Calcium - Bone Construction

Calcium (Ca) is a mineral element whose hardness is similar to that of lead. It is used as an oxidizing agent during manufacture, as a cleansing and drying agent, and as a preparation for reducing metallic oxides to metallic form. It can also be found in artificial fertilizers, building materials, or as a cooling glass mixture. Calcium accounts for about 1.5% of the total body weight, of which 99% is found within the bone and bone marrow system. Hydroxyapatite is the active link between the bone and the phosphorus system, which forms the basis of bones and teeth. This compound can be synthesized for medical purposes, due to its biocompatibility. It is used as a stimulator for osteogenesis and as a filler for small bone defects. It is also used as a coating material for implants, allowing bone tissue to begin covering them and simultaneously eliminating corrosion effects. Other actions of calcium include its effect on the contraction of skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles, enzymatic activation, participation in the blood clotting process, involvement in the metabolic process, and regulation of the permeability of blood vessels. The main source of calcium is milk and its derivatives. It is believed that the absorption of calcium is more effective if it comes from products containing casein. However, milk is not the only source of calcium. This microelement is also found in legumes, nuts, oatmeal, green vegetables, fruits, and whole-grain bread.

The needs of our body are closely linked to gender and age. It is assumed that an adult human body requires 1000 mg per day. A deficiency of calcium in the body is known as hypocalcemia and can result in fragile bones, osteoporosis, low blood pressure, heart rhythm and blood clotting disorders, muscle pain and tingling and numbness in the limbs, nosebleeds and tetany (uncontrollable muscle contractions). Exceeding the appropriate level of calcium in the blood is referred to as hypercalcemia and can be caused by excessive calcium absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, kidney excretion disorders, bone cancer, long-term immobilization or aluminum poisoning. Symptoms of hypercalcemia include loss of appetite, nausea and constipation. Untreated calcium excess can lead to kidney stones and reduced absorption of zinc and iron.

As previously advised, the recommended daily intake of calcium for an adult should be around 1000 mg. The requirement for calcium is higher during adolescence in youth, elderly individuals, and women during pregnancy, lactation, and menopause. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in the absorption process of this element. It is assumed that the intake of calcium together with vitamin D should occur in the following ratios: - from 500 to 1000 mg of calcium; - from 400 to 800 mg of vitamin D.