The human skeleton consists of 206 bones, discrete structures made of bone tissue. Bones are a reservoir of calcium and other minerals. Bones continue to grow and develop up to early adulthood, therefore human need to eat foods high in calcium. The Food and Drug Administration recommends a daily intake of 800 to 1200 mg of calcium for children and adults.
Dairy products such as milk, cheese and yoghurt are the most concentrated easily absorbed sources of calcium. Bones release and absorb calcium as needed, thus helping to maintain normal blood levels. The major function of calcium is to act in cooperation with phosphorus to build, ossify and maintain bones and teeth.
Calcium in blood levels always maintain normal because it is required for muscle contraction. If the blood’s calcium concentration is too high hormones and vitamin D cause the calcium to be deposited in the bones.
Calcium provides the building material for bones and teeth. During mineralization, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and other minerals enter bone fluid from blood and then attach to bone proteins and ground substance. Phosphorus is thought to be laid down first; calcium is thought to then bind to the phosphorus.
Calcium in human bones
