Calcium is a nutrient and a dietary supplement that nearly everyone is familiar with and most people think they understand it perfectly. Most people know that calcium is good for bones and teeth, but few people know there is anything to it beyond that. Actually, there are many benefits to calcium.

Bone Health

Yes, the common perception is correct. Calcium is indeed good for teeth and bones. Elderly people were studied in an investigation into the use of calcium supplements for osteoporosis, since they are at greatest risk for the disease. It turned out that fewer of the people who took the calcium developed osteoporosis than those who did not take it. There is general agreement among most physicians that calcium should be used as a supplement for elderly women at risk for osteoporosis. What many do not realize is that the results of this study held true for both genders.

Athletic Performance

Many people are astounded to find out that calcium has benefits for the bodybuilder, MMA fighter and athlete beyond bone strength. Actually, calcium serves a very important function in muscular control. It regulates contractions of the muscles. If the muscles do not have enough calcium, they will not contract in the right way; they will not relax properly. When muscle contraction cannot happen smoothly during a workout, cramping and even injury can be the result.

There are other actions of calcium that affect athletic performance too. Calcium helps with hormone and enzyme metabolism, and cell function. It is also invaluable for its role in carrying neural messages to the body. When these processes are working right, a bodybuilder, MMA fighter or athlete can perform at a higher capacity.

Weight Loss and Avoiding Diabetes

There is some indication in studies that calcium may make it easier for people to lose weight. At the same time, people who are pre-diabetic or concerned about becoming diabetic might be able to head off the disease with the help of calcium.

In one study, pre-diabetics who took calcium dietary supplements had a lower rise in blood glucose over the course of the study than did the control group who were given a placebo pill. It is thought that calcium may have a direct effect on the pancreas to cause this effect. Anyone with pre-diabetes needs to be sure they have enough calcium in their diet, taking dietary supplements if needed.

Avoiding Cancer

Research has shown that elderly people with plenty of calcium in their diets are less likely to develop cancers of the digestive system such as esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, and colorectal cancer.

Heart Health

Getting enough calcium seems to help people with high blood pressure to get their hypertension under control. It even appears to prevent it for many people. People who have a family history of hypertension should definitely consider taking calcium dietary supplements.