What is calcium?

Calcium is a silvery-white, soft metallic element1.

Calcium is also the most common mineral in our bodies, almost all of which is present in your bones and teeth2. 

 
Why does it matter to me?

Energy Yielding Metabolism

Calcium is vital to ensure the generation of energy in cells by contributing to the metabolism of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP). Therefore, it yields energy and makes you feel more energetic3.

Calcium also plays a role in the digestion of food because it is a component of enzymes that break down important molecules such as fats and proteins4,5.

In order to form and maintain healthy organs in tissues the cells of the body must divide and specialise to form many different functions. Calcium is essential to ensure that this happens successfully6.

The ability of blood to clot in the event of injury or disease is necessary to sustain life and calcium is plays an important role in the cascade of reactions that enables this to happen7,8.

 
Bones and Teeth

It is well known that the vast majority (>99%) of calcium in the body is present in the bones and the teeth. In these structures it exists as a mineral called hydroxyapatite and meeting the RDA for calcium has been shown ensure healthy bone and tooth development in children and the maintenance of bone density in adults9,10. 

 
Muscles

Less known is the important role that calcium plays in stimulating stem cells to become specialised muscle cells during the normal development of skeletal muscle11. In addition, calcium is also vital to ensure that cardiac muscle works well to maintain a regular healthy heartbeat that responds effectively to changes in oxygen demand during exercise12.

Blood Pressure and CVD

High blood pressure has been identified as a major health issue and even small reductions in blood pressure can decrease the occurrence of cardiovascular disease, stroke and death. There is wealth of evidence to support the support the fact that high levels of dietary calcium reduces blood pressure in children and adults of both sexes although the effect appears to decrease as we get older13. 

 
Neurotransmission

One of the most interesting features of calcium is its ability to influence the way in which brain cells communicate with each other since this also has potential implications for the development of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkin’s disease. The relationship between calcium and its effects on brain pathologies are currently an active area of research14,15.