Calcium Found in bone & teeth (99%) and rest in blood, muscles and nerves. Calcification is the word for the hardening of the bones They harden by absorbing Calcium and Phosphorus (Calcium phosphate)
Sources Milk (103mg/100g) Cheese (800mg/100g) Yoghurt. Tinned Fish e.g. Sardines 550mg/100g Leafy green veg. e.g. Spinach 70mg/100g Fortified flour Hard water White Bread 100mg/100g
RDA Children800mg Adolescents1200mg Adults800mg Preg/Lac1200mg
Functions Making strong bones and teeth Blood Clotting Muscle contractions e.g. regular heartbeat Normal nerve function
Calcium Deficiency Rickets in children (can you explain?) Osteomalacia (can you explain?) Osteoporosis (can you explain?) Tooth decay Poor blood clotting Irregular muscular contractions Malfunction of nerve cells
Absorption Only 20-30% of the calcium we eat is absorbed. Assisting absorptionHindering absorption Vitamin D Parathormone Phosphorus Acid environment e.g. eat vit.C with calcium Protein –calcium has to bonds to protein to be absorbed Phytates Oxalates Excess fat Excess protein Wrong calcium / phosphorus ratio. Too many soft drinks