Calcium is the most abundant mineral in our body and unfortunately most of us aren’t getting enough from our daily diet! Calcium is mainly stored in our bones and teeth and released into our bloodstream when needed. Blood calcium plays a critical role in supporting many bodily functions as well as balancing pH levels. Symptoms of low calcium levels range from brittle bones, abnormal blood clotting and delay in children's growth and development.

When we are born the amount of calcium we need slowly increases from about 200mg, as our body grows with children from age nine to early twenties needing around 1300mg a day. Adults both male and female need about 1000mg a day of calcium. As we age the amount of calcium we need increases again, especially for women.

Another important time for an increase of calcium is during your second and third trimester and when breastfeeding.

To make sure you are getting enough calcium make sure you are getting regular amounts of the below foods.

• Sardines
• Fresh milk
• Almonds
• Seeds
• Spinach
• Yoghurt
• Whey protein
• Cheese
• Beans and pulses
• Broccoli
• Fortified cereals
• Fortified breads

As you can see there is a wide variety of calcium rich foods available, so by eating a well balanced varied diet you should be meeting your required levels. Try recording what you eat over a few days to calculate how much calcium you are getting.