Calcium is the most common mineral in the human body. About 99% of the calcium in the body is found in bones and teeth, while the other 1% is found in the blood and soft tissue. Calcium levels in the blood and fluid surrounding the cells (extracellular fluid) must be maintained within a very narrow concentration range for normal physiological functioning. The physiological functions of calcium are so vital to survival that the body will demineralize bone to maintain normal blood calcium levels when calcium intake is inadequate.
Calcium plays several essential roles in the human body. It is part of the main structural element in bone, and bone also acts as a calcium reservoir so that that blood calcium levels can be maintained at stable levels. This is necessary because of the diversity of roles calcium plays in cells, including muscle contraction, nerve transmission, blood clotting, and enzyme reactions. The body cannot create calcium “from scratch.”
Calcium is best known for its position in growing and maintaining the bones and teeth. It also assists the heart and other muscles do their work. There is strong substantiation that low calcium intake can lead to fragile bones, high blood pressure, and certain cancers. Recent studies have shown that calcium may reduce the risk of colon cancer and perhaps some other cancers. When combined with vitamin D, calcium may have the potential to help thwart cancers of the breast and pancreas. Calcium has also been found helpful in reducing certain symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). There is some early evidence that calcium may play a part in helping to prevent heart disease and reducing insulin resistance in diabetic patients.
A low blood calcium level usually implies abnormal parathyroid function and is rarely due to low dietary calcium consumption. Other causes of abnormally low blood calcium levels include chronic kidney failure, vitamin D deficiency, and low blood magnesium levels that occur mainly in cases of severe alcoholism. A chronically low calcium intake in growing individuals may prevent the attainment of optimal peak bone mass. Once peak bone mass is achieved, not enough calcium intake may contribute to accelerated bone loss and ultimately to the development of osteoporosis.
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The Truth About Cat Food Nutrition - An informative story of the pet food industry and what to look for when choosing a cat food.
