What are the Benefits of Calcium?

Running Head : WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS

What are the Benefits of Calcium

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[INSTITUTION] Being the most abundant mineral in the body , it is not surprising that calcium is one of the most emphasized in discussions about minerals . Its abundance is shown by its presence not only in the skeletal system but also in the body fluids . Still , between the skeletal system and body fluids , calcium is more associated with the skeletal system . This is because 99 of all the calcium in the human body is located in the bones (Whitney

, Cataldo and Rolfes , 2002 . As a matter of fact , it is its principal component and is responsible for its structure , shape and density

The relationship between calcium and bones however , is usually misconstrued . It is a common misconception that the skeletal system is characterized by stability that maintains its shape and density . This is far from the truth . The bones are always on a continuous process of gaining and losing calcium , and thus , remodeling , depending on the concentration of calcium in the blood . As a rule , the body absorbs or withdraws calcium on needs basis . It is the status of the body that will dictate how much calcium will be retained in the bones . For example , a pregnant woman absorbs as much as 50 of her calcium intake . This is significantly higher compared to the 30 absorption rate in normal people . Likewise , growing children retains more calcium and thus , more bone , compared to how much they lose . Under normal circumstances calcium is maintained in the bones at a reasonable balance with calcium retention , equalized with calcium loss (Whitney , Cataldo and Rolfes 2002

The remaining 1 of the body 's calcium circulates in the body fluids as ionized calcium . This may seem to be small a concentration to be of significant value but this remaining calcium is very crucial in maintaining an array of body processes . It participates in the regulation of muscle contraction . It participates in blood clotting , as well as in enzyme reactions , transmission of nerve impulses , and the secretion of hormones (American Dietetic Association , 2005 Whitney Cataldo and Rolfes , 2002 . In addition , calcium is essential in the regulation and maintenance of normal blood pressure . This is by activating calmodulin , a protein that relays messages from the surface to the inside of the cell (Whitney , Cataldo and Rolfes , 2002

Given these roles of calcium in the human body , the benefits of adequate calcium intake , as well as the effects of calcium deficiency can already be derived . Calcium 's role as the main component of bones allows the body , protection against future age-related deterioration of bone structure and density (American Dietetic Association , 2005 . Its adequate mineralization will allow a denser mineralization that will give the bone its strength and rigidity , especially for maturing bones In instances when calcium loss exceeds its retention , defects develop In children , calcium deficiency is a possible cause if there is stunting in growth . In adults , there is the condition characterized by loss in bone...