Minerals in our food – Calcium

Yesterday, I posted a question asking for (bones aside) two uses of calcium in the body. Well, we need it for teeth but also for muscle contraction (especially in the heart) and the release of neurotransmitters. So if you got these as your answers, award yourself 100 points.

It should be noted that the body does not use calcium metal, but calcium²⁺ ions (Ca²⁺).

However, the main role of calcium in the body is in bones. 99% of the bodies calcium is found in teeth and bones. Calcium in the early years of life is important for the future in building stronger, denser bones.

A deficiency of calcium in the diet can lead to rickets and poor blood clotting. It can also lead to osteoporosis in menopausal women.

In the western world, dairy products (such as milk and cheese) offer a good supply of calcium. However, a diverse range of foods such as seaweed, nuts, beans, figs and broccoli also contain good supplies of calcium.

Tomorrow we will look at Phosphrous.