Is calcium a mineral
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Is Calcium a Mineral?
Calcium as a Mineral
Calcium is indeed a mineral, and it is the most abundant one in the human body. It primarily exists in bones and teeth, where it plays a crucial role in their formation and maintenance1 2 6. This mineral is essential not only for skeletal health but also for various physiological functions, including muscle contraction, blood coagulation, enzyme activity, neural excitability, hormone secretion, and cell adhesion2 6.
Physiological Roles of Calcium
Bone Health and Structure
Calcium is a major component of mineralized tissues, such as bones, and is required for normal growth and maintenance of bone structure. It confers strength and rigidity to the skeletal system1 6 9. Proper dietary calcium intake is vital for bone development and metabolism, and its requirement can vary throughout life9.
Cardiovascular and Neurological Functions
Calcium is necessary for heart function and nerve transmission. It helps in maintaining the rhythmic contractions of the heart and is involved in the transmission of nerve impulses1 2. The free, hydrated cation of calcium, often referred to as ionized calcium, is a key physiological mediator in many metabolic and regulatory processes8.
Blood Clotting and Enzyme Activity
Calcium plays a significant role in blood clotting by participating in the coagulation cascade. It also acts as a cofactor for various enzymes, facilitating numerous biochemical reactions within the body2 6.
Calcium Homeostasis and Health
Regulation of Calcium Levels
The body tightly regulates calcium levels through a complex interplay of hormones, including parathyroid hormone, calcitriol, and calcitonin, to maintain plasma concentrations within narrow ranges6. This regulation is crucial to prevent conditions such as hypercalcemia (high calcium levels) and hypocalcemia (low calcium levels)2.
Dietary Sources and Bioavailability
Calcium can be obtained from various dietary sources, including dairy products, green leafy vegetables, fruits, legumes, and calcium-rich mineral waters6 9. The bioavailability of calcium from these sources can vary, with mineral waters showing promising results in terms of absorption and utilization by the body5 7 9.
Health Benefits and Risks
Adequate calcium intake is associated with a reduced risk of osteoporosis, colon polyps, colorectal cancer, and calcium oxalate kidney stones. It can also help control hypertension and cholesterol levels1. However, excessive calcium consumption may increase the risk of kidney stones, myocardial infarction, and stroke3.
Conclusion
In summary, calcium is a vital mineral that plays numerous roles in maintaining the body's physiological and structural integrity. It is essential for bone health, cardiovascular function, nerve transmission, and blood clotting. Ensuring adequate calcium intake through diet or supplements is crucial for overall health, but it is equally important to avoid excessive consumption to prevent potential health risks.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Calcium
Adequate calcium intake is crucial for maintaining bone health, heart function, nerve transmission, and blood clotting, as well as reducing the risk of osteoporosis, colon polyps, colon cancer, calcium oxalate kidney stones, and hypertension and cholesterol.
Highly CitedPathophysiology of calcium metabolism.
Calcium plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis and playing a role in metabolic diseases, such as hypercalcemia and hypocalcemia.
Calcium intake, calcium homeostasis and health
Over-consumption of calcium can increase the risk of kidney stones, heart attacks, and strokes, while proper calcium intake is crucial for maintaining health.
Highly CitedExploring the Potential Benefits of Natural Calcium-Rich Mineral Waters for Health and Wellness: A Systematic Review
Natural calcium-rich mineral waters show promise as accessible and bioavailable sources of dietary calcium, potentially beneficial for bone health, cardiovascular function, weight management, and overall well-being.
Systematic ReviewCalcium, essential for health
Adequate dietary intake of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D is essential for maintaining bone health and cellular functions, and can help prevent osteoporosis, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and obesity.
Calcium Supplementation with Calcium-Rich Mineral Waters: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of its Bioavailability
Calcium absorption from calcium-rich mineral waters is significantly higher than from dairy products, making it a promising alternative for achieving higher recommended daily allowances of calcium.
Meta-AnalysisHighly CitedIonized calcium.
Ionized calcium testing is a useful and cost-effective method for assessing calcium homeostasis in patients, but other methods may be more practical and cost-effective for specific conditions.
Highly CitedCalcium Intake in Bone Health: A Focus on Calcium-Rich Mineral Waters
Calcium-rich mineral waters have excellent bioavailability, contributing to bone health maintenance and development throughout life.
Literature Review
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedMineral water as a source of dietary calcium: acute effects on parathyroid function and bone resorption in young men.
One oral intake of mineral water containing a moderate dose of calcium (172 mg) acutely inhibited parathyroid hormone secretion and bone resorption in young men.
RCTHighly Cited