Calcium

Definition

Calcium is a mineral essential for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth. It also plays a crucial role in blood clotting, muscle contraction, and nerve function.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Calcium is a chemical element with the symbol Ca and atomic number 20. It is a vital mineral that constitutes up to 99% of the mineral content of the human body's bone matrix and is crucial for physiological processes such as intracellular signaling, neurotransmitter release, and muscle contraction. It also functions in blood coagulation pathways and as a cofactor for various enzymes.

Benefits

• Helps build and maintain strong bones and teeth
• Facilitates nerve signaling
• Supports muscle function
• Contributes to blood clotting
• May help prevent osteoporosis

Examples

• Milk and dairy products like cheese and yogurt
• Leafy green vegetables such as kale and broccoli
• Fortified foods like orange juice and plant-based milk alternatives
• Tofu
• Almonds

Additional Information

• importance: Calcium is important for maintaining the structural integrity of bones and teeth, as well as for proper muscle and nerve function. Adequate calcium intake is crucial throughout life, particularly during growth periods in childhood and adolescence, as well as in older adulthood to prevent bone loss.

Related Terms

• Vitamin D
• Bone Health
• Minerals
• Osteoporosis

References

• Calcium - Health Professional Fact Sheet
• Calcium and Calcium Supplements: Achieving the Right Balance