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tricia
Apr 22nd, 2004, 04:19 AM
From the 'Veganforum 1'-archive:

globesetter Posted: Apr 3 2004, 03:22 PM

I keep fairly good track of how much I eat of some main nutrients, like calcium, but I am always wondering if I am accurate enough, etc. I found this nifty calcium calculator - you have to fill out how often you eat the sample foods - takes about 10 minutes, and gives an average daily intake of calcium.

http://www.calciuminfo.com/calculator/f5.htm

I was happy to see my average is 922 mg per day! Even though this is just a ballpark figure, because its an average, and because I eat some foods with calcium that are not on the list, its nice to get confirmation I am close to what I should be getting.

They didn«t have soy milk as an option on the list, so I used the 1% cow milk as a subsititute - my soy milk has the same calcium per cup as cow milk.

Have fun.



webster Posted: Apr 3 2004, 06:11 PM

I would reply, but I am too busy dashing out the door to go buy calcium tablets ... :o

123 out of 1000. Oh dear. And here I thought I was doing pretty good ...

It was a bit of fun though, and very easy to use.



patunia Posted: Apr 3 2004, 09:56 PM

Yikes! Time to chow down on more broccoli! 166! I think my score is too low, because there's a lot I eat that wasn't on their lists. Plus I was in a bit of a hurry while filling it out.



Guest: marinoa Posted: Apr 3 2004, 11:31 PM

You can always log your food on fitday.com, you can also add any foods that are not in their database by entering values from the your food's nutrition label. I find that I easily meet the calcium requirements. I do get 60% from fortified OJ and fortified soy milk. the remainder I get from regular foods. sometimes tofu.



tricia Posted: Apr 4 2004, 12:42 AM

Wow mine was 1440.. i thought i was gonna be low.. guess not.. now im happy...



sexyjacksparrow Posted: Apr 4 2004, 09:02 AM

I got 720, whic is not perfect but is better than I thought. Most of what I get comes from fortified foods such as soya milk (I drink the chocolate flvoured stuff and have the normal on cereal).

Kerry x



globesetter Posted: Apr 4 2004, 09:29 AM

Marinoa, thanks for fitday.com - that is a GREAT site - I wish I had it when I first went vegan!


all the best,
globesetter

tricia
Apr 25th, 2004, 04:35 PM
Calcium in the Vegan diet (http://www.vrg.org/nutrition/calcium.htm)

Kiva Dancer
Apr 26th, 2004, 08:45 PM
I was wondering how much calcium I really get in a day. Thanks for the link.

Korn
Apr 27th, 2004, 08:15 PM
Hi,

below are some (of many) sources that suggest that too little calcium can affect your vitamin B12 levels. According to "Vegans deficient in three nutrients - meat eaters in seven" (http://veganforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27) and other sources, calcium is one of the most important nutrients vegans should pay attention to. (It's not difficult to get enough calcium, but you need to know where to find it).

Vegans are known to have lower B12 levels than non-vegans, and to me, it doesn't look like there is one cause for the low B-12 levels among vegans, but many. Could lack of calcium be a more important part of the vegan/B12 issue than most people think?

From http://www.livingwithms.co.uk/ms/nutrit.html :
"B12 needs to be combined with Calcium for proper absorption"

From http://foodsupplements.homestead.com/B12.html :
" B-12 METHYLCOBALAMIN 1000 mcg 1 or 2 a day. Methylcobalamin is the preferred type. Cyanocobalamin must be converted to methyl or adenosyl cobalamin by the body. Required for fat and carbohydrate metabolism and formation of blood cells . Deficiency results in mental confusion ,anemia , homocystenia, brain damage, tinnitus ,asthma , and depression . B-12 deficiency leads to heart risk. ( Science News 2-16-02 ) May benefit multiple sclerosis patients. Deficiency is widespread in people over sixty years of age. Blood test to determine B-12 level is recommended. Alcohol, estrogen, oral contraceptives, sleeping pills interfere with utilization. Natural sources are liver, beef, pork, eggs, milk, and cheese , except where soil is deficient in cobalt . ( 19 ) Needs calcium for absorption. Microwave cooking destroys B-12."

From http://www.chinatown-online.com/consumer/nutrition/nutrition.htm
"B12 Depleting Factors: Alcohol, coffee, tobacco, calcium deficiency."

From http://www.noni-juice-distributor.us/product/ingredient/ingredient_glossary.htm :
"Calcium (as calcium phosphate): the bodyês most abundant mineral. Every cell needs calcium to survive. Calcium is necessary for body synthesis of B12 and uses vitamin D for absorption. It works with phosphorus to build sound teeth and bones, with magnesium for cardiovascular health and skeletal strength. It helps blood clotting, lowers blood pressure, prevents muscle cramping, maintains nervous system health, controls anxiety and depression, and insures quality rest and sleep."

From http://www.leaflady.org/cancer.htm
About B12: "Utilization assisted by calcium. [...] More effective when taken with B complex and Vitamin C, Lecithin, Potassium, Calcium, and Sodium."


