Calcium

Other names
Synopsis
Uses: Health Conditions
Uses: Body Systems
Products

Other names

Calcium Citrate
Calcium Carbonate
Calcium Hydroxyapatite
Calcium Lactate
Plant-Based Calcium

Synopsis

Calcium is an essential mineral and electrolyte that plays a foundational role in bone structure, muscle contraction, nerve function, and cellular signaling. It is the most abundant mineral in the human body, with about 99% stored in bones and teeth, where it provides structural integrity. The remaining 1% circulates in the bloodstream and soft tissues, supporting neurological, cardiovascular, and enzymatic functions.

Calcium supports:

Bone and tooth formation and maintenance
Muscle contraction and relaxation, including heart rhythm regulation
Nerve impulse transmission
Blood clotting
Hormone and enzyme secretion
Intracellular signaling pathways crucial to cell communication

Calcium is commonly consumed through:

Dietary sources such as dairy products, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, sardines, and fortified foods
Supplements, typically in forms like calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, calcium lactate, and coral calcium

The recommended daily intake varies by age and life stage, typically ranging from 1,000–1,300 mg per day for adults.

Historical Use:

Though calcium was not isolated until the 19th century, its benefits have long been known through calcium-rich foods like milk, bones, and shell-based powders. In Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine, ground shells and bones were used to strengthen bones, promote healing, and treat conditions like osteoporosis, muscle cramps, and dental issues.

In the 20th century, calcium became a central focus in nutritional science with the growing understanding of osteoporosis, rickets, and age-related bone loss. Its role in postmenopausal bone health led to widespread calcium supplementation, often combined with vitamin D, magnesium, and vitamin K2 to enhance absorption and integration into bone tissue.

Today, calcium remains a critical nutrient for:

Preventing and managing osteoporosis
Supporting growth and development in children and teens
Maintaining bone mass in aging adults
Addressing deficiencies due to poor diet, low stomach acid, or malabsorption

While supplementation is beneficial when needed, excess calcium intake without proper co-factors may contribute to calcification of soft tissues, so it is best used strategically with guidance. Calcium continues to be a foundational mineral in bone, nerve, and metabolic health strategies.

Uses: Health Conditions

Amenorrhea (Traditional)
Anorexia (Traditional)
Arthritis (Traditional)
Broken Bones (Traditional)
Calcium Deficiency (Traditional)
Osteoporosis (Traditional)
PMS (general) (Traditional)

Body Systems

Muscles (Traditional)
Structural System (Traditional)
Teeth (Traditional)
Heart (Traditional)
Nails (Traditional)
Nerves (Traditional)
Parathyroid Glands (Traditional)
Skeletal System (Bones) (Traditional)

Products containing this ingredient

Health Concerns

Brands