Calcium is arguably the most important nutrient in your body. More than 99% of your calcium is stored in your bones and your teeth, which supports skeletal function and structure. The rest of the calcium in your body is used for other critical functions such as muscle contraction, blood vessel contraction and expansion, and sending messages through the nervous system. But even though it’s one of the most critical minerals for your health, most people are still not getting enough. In fact, one study suggests as much as 68% of the American population is calcium deficient. Adolescent girls and boys, women over 50, and men over 70 are at a particularly high risk of not meeting their daily calcium requirements. Menopausal women, vegans, and anyone with a dairy intolerance are also more prone to calcium deficiency than the general population.
