Calcium is the most abundant mineral in your body. It is essential for the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth, where about 99% of the body's calcium is found. Calcium also helps the heart, nerves, muscles, and other body systems work properly. It is probably best known for helping prevent osteoporosis.

Your body needs several other nutrients in order for calcium to be absorbed and used properly, including magnesium, phosphorous, and especially vitamins D and K. Many factors, including age, disease states, and medications, can affect calcium absorption. Carbohydrates may enhance calcium absorption while coffee and cigarette smoke may impede it.

Postmenopausal women, people who consume large amounts of caffeine, alcohol, or soda, and those who take corticosteroid medications may need calcium supplements. Calcium deficiency can be found in people who don't absorb enough calcium, as can happen with Crohn's disease, celiac disease, and some intestinal surgeries.

Getting enough calcium may help prevent or treat the following conditions:

Osteoporosis
Your body needs calcium to build and maintain healthy bones and strong teeth. People start to lose more bone than their bodies make in their 30s, and the process speeds up as they get older. Studies have shown that calcium, particularly in combination with vitamin D, may help prevent bone loss associated with menopause. It may also help prevent bone loss in older men.

Hypoparathyroidism
People with this condition have underactive parathyroid glands. These four small glands sit on the four corners of the thyroid in the neck and produce a hormone that regulates calcium, phosphorous, and vitamin D levels in the body. People with this condition should follow a high-calcium, low-phosphorous diet as prescribed by their doctors. Often, they will also need to take calcium supplements.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
One large, well-designed study showed that women who took 1,200 mg of calcium per day reduced their symptoms of PMS by 50%, including headache, moodiness, food cravings, and bloating. A smaller study suggested that calcium may help reduce menstrual pain.

High Cholesterol
Preliminary studies in animals and people suggest that calcium may help lower cholesterol slightly. From these studies, it seems that calcium supplements, along with exercise and a healthy diet, may be better at keeping cholesterol at normal levels than at lowering already high cholesterol.