The Importance of Calcium for the Human Body

There are many minerals that are important for the function of the human body.  One such mineral is calcium!  Below are five reasons why calcium is good for your body.

1. Not surprisingly, calcium plays a fundamental role in maintaining strong and healthy bones. It is a required component of bone structure and sufficient intake of calcium throughout life can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
   • A research study in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research (2015) found that calcium supplementation was associated with a modest reduction in bone loss in postmenopausal women. (Wang, X. et al. Calcium supplementation and bone mineral density in postmenopausal women. J Bone Miner Res. 2015 Jan;30(2): 143-51)

2. Calcium is also essential for proper muscle function. Muscle contraction and relaxation requires calcium. It helps transmit nerve signals and allows muscles to contract and perform various movements.
   • A study in 2017 published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition demonstrated that calcium intake positively influenced muscle function and reduced risk of sarcopenia. Sarcopenia is the age-related loss of muscle mass and function. (Daly, R.M. et al. Benefits of dairy products on muscle function and performance of older adults. Am J Clin Nutr. 2017 May; 105(5): 1065-1068)

3. Cardiovascular health requires calcium. Calcium is involved in regulating heart muscle contractions and maintain a regular heartbeat. Calcium also helps support blood vessel dilation and constriction.
   • A systematic review published in the Journal of the American Heart Association in 2016 revealed that adequate intake of dietary calcium was associated with a reduced risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. (Kunutsor, S.K. et al. Dietary calcium intake and risk of hypertension: A dose-response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. J Am Heart Assoc. 2016 Jan;5(1):e002819)

4. Of course, calcium is important for our nervous system function! It is a crucial mineral that aids in neurotransmitter release. This allows nerve cells to communicate properly and transmit signals throughout the body.
   • A study published in 2018 in the Journal of Neurochemistry highlighted the importance of calcium and nerve signaling. Calcium had an influence on cognitive function and overall nervous system health. (Verkhratsky, A. et al. Calcium and cell physiology: The saga of ion channels and signaling. J Neurochem. 2018 Oct;147(2): 125-147)

5. Finally, a fifth reason that calcium is important is in hormone regulation. Calcium is involved in various hormonal processes and plays a role in the secretion of insulin.  Insulin helps regulate blood sugar levels and metabolism.
   • A review in 2015 discussed the relationship between calcium and hormone secretion. It highlighted the significance of adequate calcium intake for maintaining proper hormonal balance. (Yamamoto, J. et al. Calcium dynamics and signaling in exocrine and endocrine pancreas. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol. 2015;61(Suppl):S185-S187)

That is five examples of what calcium can do in the human body.  While it is important to have adequate calcium intake, it is essential for the body to have an appropriate balance with other minerals and vitamins for overall health.  If you believe you require more calcium or would like to look at nutrition options, consult with a healthcare professional to determine your individual needs.