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Calcium Supports The Skeletal Structure And Its Function

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Calcium supports the skeletal structure and its functions by conserving and sustaining the strength of bones and teeth. It is involved in other body processes such as muscle contraction, blood clot formation, nerve impulse transmission, cell metabolism, and assistance in maintaining a healthy blood pressure and immune system. Adult humans absorb approximately 1/3 of the calcium from food. A higher rate of absorption, 50-65%, can be observed amongst newborn infants, children, and pregnant women. Calcium is an essential nutrient and requires vitamin D to be absorbed. Vitamin D is also involved in the regulation of calcium homeostas is. When vitamin D is lacking, the intestine absorbs only 10-15% of the calcium in foods; with the vitamin, intestinal absorption of dietary calcium increases to 30-80%. Once calcium enters the body, it is absorbed throughout the length of the intestines, with the greatest amount of absorption …show more content…

Once in the duodenum, calcium is absorbed through active transport, a process that requires assistance of calcium-binding protein. Vitamin D, in the form of calcitriol, stimulates synthesis of the calcium-binding proteins. 98-99% of calcium is stored in bones and teeth, while the remaining 1-2% is stored in muscle tissue and blood. There is no RDA for calcium; but the recommended intake is 1,000-1,200 mg/day. Typically, a higher calcium proportion is required for children and adolescents between the ages of 9 and 18, as well as elderly men and women. Whole food calcium sources include milk and milk products, dark

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