Stored in massive amounts as bone—bone is essentially the “calcium bank”
Functions
Regulates the heart
- Essential for depolarization/repolarization of cell membranes for nerve conduction & muscle contraction.
- Required for intra-cellular signaling
- Most abundant mineral in the body
- Absorption decreases with aging
- Best absorbed in an acidic environment
- Adequate absorption depends on Parathyroid Hormone & Vitamins A, C & D
- High levels of fat, protein or sugar impair absorption
- Helps relieve insomnia—calming effect
Deficiency Syndromes
- Brittle nails, bone malformation, osteoporosis.
- Counteracts sodium in the development of hypertension.
- Severe deficiency linked with dementia, seizures, impaired clotting, abnormal heartbeat.
- Toxicity symptoms
- Lethargy
- Fatigue
- Nausea/vomiting/constipation
- Excessive thirst & urination
- Weakness
- Calcification of soft tissues
