Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body and it is essential for healthy bones and teeth. About 99% of the body's stores of calcium are found in the hard tissue of the bones and teeth. Calcium is stored there and is part of their structure.
The other one per cent is present in solution as calcium ions and is found throughout the body in the fluid between cells, in the blood and in muscle. Calcium ions play a major role in the communication between nerve cells and muscle cells during movement.
Calcium is needed in larger amounts in children than in adults because the bones and teeth are forming during this growth period. The calcium in the bones and teeth is continually replenished from the diet as it is used up. If children don't get enough calcium when they are growing, the bones can become deformed and do not grow properly. This condition is known as rickets.
The other one per cent is present in solution as calcium ions and is found throughout the body in the fluid between cells, in the blood and in muscle. Calcium ions play a major role in the communication between nerve cells and muscle cells during movement.
Calcium is needed in larger amounts in children than in adults because the bones and teeth are forming during this growth period. The calcium in the bones and teeth is continually replenished from the diet as it is used up. If children don't get enough calcium when they are growing, the bones can become deformed and do not grow properly. This condition is known as rickets.