CELL FOOD
All About
Calcium By Charlotte Meschede - Nutritionist
What is calcium and why do we need it? Calcium is a mineral that is necessary for life. When most people think of calcium, they think of bone and dental health, but actually, calcium has many more functions in the body other than making our bones and teeth stronger. Whilst it is true that 99% of the calcium in our bodies is in the bones and teeth, calcium is integral in blood clotting mechanisms, muscle contraction and enabling the beating of the heart. In order to give more clarity about the role of calcium in the body, I will elaborate a little on each of these specific functions.
Calcium and Bone Health
You probably understand that calcium is necessary for your bones. Calcium is essentially a building block for bone, but it can only be absorbed into the bone tissue if there is sufficient vitamin D and other nutrients such as magnesium and phosphorous to facilitate this process. That is why it is important for calcium supplements to combine with vitamin D in order to ensure adequate absorption. If there is insufficient vitamin D, then calcium in food and supplements will be released back into the blood stream and not be absorbed.
Calcium and Muscle Contraction
Calcium affects muscles by regulating contractions. Since the heart is also
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a muscle, calcium is needed for the functioning of the heart in the same way as it is used in other muscle contractions. When a nerve stimulates a muscle, calcium is released into the blood. When the calcium is subsequently pumped out of the muscle, the muscle then relaxes. This is why a lack of calcium can cause cramps and muscle stiffness.
Calcium and Blood Clotting
The blood clotting process is a complex metabolic process, which involves several elements, including calcium. Vitamin K is one of the major nutrients associated with the coagulation process (blood clotting). The ability to bind calcium ions (Ca2+) is required for the activation of seven vitamin K-dependent blood clotting factors. These are specific proteins like prothrombin which help to stop bleeding through clot formation.
