The demand for calcium is based on its connection to reducing the risk of osteoporosis, but new research indicates the impact of calcium is much wider. “Calcium is one of those minerals that is involved in every body function that you can think of: nerve [functions], irritability and contractility of the muscles,” says Linda Douglas, Ph.D., R.D., manager of scientific affairs for an ingredient supplier. In fact, Douglas notes, recent studies have implicated dietary calcium in the reduction of the risk of obesity and coronary heart disease, as well.
With such evidence, informed consumers are seeking products that contribute calcium to their diets and manufacturers are responding by adding calcium to their formulations.