Calcium

A basic element found in nearly all organized tissues. It is a member of the alkaline earth family of metals with the atomic symbol Ca, atomic number 20, and atomic weight 40. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and combines with phosphorus to form calcium phosphate in the bones and teeth. It is essential for the normal functioning of nerves and muscles and plays a role in blood coagulation (as factor IV) and in many enzymatic processes.


One of the body minerals needed for bone and teeth growth and structure. Calcium assists in blood clotting. Functions in normal muscle contraction and maintenance of cell membranes. It is required on nutrition labels.


The most abundant mineral in the body, which is essential for constriction of blood vessels, normal heartbeat, nerve impulses, blood clotting, and many chemical reactions.


A metallic chemical element which is a major component of bones and teeth and which is essential for various bodily processes such as blood clotting.


Mineral required by the body for the formation of bone and teeth; milk, RAGI and green leafy vegetables are good sources.


The most abundant mineral in the body. It is important for building and maintaining bones and teeth, and for the release of neurotransmitters and contractions of muscles. Calcium can have a calming effect and is found in dairy products, including milk and cheese, as well as nuts.


A mineral that is needed for strong bones and teeth.


An essential mineral; important as a second messenger for a variety of hormones; essential in the regulation of intermediary metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation and for bone mineralization. May play a role in the control of food intake as well as in the regulation of fat synthesis and degradation (energy balance).


Calcium is a macromineral required in relatively large quantities from the diet. Foods rich in calcium include dairy foods such as milk, yogurt, and cheeses. Other foods that can provide reasonable amounts of calcium in the diet include sardines, legumes, green leafy vegetables (although spinach is a poor source due to a high oxalate content), and broccoli. Foods with added calcium such as fortified juices, bread and cereal products, and tofu set with calcium can be significant contributors to dietary intake.


A mineral vital to the building and maintenance of strong bones and teeth, also important in the proper functioning of nerves and muscles, in blood clotting, and in the body’s metabolism. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and one of the most important elements overall, each adult body having over two pounds of calcium. The most important sources of calcium are milk and other dairy products, eggs, fish (especially sardines and shellfish), green leafy vegetables, dried peas and beans, and fruits (especially citrus fruits). The level of calcium in the blood is controlled by vitamin D in the body and by various hormones produced by the thyroid gland and parathyroid glands. Problems with these glands, kidney problems, lack of sufficient calcium in the diet, and other disorders can lead to calcium deficiency (hypocalcemia). In infants this can cause tetany or rickets; in adults, osteomalacia. Too much calcium can cause harmful calcium deposits in tissue and depression.


Element, the fifth most abundant in the human body, found primarily in bone but also present in body fluids and soft tissue cells. It is important for nerve impulse transmission, muscle function, blood coagulation, teeth and bone formation, and heart function.


A mineral in blood essential for a number of biochemical functions, including transmission of nerve impulses and muscle contractions. It is found in abnormal levels in CSF in the presence of infections such as tuberculous meningitis.


An element found in food that is essential for neurotransmission, muscle contraction, bone formation, tooth formation, and proper heart function. Imbalances of calcium can lead to many health problems, and an excess of calcium in nerve cells can cause their death.


The metallic element present in chalk and other forms of lime. The chief preparations used in medicine are calcium carbonate (chalk), calcium chloride, calcium gluconate, calcium hydroxide, calcium lactate, and calcium phosphate. Calcium gluconate is used for injection.


A silver- white metallic element; atomic number 20, atomic weight 40.08. It is a major component of limestone. Lime, CaO, is its oxide. Calcium phosphate constitutes 75% of body ash and about 85% of mineral matter in bones.


A mineral found in teeth, bones and other body tissues.


Calcium is the most abundant mineral found in the human body, and it plays a critical role in the development and maintenance of healthy bones and teeth. In particular, calcium is essential for children, expectant mothers, and nursing mothers. Children who do not consume enough calcium in their diets can develop rickets, which can lead to poorly formed bones and stunted growth. Expectant and nursing mothers also require sufficient amounts of calcium to pass on to their babies, and if they do not consume enough in their own diets, their own calcium stores may become depleted. Calcium is a vital nutrient that is essential for optimal health at all stages of life.


Calcium, an essential mineral for bone formation, plays a pivotal role in bolstering skeletal strength. However, following menopause, women experience a decline in the production of estrogen, a hormone that safeguards bone health. As a consequence, it becomes imperative for them to augment their calcium consumption in order to compensate for this hormonal imbalance and fortify their bones.


Calcium, the most abundant mineral in the human body, plays a crucial role in various physiological processes. It is indispensable for cellular functioning, muscle contractions, the transmission of nerve signals from nerve endings to muscle fibers, and the clotting of blood. Calcium phosphate, in turn, serves as the fundamental and robust building block of teeth and bones. Dietary sources rich in calcium include dairy products, eggs, and green leafy vegetables.


Vitamin D and specific hormones play a crucial role in maintaining the appropriate calcium balance within the body. They achieve this by regulating the absorption of calcium from food and the filtration of calcium through the kidneys, subsequently excreting it in the urine.


The levels of calcium in the bloodstream are meticulously regulated through the actions of two hormones: parathyroid hormone (produced by the parathyroid glands) and calcitonin (produced by the thyroid gland). When the blood calcium level decreases, the parathyroid glands release additional parathyroid hormone, which helps to elevate the calcium level by facilitating the release of calcium from the extensive reservoir in the bones. Conversely, when the blood calcium level rises significantly, the thyroid gland secretes more calcitonin. This hormone counteracts the effects of parathyroid hormone, thereby reducing the calcium level in the blood.


Deviation from normal calcium levels in the bloodstream, either excessive (hypercalcemia) or insufficient (hypocalcemia), can significantly disrupt cellular functioning, particularly in muscles and nerves.


The fundamental component of lime, calcium is highly prevalent in nature. When in its pure form, it appears as a shiny, silver-white metal and has a pronounced attraction to oxygen. It plays a crucial role in bone formation, and while calcium is supplemented in bread flour, most of it in human diets comes from the consumption of milk and dairy products.


 


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