1. 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)

2. 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

3. RDA  Children800mg  Adolescents1200mg  Adults800mg  Preg/Lac1200mg

4. Functions  Making strong bones and teeth  Blood Clotting  Muscle contractions e.g. regular heartbeat  Normal nerve function

5. 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

6. 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