Minerals: Calcium

Classification of Minerals

• Macrominerals:
  • Needed in large amounts, e.g., calcium, sodium, phosphorus, potassium.
• Trace Minerals:
  • Needed in small amounts, e.g., iron, fluoride, iodine, zinc. Both types are vital for maintaining healthy body functions.

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Calcium

Sources of Calcium

• Milk, cheese, yogurt.
• Tinned fish (e.g., salmon with bones).
• Green vegetables (e.g., spinach).
• Fortified products (e.g., cereals, bread, flour).

Functions of Calcium

• Builds strong bones and teeth in children and teenagers.
• Maintains bone density in adults and older people.

Calcium Deficiency Diseases

• Rickets:
  • Occurs in children when bones don't harden properly, leading to deformities like bowed legs.
• Osteoporosis:
  • Affects older adults, especially women, causing bones to become fragile and prone to fractures.

Reference Intake for Calcium

• Children and Adults: 800 mg per day.
• Teenagers and Pregnant/Breastfeeding Women: 1,200 mg per day. Note: Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption.