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The benefits of calcium

Your body needs calcium to build and maintain strong bones. Your heart, muscles, and nerves also need calcium to function properly.

Some studies suggest that calcium, along with vitamin D, may have benefits beyond bone health: perhaps protecting against cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

The risks of too little calcium

If you don’t get enough calcium, you could face health problems related to weak bones:

• Children may not reach their full potential adult height.
• Adults may have low bone mass, which is a risk factor for osteoporosis.

Many Americans don’t get enough calcium in their diets. Children and adolescents are at risk, but so are adults aged 50 and older