The Specific Uses of Minerals or Elements in the Body -Calcium

April 2007: Volume 2 Number 4

Calcium [Ca] – The body contains about 2.5 pounds of calcium in bones and teeth, which make up 99% of the body weight of Calcium. The other 1% of the body weight of calcium (about one ounce) is distributed throughout the body, blood stream and fluids surrounding the cells. Calcium can not be deposited in the bones without Phosphorus, which is usually in the ration of 5:3. Calcium and phosphorus is also combined with oxygen and hydrogen in the formation of bones and teeth. The calcium ion in important in many metabolic processes such as heart function, the structure of bones and teeth, a cofactor for blood clotting, helps cell receptors to function, plasma membrane stability and permeability, the transmission of nerve impulses, contraction of muscles and hormone secretion. The parathyroid and clacitonin hormones regulate calcium and phosphate metabolism.

            Calcium supplementation with low sodium intake has been used to lower systolic blood pressure. Calcium supplementation has none of the side effects experienced by anti-hypertensive drug therapy like fatigue, weight gain, nausea, dizziness and decreased memory concentration.

            Chelated Calcium, as a compound such as calcium bicarbonate, is usually not absorbed in the intestinal tract. It is even difficult for single bivalent cation of Calcium to be absorbed through intestinal mucosa. The best form of Calcium is absorbed when it is taken into the body with the same environment as that of plants. Cows get their calcium from plants and that is where we should look for absorbable calcium.

We will discuss the Phosphorus (P) atom in our next lecture as a continuation of the specific uses of minerals or element in our bodies.

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