calcium levels fall, the body will compensate for this by pulling calcium out of bones. The body also excretes calcium daily. Therefore, to maintain the balance of calcium in the body, it is essential to have adequate calcium intake throughout life.

Why do you need Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is known as the ‘sunshine vitamin’ because the skin produces it in the presence of sunlight. It is very important because it helps the body utilise calcium. Indians may not produce enough Vitamin D because of our dark skin. In the urban scenario, women are hardly exposed to sunlight during the hours of 11 AM and 3 PM, when the sun is directly shining on us.