Calcium is widely recognized for its critical role in bone health, but its functions extend far beyond just strengthening bones and teeth. Representing 99% of the body’s total calcium, it’s primarily stored in the skeleton, aiding in maintaining robust bones and teeth. However, calcium’s responsibilities don’t stop there. It’s essential for the normal functioning of muscles, blood vessels, and nerves, with small amounts dissolved in bodily fluids for these vital processes.
When tissue is damaged, the body initiates a nonspecific inflammatory response, which can lead to calcification of the damaged tissue. While often microscopic, this calcification can sometimes be significant enough to be detected radiographically.
Calcium also plays a crucial role in blood clotting, muscle contraction, regulating heart rhythms, and nerve functions. In the human body, about 99% of calcium is stored in bones, with the remaining 1% found in blood, muscle, and other tissues.
Calcium and bone disorders are more common with age, particularly in women. These disorders can arise from traumatic causes like blunt force trauma and fractures, or non-traumatic causes such as long-term medication use. October 13, 2020, marked a focus on calcium as the bone-building nutrient, with guidelines suggesting a daily intake of 1200 milligrams for individuals over 51 years.
As the most abundant mineral in the human body, calcium is vital for the contraction and dilation of blood vessels, muscle functions, nerve impulse transmission, and blood clotting.
However, excessive intake, especially in the form of supplements like vitamin D, can lead to hypercalcemia. This condition, characterized by an abnormally high concentration of calcium in the blood, can result in artery or soft tissue deposits and increase the risk of painful kidney stones.
Learn more about the importance of calcium in our bodies from various sources:
Harvard Health Publications, UW Radiology, The Nutrition Source – Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Northwell Health, Harvard Health, University of Rochester Medical Center, and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
