How to boost your body's calcium absorption…??

Your body contains more calcium than any other mineral. Of your calcium stores, 99% sits in your bones and teeth.

When you do not consume enough calcium to maintain these basic functions, your body steals the mineral from your bones. 

And when your bones lose calcium, you increase your risk for osteoporosis and fractures.

You need to add calcium back to your body every day, either through calcium supplements or through the foods you eat. 

As you get older, your body becomes less able to absorb calcium, so your recommended intake increases with age. 

Children require anywhere from only 210 milligrams of calcium per day as infants to upwards of 1,300 milligrams daily during the growth spurt of puberty. Adults should get about 1,000 milligrams each day, with needs increasing to 1,200 daily milligrams around the age of 50.

Particular foods and nutrients can help or hinder how much of that calcium you absorb:

CALCIUM ALLIES

• Vitamin D: Also called "the sunshine vitamin," vitamin D is calcium's best friend. You should be getting between 200 IU and 400 IU of vitamin D per day (600 IU if you are older than 71) from the sun, supplements, or foods like eggs, fatty fish, cheese, or fortified milks and cereals.

• Skim milk: Go for skim or non-fat milk to get more calcium for your buck.

• Fruits and vegetables: Eating a diet full of fruits and vegetables is a good idea in the first place, but it also boosts your calcium absorption.