From http://www.unhinderedliving.com/VitaminB12.html
"When taking B12, it is a good idea to also supplement with calcium at the same meal, as calcium assists with absorption. There must also be hydrochloric acid present. A properly functioning thyroid gland also helps with absorption of B12"

Finally, about calcium and tap water: (From http://www.pharo.com/health_and_healing/diet_for_health/articles/hhdh_00_contents.asp )
"Despite assurances from water companies, tap water is full of potentially dangerous chemicals - even, in some areas of Britain, including the highly controversial fluoride, and also probably residues from the contraceptive pill. Heavy metals in the water are believed to prevent the absorption of calcium. Natural water is high in calcium, necessary for strong teeth and bones, although the fizzy sort is also high in sodium (salt), so don't drink it often."

vegematarian
Apr 28th, 2004, 11:02 PM
I know it's a thickener in pudding but is it an animal biproduct?

Wanda
Apr 28th, 2004, 11:50 PM
I know it's a thickener in pudding but is it an animal biproduct?
It's vegan. You can check ingredients here (http://www.veganpeace.com/Ingedients/ingredients.htm).

animalsvoice
Jun 13th, 2004, 02:27 AM
Must read
www.4.waisays.com
How Milk Causes Osteoporosis

TheFirstBus
Jun 29th, 2004, 02:39 AM
alright here is my delema I am having an arguement with someone on another forum who claims humans need meat to have a natural diet so I need some natural ways to get B12, Protien and calcium. Don't get me wrong I am not an idiot I know how to get protien and calcium natuarly for the most part but I need your input.

veganmike
Jun 29th, 2004, 08:15 AM
Protein (http://www.veganhealth.org/articles/protein/).
B12 and thoughts on "Can a Natural Diet Require Supplements?" (http://www.veganhealth.org/b12/natural).
For information on diet of early humans' in relation to calcium please read peer-reviewed (scientific) articles (http://www.thepaleodiet.com/articles.htm) by dr Loren Cordain, world's leading paleo-diet researcher. Although she is pro-meat, she explicitly states that humans did not use milk and dairy products for the most part of our existance and our bones were better then than they are now.

8 winks
Jul 17th, 2004, 02:21 PM
i was searching for something bready this morning, and cheerios seemed vegan friendly....but what about the ingredient "calcium carbonate"? is this an animal product? (i hope not cause i'm currently snacking on them) thanks if u know.
Also. a while back someone posted a really comprehensive site about ingredients that u may not expect to be animal based. does anyone remember it?

foxytina_69
Jul 18th, 2004, 02:28 AM
http://www.veganpeace.com

click the ingredients list

veganmike
Jul 18th, 2004, 06:56 AM
Calcium carbonate can me made of oyster shells, but it doesn't have to be that way. In fact, most calcium carbonate is vegan. Always write to manufacturer of the product containing CC.

gertvegan
Aug 25th, 2004, 01:45 PM
Where Do You Get Your Calcium? A Play in One Act

Characters:
Narrator
Bartender
Person off the street

Scene: Bartender in empty pub wiping bar with rag:

Narrator: "The number one source of calcium in the American diet is milk. The number one source of saturated fat in the American diet is also milk. It all depends on what you want with your calcium."

(Person of the street enters stage right; sits down on bar stool.)
Person: "I'd like some calcium, please."

Bartender: "How do you want it?"

Person: "Straight up."

Bartender: "Sorry, sir, we don't have any straight calcium, it all comes premixed."

(Bartender goes back to wiping with his little bar rag)
Person: "Well how do most people take it?"

(Bartender sighs and takes out some milk (maybe in a black and white "cow" spotted pitcher and a glass)
Bartender: "Most people take it this way. (He starts slowing pouring) where it comes premixed with saturated fat and cholesterol, and antibiotics and pesticides and paratuberculosis and pus..."

Person: (Obviously distraught) "Pus! Is there any way I can get my calcium without the pus?!"

(Bartender stops pouring)
Bartender: (Quizzically) "No pus?"

Person: "No pus."

Bartender: "D'ya want the pus on the side?"

Person: "No pus at all!"

Bartender "Well, we do have calcium in dark green leafies, collard greens, kale,..."

Person: (Hesitantly) "Well what does that come with?"

Bartender: "Well, green leafy vegetables are probably among the most nutritious things on the planet. The calcium comes premixed with fiber and vitamin A and vitamin K and antioxidants and..."

Person: (Pointing an accusing finger) "Pus?"

Bartender: "No pus."

Person: "Well, all right, but I'm not really a vegetable kinda person, is there anything else?"

Bartender: "Calcium fortified orange juice."

Person: "Yeah?"

Bartender: "Calcium comes with vitamin C, potassium, folate, all with this kind of orangy finish."

Person: (Eyebrows up) "Really?"

Bartender: "D'ya want one?"

Person: "Nah, I was really kinda hoping to have somethin' on my cereal."

