Our bodies depend on calcium for many vital bodily processes. Although most calcium is stored in bones and teeth, calcium also plays an important role in helping muscles contract, regulating heart rhythms, nerve functions and controlling testosterone and estrogen production in our blood vessels. Most people can obtain enough calcium from diet alone; however, some individuals may require supplementation in order to meet their daily requirements. A physician will recommend an appropriate dosage plan based on individual circumstances. Milk products are the primary source of calcium in the American diet, but other foods contain significant amounts of this essential mineral as well. Nonfat or low-fat milk, yogurt and cheese are excellent sources, along with dark leafy vegetables (excluding spinach), canned salmon with bones, dried beans, tofu, quinoa blackstrap molasses okra as well as certain fortified foods including bread fruit juice cereal etc. Calcium deficiency occurs when an ind