Ionized Ca 5.0mg/dl
Bound to PO4, HCO3, Citrate 0.5mg/dl
Bound to albumin 4.0mg/dl
Bound to globulin 0.5mg/dl
FUNCTIONS OF CALCIUM 1. Contributes to hardness of bone and is a major component of teeth. 2. Stabilises the cell membrane and their permeability. 3. Maintenance of excitability of nerve and muscles. 4. Normal skeletal and cardiac muscle contraction. 5. Helps in the neurotransmitter release. 6. Secretion of granular material from exocrine and endocrine glands. 7. Hormone release and activity – discharge of non-adrenaline in the nerve terminal cell. 8. Synthesis of nucleic acid and protein. 9. Blood coagulation – Ca++ is required for the conversion of many inactive enzymes in the coagulation process. DAILY REQUIREMENTS OF CALCIUM (WHO estimate) 6 months – 2 year
=
0.5-0.6 g/day 1200 mg/day
16 years to adults
=
0.5-0.6g/day
Pregnancy and lactation
=
1.0-2gm/day
Children
=
800mg/day
SOURCES OF CALCIUM AND PHOSPHOROUS -
Milk + milk products.
-
Egg.
2