Calcium is of paramount importance for so many functions in human health like building strong bones, and teeth, aiding muscle contraction, oocyte activation, blood clotting, nerve impulse transmission, regulating heartbeat, and fluid balance within cells. More than 99% of the calcium in the human body is in the bones and teeth. In bone, calcium provides the structural strength that allows the bone to support the body’s weight and anchor the muscles [2]. Only 1% is found in serum. The serum calcium level is tightly monitored to remain within normal range by a complex metabolic process. Calcium metabolism involves other nutrients including protein, vitamin D, and phosphorus. Adequate calcium intake from childhood to the end of the life span is critical for health. Adequate and optimal intakes of calcium and vitamin D potentiate multiple benefits. Research has shown that adequate calcium intake can reduce the risk of fractures, osteoporosis, and diabetes in some populations [3].

Calcium must be ingested daily and absorbed effectively in order to maintain optimal health. Most people can get enough calcium by eating a variety of foods rich in calcium. Foods that naturally contain calcium include milk and other dairy products; green, leafy vegetables; seafood, nuts, dried beans, and other fortified food products.

High dietary calcium intake is necessary for infants, children, and adolescents in order to promote bone growth and formation. Pregnant women also have higher calcium needs, because it is required for the normal development of fetal bones. In addition, women who have reached menopause need to ensure an adequate amount of calcium intake to reduce the risk of osteoporosis [1].

Calcium deficiency can occur through an inadequate calcium intake, which can lead to depleted calcium stores in the bones thereby leading to weakened bones, arthritis, and osteoporosis. It can also occur when there is a low level of calcium in the blood (hypocalcemia) which is usually a result of a vitamin D or magnesium deficiency, impaired parathyroid hormone (PTH) production (hypoparathyroidism), impaired bone resorption of calcium, critical illness, or use of certain medications such as diuretics; medical treatments; or disease processes, such as renal failure [4]. Whenever there is calcium insufficiency, bone calcium which serves as a reservoir is tapped to maintain extracellular calcium concentration. Thus, the effects of calcium deficiency may escape notice for a considerable time until they manifest as skeletal weakness or fractures.

References:

1. Cormick, Gabriela, and Jose M. Belizán. "Calcium intake and health." Nutrients 11.7 (2019): 1606.

2. Power, Michael L., et al. "The role of calcium in health and disease." American journal of obstetrics and gynecology 181.6 (1999): 1560-1569.

3. Beto, Judith A. "The role of calcium in human aging." Clinical nutrition research 4.1 (2015): 1-8.

4. Pravina, Pieste, Didwagh Sayaji, and Mokashi Avinash. "Calcium and its role in the human body." International Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences 4.2 (2013): 659-668.