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Bill W

Bill W 46,560

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Calcium was named after the Latin term calx, or calc, meaning lime, with the English suffix 'ium'.  It's a reactive silvery metallic element found in Group 2 of the periodic table. It was first isolated in 1808 in England when Sir Humphry Davy electrolyzed a mixture of lime and mercuric oxide. 

 

Here are some important facts about calcium:
  • Bone health: Calcium is a critical nutrient that helps bones grow and stay strong. If you don't get enough calcium, your body will take it from your bones, which can lead to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become weak and brittle, increasing the risk of fractures. 
     
  • Vitamin D: Vitamin D is essential for the body to absorb and use calcium. 
     
  • Cardiovascular health: Calcium deposits can contribute to plaque buildup in arteries, which can lead to stiff arteries and interfere with heart valves. 
     
  • Other health benefits: Calcium is important for keeping muscles and nerves working, and for maintaining a healthy heart. Some studies suggest that an adequate calcium intake may also help with weight maintenance and reducing the risk of obesity. 
     
  • Chemical properties: Calcium is an alkaline earth metal with the symbol Ca and an atomic number of 20. It's generally non-toxic, but too much can cause problems. Calcium is difficult to isolate because it's so reactive. 
     
  • Other sources: Calcium is found in limestone, calcium carbonate, fluorite, and gypsum. 

 

Calcium is found in many foods, including dairy products, fish, vegetables, and fortified beverages and cereals 
 
  • Dairy
    Milk, yogurt, and cheese are the main sources of calcium for most people in the US. Hard cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, and parmesan contain the most calcium. 
     
     
  • Fish
    Canned sardines and salmon with bones are good sources of calcium. Canned sardines provide about a third of the average person's daily calcium needs. Salmon also contains vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium. 
     
     
  • Vegetables
    Leafy greens like kale, collard greens, and spinach contain calcium. However, spinach also contains oxalates, which can reduce the body's ability to absorb calcium. 
     
     
  • Fortified foods
    Some plant-based milks, like soy and rice milk, as well as some fruit juices, breakfast cereals, and brands of tofu are fortified with calcium. 
     
     
  • Supplements
    Calcium is available in multivitamins, mineral supplements, and calcium supplements. Calcium carbonate is a common form of calcium in supplements, and it's best absorbed when taken with food. 
 
 
Edited by Bill W
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