Mineral active in bone development: Calcium

Mineral waters are seen as an important source of calcium due to their calorie-free and high calcium levels. Calcium is an effective mineral in bone destruction and construction. When the calcium taken into the body is insufficient, the calcium stored in the bone starts to be used. This causes the bones to weaken and become fragile over time. In adults, postmenopausal women and the elderly, adequate calcium intake is required to prevent osteoporosis and maintain bone mineral density. When calcium mineral is considered, milk comes to mind first. However, studies have shown that mineral waters can be as effective as milk in terms of calcium.
The World Health Organization (WHO) states that babies up to 1 year of age should consume 400 mg daily; 700 mg between the ages of 1-9, 1300 mg between the ages of 10-18; men should consume 1000 mg of calcium per day until the age of 65 and women until the menopause period. In the menopause period, daily intake should be at least 1300 mg and 1200 mg during pregnancy to reduce the effects of accelerated bone loss.
In calcium deficiency; heart disorders may occur due to weakness and deterioration in tooth, bone, nail structure, joint-muscle-bone pain, deterioration in eye and skin health, thinning and loss of hair, deterioration in mental health, forgetfulness, constant fatigue, deterioration in heart muscle work.

Mineral water consumption during menopause is very important

Estrogen increases the absorption of calcium in the intestine. Calcium absorption decreases with the decrease in estrogen levels in the body after menopause. Thus, a decrease in bone density and an increase in bone fractures are seen. For this reason, women need a higher amount of calcium consumption after menopause than before. In a study conducted abroad, the importance of mineral water consumption and calcium intake on bone density in women was researched. For this purpose, 255 female participants were divided into two groups, Group A regularly consumed mineral water with high calcium content and Group B consumed water with low calcium content. When the bone density of the two groups was compared, it was observed that the bone density of group A was less than group B; however, it was significantly higher. This study demonstrated the importance of regular consumption of water with high calcium content to maintain bone mass in women after menopause. Studies on the effect of mineral water consumption on bone health have mostly focused on calcium. However, it should not be forgotten that other minerals such as magnesium, potassium and fluoride taken into the body with mineral water consumption also have important functions in bone structure.

In our book ‘Miracle Beverage Mineral Water’, it was compiled from the study titled ‘The Importance of Mineral Water in Child Nutrition’ prepared by Pediatrician Dr. Dilek Çoban.