Calcium (dietary)

Dietary calcium is the principal source of the essential mineral calcium for humans and is required for fundamental biological functions including bone and tooth formation, muscle contraction, blood coagulation, and transmission of nerve impulses. The human body cannot synthesize calcium, so it must be obtained from the diet. Homeostasis of blood calcium is regulated by hormones (parathyroid hormone, vitamin D/calcitriol, and calcitonin), which control absorption from the intestines, excretion via the kidneys, and storage or release from bone. Disorders of dietary calcium intake or metabolism may result in clinical conditions such as osteoporosis, hypocalcemia, or hypercalcemia.

Other names

Dietary calciumcalcium intakenutritional calcium