Bartender: (Now frustrated) "All right." (Bartenderbrings a carton down hard on the bar) "Fortified soy milk--iron, isoflavones, soy protein, phytochemicals--what d'ya say?"

Person: (Suspiciously) "Any cholesterol"

Bartender: "Sorry."

Person: "Antibiotics?"

Bartender: "Nope."

Person: "Pesticides?"

Bartender: "Nope." (Person starts pointing a finger) "And no pus."

Person: "I'll take it!"

(Bartender starts pouring into a bowl and keeps talking, fading away as curtain closes)
Bartender: "Want some nuts? We got almonds, brazil nuts, sesame seeds... Got some figs too... Have you tried our pinto bean dip..."

Vegan md (http://www.veganmd.org/play.html)

Fruitbat
Aug 25th, 2004, 06:22 PM
That is a really cool little play - they should make a televised version as a TC add for soya milk or for VIVA or the V society...


Calcium for me as I rarely buy soya milk or fortified products:
almonds
kale
dark leafy greens
sesame seeds
tahini

Protein for me:
tofu
tempeh
nuts and seeds
beans and pulses and lentils

B12:
I eat lots of B12 Meridien yeast spread (like vegemite) but I have heard some controversial debates (and not from anti-veganists either) as to the usability of B12 in fortified foods such as this.

Mystic
Oct 29th, 2004, 06:41 AM
I have been sprinkling coral calcium onto my oatmeal as a calcium supplement. Is coral calcium really safe and bio-available? The brand is Ocean Milk, if anyone has ever heard of that.

Korn
Oct 29th, 2004, 08:59 AM
I haven't read anything about it, but I just saw this:


Calcium 'lost' in soy, rice milk (http://www.oregonlive.com/foodday/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/exclude/1097755459271961.xml)

Gorilla
Oct 29th, 2004, 09:15 AM
does the calcium actually come from coral, because isn't coral technically an animal?

"Corals look like plants, and they don't move around like a lot of animals, but they are animals. What we see as branches actually are whole colonies of coral animals. Each animal, called a polyp, has a hard skeleton and a soft body. This is attached to rock, or to the skeletons of dead polyps. What we sometimes see as flowers actually are the tentacles with which they capture food from the water."

i just got that off the internet. i've never heard of Ocean Milk or coral calcium before, so if i've got the wrong end of the stick please let me know :o

:confused:

Mystic
Oct 29th, 2004, 09:50 AM
I thought that sponge was an animal...but not coral...I am not sure if my calcium is actually coral though - I think it might be a seaweed, but I am not sure.

foxytina_69
Oct 29th, 2004, 10:37 AM
interesting. i take a 1000 mg tablet of tums before bed now. (calcium is supposed to make u sleepy, aswell as the fact that u shouldnt take it with a multivitamin or it will affect the absorbtion of other vitamins! i take my multi in the daytime now :)) anyone know if thats a good way to get calcium? calcium is such a confusing issue. to get or not to get. ive read so much conflicting information but i suppose all u can do is make the best choice u can.

Mystic
Oct 29th, 2004, 10:44 AM
[QUOTE=foxytina_69](calcium is supposed to make u sleepy) [QUOTE]

I heard that too...and I also don't know what to think all about that absorbtion stuff. It is too confusing. Everything conflicts with everything else!

foxytina_69
Oct 29th, 2004, 11:01 AM
well, heres a thought.

my mother broke both of her legs by falling in the hospital when she had a stroke once. she had osteoporosis and her bones werent healing. they gave her tums everyday to up her calcium intake, and since they did that, her bones had fully healed back to normal (while she was dying so it helped immensely. she got to walk again before she died) without it, they wouldnt. it may not be true for everybody but if thats how it was for her, i assume i have similar body chemistry!

Trendygirl
Oct 29th, 2004, 01:16 PM
Yeah! I’ve noticed that there is often quite a lot of sludge left at the bottom of my Soya milk carton. So I scoop it out and use it cooking, in custard, in pasta source and my favourite is to mix it in with melted chocolate (it is really nice once it is solid again)

Gorilla
Oct 29th, 2004, 09:02 PM
i've been using a liquid calcium supplement because i make my own soya milk. Soya Fresh, the company i buy my soya beans from, say that liquid calcium is absorbed better. it also contains with magnesium because that is supposed to help absorption. read what they say about it here: www.soyafresh.co.uk/supplements/rhrcalciumfaq.htm

Mystic
Jan 20th, 2005, 02:45 AM
I am confused about calcium and iron - apparently they cancel each other out, like they cannot be consumed at the same meal. But I always see things like blackstrap molasses, figs, dates, tahini and even fortified soymilks claiming to be rich in both iron and calcium. So do you actually absorb anything? If so, is there a 'dominant' nutrient?

harpy
Jan 20th, 2005, 12:12 PM
:confused: I don't think I've come across the idea that they cancel each other out - do you have a reference for that one, Banana?

I did a web search and there seems to have been an experiment with rats :mad: suggesting some interaction between the two, but only with abnormally high intakes. And, of course, they were rats, not humans.