The consequences of being calcium deficient
Bones are constantly going through a process in which small amounts of old bone are removed and new bone is formed in its place causing loss of density and strength. Generally, after age 35, more bone is lost than gained. Unfortunately for women, bone loss accelerates after menopause and can lead to osteoporosis.

Epidemiological clinical studies link insufficient levels of vitamin D and calcium to:

• Osteoporosis (55% of over 50)
• Cancer (30%)
• Autoimmune diseases
• Type 2 diabetes (7%)

Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a painful, disabling and potentially life-threatening bone disease that can often be prevented. There are not early warning signs. Osteoporosis can lead to broken bones, can impair a person's ability to walk and may cause prolonged or permanent disability including loss of height, severe back pain and deformity.

Osteoporosis is a wide spread problem. It is a major public health threat for an estimated 44 million people, or 55% of people 50 years of age and older. However, osteoporosis can strike at any age. By the year 2010, it is estimated that over 52 million women and men age 50+ will be affected and, if current trends continue, the figure will climb to over 61 million by 2020.

The good news is that osteoporosis is preventable. Lifestyle adjustments including diet and exercise and calcium supplementation can help prevent osteoporosis.

Other conditions caused by a calcium deficiency:

• Insomnia
• Tetany - sever muscle spasms
• Premenstrual cramps
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)

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