The role of calcium in military nutrition

Calcium is an essential mineral with different vital actions. It is the main constituent of bones and teeth and also plays a mjor role in neural conduction، muscle contraction، control of heart rate، coagulation، energy production، endocrine function، and finally، immune function. There is solid evidence to support the beneficial effects of calcium intake on behavioral performrmance of soldiers. Calcium deficiency in soldiers is usually due to inadequate dietry intake or excessive loss in urine or sweat، strenuous exercise can make up for this dietry inadequacy by increasing the bone mass; however، weight loss may decrease bone mass in soldiers. Studies about the role of calcium in preventing fractures in soldiers are under way. It seems that the stress caused by military training increases calcium needs in soldiers، whereas the increase in bone mass، resulting from exercise، may itself make up for this increased need. The institute of medicine recommends the adequate intake (AI) and Military Dietry Reference Intakes (MDRI) to be 1000mg/day for men and women during military training and 750-1000mg/day during military operations.