Calcium

What role does it play in the organism?
The best-known fact about calcium is that it is (probably the most important) constituent of the bone tissue. Yet, calcium plays a central role in the organism also because it is essential for muscle contraction, hormone production and blood coagulation among others, as well as information transmission within the cells and the regulation of a number of enzymes.

What foodstuffs contain it?
The best dietary calcium sources are diary products. It can also be found at a notable quantity in sea fish and soup vegetables.

Who are exposed to calcium deficiency and what does this deficiency state cause?
The most frequent reason for calcium deficiency is inadequate intake and insufficient vitamin D supply at times. Severe calcium deficiency is manifested in cramps and heart functioning disorders. Milder calcium deficiency is much more frequent, causing scurfy skin, brittle fingernails, but its most disadvantageous consequences are the insufficient development of the skeleton at a young age, and the decrease in the mineral content of the bones above 35 years of age. Hungarian studies show that average calcium intake is about 600 mg a day, and at least half of the population has a calcium deficient diet.

What is the recommended intake for calcium?
The daily requirement is 360-1500 mg for children depending on age and 1000-1500 mg for adults.

What are the health risks of excessive calcium intake?
A daily intake permanently increasing 2500 mg makes people prone to have a high level of calcium in the blood and the formation of kidney stones.