Calcium
Minerals
Type:
Major Minerals
Functions:
Principal skeletal mineral in bones and teeth, muscle contraction and relaxation, nerve function, intracellular regulation, extracellular enzyme cofactor, blood clotting, blood pressure
Deficiencies:
Osteoporosis, stunted childhood growth, (possible hypertension, preeclampsia, and colon cancer)
Toxicity:
Rare, due to excretion. Possible imbalance of other minerals
Recommended Intakes:
RDAs:
1000 mg/day for adult males
1500 mg for adult males over age 65
1000 mg for adult females over age 24
1200-1500 mg for adult females - pregnant
1500 mg for adult females post-menopausal, without estrogen
1200 mg for adolescents ages 11-24
800-1200 mg for children ages 6-10
800 mg for children ages 1-5
600 mg for infants ages 0.5-1.0
400 mg for infants ages 0-0.5
Food Sources:
Dairy, fish (with bones), tofu, legumes, kale, broccoli, fortified foods