There is more calcium in the body than any other mineral and it is generally accepted that Calcium is critical to the development and maintenance of bones and teeth.

It also plays an important role in controlling the heartbeat, maintaining proper blood pressure, clotting blood, transmitting nerve impulses, contracting and relaxing muscles, maintaining the integrity of mucosal membranes and cell walls, and activating enzymes such as lipase, adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase), succinate dehydrogenase, and choline acetylase.

Research supports consuming less than 500mg a day of calcium, greatly multiplies the chance of bone deterioration. Some studies conclude that simply taking calcium tables (1,500 mg per day is an often mentioned dosage) contributes to bone strength and is a good hedge against postmenopausal bone loss other research asserts that supplements reinforce bone density only if combined with regular weight-bearing exercise.

Bone sturdiness depends upon a sufficient supply of other nutrients, vitamin D, magnesium, copper, zinc, manganese, boron, and vitamin C.

When the amount of magnesium in the bloodstream falls, the kidneys re-adjust the balance by holding on to less calcium. When magnesium's concentration rises, the kidneys excrete less calcium.

20 percent of an adult's bone calcium is reabsorbed and replaced every year. In order for calcium to be absorbed, the body must have sufficient vitamin D Calcium and magnesium work together for cardiovascular health. In a review of twenty-five clinical trials involving hypertensives, twelve showed that the mineral could cut the risk of high blood pressure, and twelve did not. The chance of pre-eclampsia, the pregnancy-related hypertension disorder, was similarly reduced.

Women have fewer pre-term deliveries, incidents of spontaneous labour, and low-birth-weight babies when they take 1,200 mg of calcium every day.

Althoug h kidney stones can result from toxic levels of calcium in certain susceptible individuals, high calcium intake can actually decrease the risk of kidney stones, and large calcium supplements are accepted therapy for kidneys stones associated with intestinal hyperoxalosis.(large calcium levels deposited in the kidneys)

Calcium is a very potent sleep inducer. Taking calcium supplements at bedtime may produce a bonus benefit for a better night's sleep.

Deficiency signs
Calcium deficiency may lead to the following problems: aching joints, brittle nails, eczema, elevated blood cholesterol, heart palpitations, hypertension insomnia, muscle cramps, nervousness, numbness in the arms and/or legs, a pasty complexion, rheumatoid arthritis, rickets, and tooth decay. Cognitive impairment, convulsions, depression, delusions and hyperactivity are also associated with calcium deficiency.

Factors which rob us of Calcium
Large quantities of fat, oxalic acid (found in chocolate, spinach, Swiss chard, parsley, beet greens, and rhubarb), and phytic acid (found in grains) are capable of preventing proper calcium absorption. A diet high in sugars, grains, and other carbohydrates may weaken bones. A high sugar diet acidifies the blood, forcing calcium out of the body.

Good food sources
Calcium is found in dairy foods, salmon (with bones) sardines, seafood, and dark green leafy vegetables. Additional food sources are almonds, asparagus, blackstrap molasses, brewer's yeast, broccoli, buttermilk, cabbage, carob, cheese, collards, dandelion greens, dulse, figs, filberts, goat's milk, kale, kelp, milk, mustard greens, oats, prunes, sesame seeds, soybeans, tofu, turnip greens, watercress, whey, and yogurt.