Calcium: beyond bones

It is well established that an adequate intake of the mineral calcium is essential for health bones and teeth. Did you know that calcium also plays an important role in other systems of the body? It circulates in the blood to carry out important functions relating to the clotting of blood, regulation of muscle contraction, transmission of nerve impulses, and maintaining a steady heartbeat. Some studies arre suggesting that calcium may also play a role in weight loss, prevention of colon cancer, the control of cholesterol and blood pressure. along with alleviating pre-menstraul symptoms. Is this really so? In this issue of Nayam News we will look at some of these findings, discuss the key functions of calcium in the body and highlight the dietary sources of this nutrient.

An examination of nutrient intakes in a middle income area of Jamaica

The aim of this study was to gain some information on food consumption patterns of middle income families. A dietary and budget survey was carried out in 15 households in an urban middle-income area of Jamaica. All the households had children aged six months to three years. Weights and heights were recorded at the beginning and at the end of the survey. The results showed that less than 50 percent of the households had insufficient energy intakes, whilst protein intakes were exceptionally high. The children showed similar levels of high protein intakes, but 73 percent had inadequate energy intakes. The majority of children had weights and heights which compared favourably with the Boston standard. The diets of the children consisted mainly of milk and fruits with varying amounts of chicken, rice, milo, irish potatoes and bread. Eight children were fed from the family pot and these children were all over 12 months old. The diet of the households was quite varied with some 42 food items being eaten. However, the foods which provided best value for money, canned meat and fish, tripe, counter cornmeal, oats, peanut butter, gungo peas, were very rarely or never eaten. The average percentage of income spent on food was 27 percent, with families of income higher than the mean, that is, $187.00 per week, spending a smaller percentage on food than families with an income lower than the mean income. Mean family size was 4.5 members (Summary)