Did you know that a 2012 study of 20,000 workers found that staff with unhealthy diets were 66% more likely to report productivity losses compared to those with a balanced diet?
Nutrition plays a pivotal role in workplace productivity and overall well-being, influencing everything from energy levels to mental clarity. Out of the essential nutrients our body craves, calcium stands out for office workers who are looking to combat fatigue and difficulty focusing on tasks.
Read on as we uncover the many ways calcium can be your key to a happier, healthier work life!
What is Calcium?
Calcium is a vital mineral that your body needs to stay healthy. It is best known for strengthening your skeleton, as calcium is primarily stored in the bones and teeth – providing essential structure.
However, calcium’s role extends far beyond just maintaining strong bones.
Calcium also helps your muscles move, your heart beat regularly, and even sends messages between your brain and the rest of your body. Despite calcium representing the most abundant mineral in our bodies, it remains the unsung hero!
Why Does Your Body Need Calcium?
If you want to understand the science behind why calcium is essential for maintaining proper bodily functions, here is how:
- Bone and Teeth Health: Calcium gives bones and teeth their hardness and structure. It is crucial for the development and maintenance of a strong skeletal system. A 2015 study found that increasing calcium intake from dietary sources (like milk) increased bone mineral density by 0.6-1.8%.
- Muscle Movement: Calcium is needed for muscles to contract and move efficiently. It acts as a trigger to allow actin and myosin interaction, or more simply, calcium acts like a switch for the muscle contraction process. Without adequate calcium, muscle function can become impaired.
- Nerve Messaging: Calcium helps in transmitting messages between the brain and every part of the body. This process is essential for all body functions, including movement, sensory perception, blood flow, and overall brain function.
- Hormone Release: Calcium levels in the body are carefully controlled by hormones that regulate its absorption, excretion, and storage in bones. For the scientifically-inclined, the 3 primary hormones are: parathyroid hormone (PTH) 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3 (Vitamin D3), and calcitonin.
How Much Calcium Do You Need Daily?
The amount of calcium needed varies depending on age and sex. For office workers, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) suggests:
| Age Range | Recommended Daily Calcium Intake |
| Adults Men 19-50 years | 1,000 mg |
| Adults Women 19-50 years | 1,000 mg |
| Adults Men 51-70 years | 1,200 mg |
| Adults Women 51-70 years | 1,200 mg |
As a handy reference, a glass (244ml) of whole milk can provide 300mg, while a glass of skimmed milk provides 322g. That means you can hit around a third of your daily calcium needs with a glass of milk!
Are you ready to embrace dairy in the office? Apply for a free quote today to see how Office Milk Deliveries can keep your fridges stocked with high-quality, milk goodness!
Calcium In The Workplace
Does Calcium Boost Bone Health and Prevent Workplace Injuries?
Absolutely! As discussed before, calcium is fundamental for maintaining strong bones. Helping you maintain good posture is key for those in a desk-bound work environment.
Strong bones support your skeletal structure, helping you sit properly and avoid musculoskeletal problems such as back pain or repetitive strain injuries. A combination of regular exercise and calcium intake can help maintain proper alignment of your bones.
Can Calcium Improve Your Mental Health and Reduce Stress?
Calcium plays a significant role in mental health by helping to regulate neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that transmit signals in the brain.
A 2022 study by Examine found that for “for every 500 milligram per day increase in calcium, perceived stress scores decreased by 12.0%, anxiety by 11.0%… (and) positive mood increased by 9.0% and resilience by 5.0%”.
Reduced stress and anxiety in the workplace directly translates to mood stability and improved cognitive function. When your calcium levels are optimal, you’re more likely to feel calm and focused, allowing you to more effectively work.
How Can Calcium Increase Your Energy Levels and Productivity?
Calcium converts nutrients into energy, ensuring that your body and brain have the fuel needed to function efficiently throughout the day.
By supporting muscle contractions and nerve function, calcium reduces fatigue and enhances your physical and mental performance. This boost in energy can translate into higher productivity, as you’re able to stay alert and focused on your tasks for longer periods.
Incorporating calcium-rich foods into your diet, like milk, can help maintain steady energy levels – keeping you productive and engaged at work.
How To Add Calcium To The Office
Incorporating calcium-rich foods into your daily meals doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some simple ways to boost your calcium intake:
- Prepare Lunch: It may be best associated with frugal eaters, but preparing lunches can benefit your health as well as your wallet! Bringing a dairy based smoothie to work can provide you with an extra calcium boost on the fly.
- Milky Soups? Yes! Milk is the perfect accompaniment for creamy or cheesy soups, adding flavour and calcium to your bowl. Just don’t add a splash of milk to your tomato soup.
To make it even easier to maintain your calcium intake, consider a customisable milk delivery service. At Office Milk Deliveries, we guarantee on-time deliveries of locally sourced milk to your workplace doorstep.
Reach out to one of our friendly specialists today to find a milk delivery solution right for you!
Final Words
Calcium plays a huge role in keeping us healthy and productive at work. From supporting strong bones and teeth to helping with muscle function and mood, making sure you get enough calcium can make a big difference in your work life.
By adding a few calcium-rich foods to your diet and taking advantage of convenient office milk deliveries, you can easily boost your calcium intake and enjoy its many benefits.
Want to make things even easier? Explore Office Milk Deliveries’ bespoke plans to keep everyone in the office working at their best!