The role of Calcium

Calcium is a key structural component of bone and is built into bone as a mineral complex that includes calcium and phosphate. Calcium is a major building-block of bone – the skeleton houses 99% of the body’s calcium stores. 

• The calcium in bones also acts as a reservoir for maintaining calcium levels in the blood, which is needed for healthy hearts, nerves and muscles.
• In addition to mineralizing the skeleton, calcium plays a critical role in nerve and muscle function.
• Inadequate calcium significantly contributes to the development of osteoporosis.
• In teenage years, more calcium is needed because bones are growing rapidly.
• At an older age, the body’s ability to absorb calcium declines, which is one of the reasons why seniors also require higher amounts.
  
  

The role of Vitamin D

Calcium is absorbed in the small intestine both by passive diffusion and by active absorption regulated by vitamin D. Individuals who have more vitamin D is able to absorb more calcium.

Vitamin D plays key roles in bone health: 

• It assists in calcium absorption from food in the intestine 
• It has a downward regulatory effect on parathyroid hormone level resulting in reduced bone loss 
• It ensures correct renewal and mineralization of bone
• It has a direct stimulatory effect on muscle tissue and thereby may reduce the risk of falling
• It increases bone mineral density 

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