Hi elisa,
The calcium amount recommended by Dr. James Balch,MD in his book "Perscription for Nutritional Healing" is 1500 to 2000 mgs daily. Calcium deficiencies can lead to all sorts of problems such muscle cramps, nervousness, arthritis, aching joints, brittle finger nails, rickets, tooth decay, depression, osteoporosis and the list goes on.
As you know calcium is needed for strong bones and teeth.It is also necessary for a regular heartbeat and other muscle growth & contactions and alot of other things. Vitamin D is required for proper absorption of calcium,also magnesium. Excess exercise reduces calcium uptake whereas moderate exercise helps it. Females that are post menopausal need more calcium because their estrogen levels are lower.Estrogen protects the bones. Your blood as protection for all the organs in the body that need calcium takes it from your bones if you don't take in enough. Your Blood is flat going to have ENOUGH because you have to have enough to live.This is why many older people get bone mass loss and their bones become brittle---they just don't intake enough calcium.
Diets have alot to do with the amount of calcium that is absorbed. The average US diet of refined carbohydrates, meat, sugar ,sodas that are high in phosphorus lead to calcium loss.
Too much calcium can interfere with zinc absorption---calcium intake above 2500mgs daily. I think it is difficult to get too much calcium. With your veggie diet I would really be concerned with not getting enough calcium???
God Bless---Harry
Spelling & typos don't count
[This message has been edited by Harry (edited 02-27-2001).]