Calcium is one of the the most important element for various organs of the body. It is a macro elements required in much amount in the body for various functions.
99% of the body calcium is present in Bones and teeth and remaining in Extra cellular fluid.
Sources of Calcium :
Milk
Milk products
Meat
Egg
Fish
Vegetables
Cereals
Pulses.
Functions of Calcium
Calcium performs various biochemical functions in our body. Here is the list:
1. Calcium plays a major role in bone and teeth formation.
2. Contraction of muscle : Calcium helps in contracting of contraction filaments and also in Excitatory Contraction coupling.
3. Calcium is coagulation factor IV.
4. Calcium also plays role in cell membrane integrity and permeability.
5. Calcium also helps in activation of enzymes like Glycogen synthase, Calcium Magnesium ATPase.
6. Calcium also plays role in nerve impulse transmission.
7. Calcium also plays role in exocytosis and endocytosis.
8. Calcium is also reasonable for release of certain hormones like Vasopressin ( Anti Dieuretic Hormone)
Insulin
Parathyroid hormone.
9. Calcium also prolongs the systole in heart.
Regulation of Calcium levels in body
3 important things in body help in maintaining Calcium levels in the body.
1. Vitamin D : It increases the absorption of Calcium from the intestine. It also increases the reabsorption of Calcium and phosphate from renal tubules.
2. Parathyroid hormone: It is responsible for demineralization and decalcification. Therefore, it increases blood Calcium levels.
3. Calcitonin : It decreases blood Calcium levels by decreasing absorption from intestine and reabsorption from renal tubules.
In another post, I will provide more details about Calcium
Thank You.