Nutrients

MACRO MINERALS - Calcium

• Functions:

•  Forms strong bones and teeth.
• Ionic calcium essential for ion transport across cell membranes.
• Stimulates blood clotting.
• Required for normal muscle and nerve activity.

• Sources :

•  Skim or low-fat dairy products, fish with  edible bones, sardines, clams, oysters, green leafy vegetables, tofu.

• RDA :

• Adults :~ 1000 mg.

•  Deficiency :

• Bone deformities, Long-term deficiency can bring about the onset of osteoporosis in later life.

• Toxicity :

• Excessive urinary excretion of calcium may result in the formation of calcium-containing renal calculi.
• Intakes of several grams per day can decrease absorption of iron, zinc, or other nutrients.