It the bones, two minerals, calcium and phosphorus, are combined to give strength and firmness to the skeleton or bony structure of the body. Many chemical reactions of the body require both calcium and phosphorus. Hence there is a constant interchange of the minerals between the bones and the bloodstream. Young mothers need extra calcium, particularly during pregnancy and when nursing their babies. Calcium is important also for children and young people whose bones are growing rapidly.

In the body there is a close chemical relationship between calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D. A deficiency in any of these may produce a serious disturbance in the frame work of the body. In children this disease is known as rickets. In adults called osteomalacia.

Infants with rickets are restless at night and tent to sleep poorly. The constant movement of the head on the pillow may wear off the hair. If this disease condition continues, the child’s normal development is retarded. He suffers from marked weakness in the bones, and there is considerable delay is his sitting up, crawling, a and walking. The weight of his body may bend the knees and other joints and bones out of shape, causing such deformities as bowlegs, pigeon breast, and knock-knees.

In adults the bones of the legs the thighs may lose their normal mineral content. They become soft and bend under the weight of the body. These pelvic bones are flattened and the pelvic outlet narrowed- a very serious problem for mothers during childbirth. The spinal bones may be shortened so that the individual loses height and becomes dwarfed and stooped.

Both rickets and osteomalacia can be cured, or at least brought under control, by taking an adequate amount of calcium, phosphorus , vitamin D. But some of the formalities are likely to remain if the condition is allowed to continue over a long period time.

The best sources of calcium are milk, dairy products, green vegetables, peas, beans, soybeans, eggs, lentils, potatoes, and fish. In other words, any well-balanced diet usually has sufficient calcium to meet our needs. Also people who are well-supplied with calcium during their childhood years not likely to developed some of the more serious diseases of later life. However, calcium cannot be absorbed unless we have an adequate supply of vitamin D in the diet.

Early doctors were right in prescribing moderate amounts of cod-liver oil and similar substances for babies and young children. This is an excellent source of vitamin D. When combined with the foods mentioned above, it will prevent serious bone deformities, such as rickets and osteomalacia. However, the individual must also have sufficient sunshine to derive the greatest benefit from the vitamin D and calcium in his diet.

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