Minerals ( Calcium Ca )

Calcium

Most abundant mineral in the body, almost all of the calcium in the body is found in the bones and teeth as calcium phosphate, remaining found in blood, nerves, muscles

Biological function 1

Formation and development of strong bones and teeth in a process called calcification, calcium along with phosphorus is deposited in bones and teeth as calcium phosphate

Biological function 2

Assists in normal blood clotting along with vitamin k

Biological function 3

Necessary for muscle contractions and normal functioning of nerves

Biological function 4

Regulated heart rhythm and helps lower blood pressure

Effects of deficiency 1

Rickets in children ( weak malformed bones which can result in bow legs ) Osteomalacia in adults ( softening of bones due to loss of calcium, increase bone pain and risk of fracture ) Osteoporosis in elderly ( thin, porous, fragile brittle bones, risk of fracture is great especially hip or wrist, stooped posture )

Effects and deficiency 2

Slow blood clotting, ruptured blood vessels which can lead to haemorrhaging

Effects of deficiency 3

Muscular spasms, possible convulsions, Impulse transmission along nerves is impeded

Effects of deficiency 4

Increased risk of atrial fibrillation or an irregular heart rhythm

Sources of calcium

Dairy products ( milk, cheese, yoghurt ) dark green left vegetables ( cabbage, broccoli, spinach ) fish ( sardines, salmon ) eggs, fortified juices, white flour

RDA value ( mg )

Children/Adults 800mg, Teenagers/Adolescents 1200mg, Pregnancy/Lactation 1200mg

Calcium absorption

Absorption of calcium into the body occurs in the lining of the small intestine

Factors that assist calcium absorption ( Vitamin D )

Stimulates the production of calcium binding protein which assists absorption

Factors that assist calcium absorption ( Vitamin C )

Provides an acidic environment which promotes calcium absorption

Factors that assist calcium absorption ( Parathormone )

A hormone secreted by the parathyroid glands, which regulates blood calcium levels in the body

Factors that assist calcium absorption ( Phosphorus )

Combines with calcium forming calcium phosphate which is easier to absorb

Factors that hinder calcium absorption ( Phytic Acid )

Binds to calcium forming phytates and insoluble calcium, present in cereal grains, seeds, nuts

Factors that hinder calcium absorption ( Oxalic Acid )

Binds to calcium forming calcium oxalate preventing its absorption, present in spinach, kale, rhubarb

Factors that hinder calcium absorption ( Tannis )

Present in tea and coffee and inhibit absorption by binding to calcium

Factors that hinder calcium absorption ( Excess Fibre )

Binds to calcium inhibiting absorption

Factors that hinder calcium absorption ( Low Levels Of Oestrogen )

In post-menopausal women in decreasing the absorption of calcium