Food labels today represent calcium as a percent. This percent is based
off of 1,000 milligrams, or the adult dietary reference intake. To
determine the amount of calcium in the product, simply add a zero. For
instance, if the food label shows calcium at 30%, add a zero, which means the
food contains 300 milligrams of calcium. This label reading trick will
only work with calcium.
Calcium plays several
important roles in your body, from blood clotting to muscle contraction and
nerve conduction. It may not surprise you that 99% of the calcium in your body
is found in your teeth and bones. Surprisingly, the other 1% runs through your
bloodstream. If the calcium level in your blood falls below 1%, your body will
begin to leach calcium from your bones. The following chart will help you to
determine how much calcium you need to consume daily:
