Calcium

Calcium is a vital mineral that is essential for healthy bones, teeth, and bodily functions like muscle contraction and the secretion of hormones.¹

Enzyme

An enzyme is a catalyst that makes chemical reactions possible in our bodies. Examples of enzymes vital to human digestion include pepsin, which splits proteins in the stomach; amylases, which break down starch into sugars; and lactase, which splits lactose into glucose and galactose.²

Galactose

Galactose is a naturally occurring sugar and a byproduct of lactose.²

Glucose

When broken down by lactase, glucose, a sugar, is one of lactose’s byproducts.²

Lactase

Lactase is a digestive enzyme needed to break down lactose into its component simple sugars, glucose and galactose.²

Lactase deficiency

A deficiency of lactase in the digestive system that can prohibit the body from properly processing lactose, which can lead to uncomfortable abdominal symptoms.²

Lactose

Lactose is a sugar that constitutes 4.5% of milk. The only sugar of direct animal origin, it is also known as “milk sugar.”³

Lactose intolerance

Lactose intolerance is a condition that stems from a lack of lactase in the digestive system, the enzyme that breaks down lactose into easily digestible sugars. Causes of lactose intolerance include the loss of lactase with age, the loss of lactase due to illness or injury, or a congenital deficiency. Symptoms may include bloating, gas, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea.⁴

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disabling condition that is more likely to occur when there is a lack of calcium in the diet. Women are more likely to have it than men, and people who are thin or have a small frame also have a higher risk. This condition leads to brittle, fragile bones that are broken more easily than healthy bones. Osteoporosis is preventable by maintaining a healthy lifestyle (including weight-bearing exercise, avoiding smoking, and a healthful diet) and getting the recommended amounts of calcium and vitamin D.²

Rickets

Rickets is a degenerative disorder caused by a deficiency of vitamin D and calcium during periods of bone growth, typically childhood. Like osteoporosis, rickets leads to fragile bones, in addition to bone deformities like “bowed legs” and “pigeon chest.” As with osteoporosis, vitamin D and calcium can prevent and/or treat rickets.²

Vitamin A

Vitamin A, or retinol, has a many benefits for the body. It promotes good eyesight, helps regulate the immune system, and maintains healthy skin.¹

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is important because it helps the digestive system process and promotes the absorption of calcium, the essential mineral for healthy bones and teeth.¹

References:

1. Dietary Supplement Fact Sheets. http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/. Accessed May 14, 2009.
2. Medicine Net. http://www.medterms.com/. Accessed May 14, 2009.
3. Biology Online. http://www.biology-online.org/. Accessed May 14, 2009.
4. Mayo Clinic. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/lactose-intolerance/DS00530. Accessed May 14, 2009.