Negros Province - Calcium, is a very familiar and popular mineral to everybody. The mineral that makes up the bulk of the body's composition and is essential for the development of both bones and teeth. Additionally, calcium is essential for numerous bodily metabolic processes. For sustaining ideal nerve transmission and controlling the functions of the heart muscle, adequate calcium intake is crucial.

Calcium is obtained by the body in two different ways. One method involves consuming calcium-rich foods (milk, cheese, yogurt, tofu, soya milk, soybeans, spinach, broccoli, and Chinese cabbage) or supplements, while the other involves using calcium that the body already contains. The body will remove calcium from bones if there is not a sufficient intake of foods containing calcium. The ideal scenario is that the calcium that is "borrowed" from the bones will be replaced later. However, this is not always the case and it is not always possible to do this by just consuming additional calcium. People require vitamin D in addition to calcium because it aids in calcium absorption. Fish oil, fortified dairy products, and sun exposure are sources of vitamin D.

Deficiency

The term "hypocalcemia" refers to a calcium shortage. Because formula products frequently contain high levels of phosphate, which can lower calcium levels in the blood, calcium deficiencies frequently develop in infants as young as a few days old. Children might not grow to their full adult height. Low bone mass in adults is a risk factor for osteoporosis.

Toxicity

The term  “hypercalcemia” refers to an elevated blood calcium level. A high blood calcium level can lead to kidney stones, brittle bones, and other problems.

The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for adults may range from 1,000 to 1,200 mg, although women may require more of this crucial mineral as they age to fend off bone disease. // ND II Raya Faith A. Luce, RND