Calcium | More Than Just Bones

Beyond Bone Health—Calcium’s Role in Performance

When most people think of calcium, they think of bones. And while it’s essential for bone density, its role in muscle function, circulation, and nerve signaling makes it just as critical for performance and everyday vitality.

Calcium plays a direct role in:

  • Muscle Contraction – Enables muscle fibers to contract and relax. Deficiency can lead to cramping and weakness.
  • Nerve Function – Supports communication between nerves and muscles, ensuring smooth, coordinated movement.
  • Blood Flow & Circulation – Regulates blood vessel constriction and dilation, aiding oxygen and nutrient delivery to muscles.

Even though calcium is vital for movement, it’s not significantly lost through sweat. Instead, daily intake from food is the key factor in maintaining optimal levels.

How Much Calcium Do We Need?

The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for calcium is 1,000 mg per day for most adults, with higher needs for teenagers and older adults.

The good news? Most Americans meet this target, with average intakes around 1,029 mg per day.

However, some groups are at risk for low calcium intake:

  • Dairy-Free & Vegan Diets – Calcium is most abundant in dairy, and those avoiding it often fall short.
  • Athletes in High-Sweat Workouts – Though calcium loss in sweat is low, overall mineral needs may be slightly increased.
  • Women & Older Adults – Higher risk of bone loss over time makes maintaining intake even more important.

Why Rhythm Daily Has More Calcium Than Rhythm Sport

We formulated Rhythm Daily to support daily electrolyte balance, particularly for those who may not get enough calcium through food. That’s why it contains 65mg of calcium—not an excessive dose, but enough to help cover gaps alongside dietary intake.

Rhythm Sport, on the other hand, focuses on replacing what’s lost in sweat, keeping calcium at 40mg while prioritizing sodium, potassium, and magnesium, which play a more direct role in muscle recovery and endurance.

For those at risk of deficiency, ensuring calcium intake through food and supplementation is key to long-term performance and bone health.

The Bottom Line

Calcium is essential for movement, muscle contraction, and circulation, but most people meet their needs through food. That’s why Rhythm Daily contains slightly more calcium for foundational support, while Rhythm Sport stays focused on high-sweat recovery.

Hydration is about balance, not excess. And when it comes to calcium, getting just the right amount is key.

 

 

References

  • National Institutes of Health (NIH). (2022). Calcium - Health Professional Fact Sheet.
  • U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service. (2019). Nutrient intakes from food and beverages: Mean amounts consumed per individual, by gender and age, What We Eat in America, NHANES 2015-2016.
  • National Institutes of Health (NIH). (2011). Calcium and bone health. The Surgeon General’s Report on Bone Health and Osteoporosis.
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