 | | | | Medical Health Encyclopedia | |
Calcium in diet
Definition:
Calcium is the most plentiful mineral found in the human body, accounting for 1.5-2% of an adult's total body weight. The teeth and bones contain the majority of the body's calcium (about 99%). Calcium in these tissues is concentrated in the form of calcium phosphate salts. Nerve cells, body tissues, blood, and other body fluids contain the remaining calcium. Alternative Names:
Diet - calcium Text Continues Below
Function:
Calcium is one of the most important minerals for the growth, maintenance, and reproduction of the human body. Calcium is essential for the formation of and maintenance of healthy teeth and bones. The bones incorporate calcium into their structure. Like other tissues in the body, bones are continuously being reabsorbed and re-formed. Teeth incorporate calcium in their structure in a manner similar to bones. Calcium has other functions in addition to maintaining healthy teeth and bones. Blood coagulation, transmission of nerve impulses, muscle contraction and relaxation, normal heartbeat, stimulation of hormone secretion, activation of enzyme reactions, and other functions all require small amounts of calcium.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. | |
|
.gif)
