An important electrolyte involved in fluid balance and the transmission of nerve impulses for heart, muscle, and blood vessel contraction and relaxation. Calcium levels in the blood are so tightly regulated that low levels cause calcium to be pulled from our bones. Other important functions include its role in building strong bones and teeth, blood clotting, as well as hormone secretion. The majority of adults in NZ do not consume enough calcium from the diet.
Origin
Germany
Concerns
- Dehydration
- Sweat Loss
- Weak & Brittle Nails
- Inadequate calcium intake
Benefits
Supports cellular fluid balance,
Supports the nervous system,
Stimulates muscular contractions,
Nail growth
Featured in
About
Well-known for building strong bones and teeth, a different form of Calcium, one with a charge, also exists in our bodies. The electrolyte form of Calcium is vital for nerve function, helping stimulate heart and muscle contractions, the contraction and relaxation of blood vessels, and nerve transmission, alongside blood clotting and hormone secretion.
Calcium is an essential mineral for the human body, playing a critical role in both structural and physiological functions. As an electrolyte, calcium carries an electrical charge, making it vital for heart and muscle contractions, the contraction and relaxation of blood vessels, and nerve transmission. It also contributes to building strong bones and teeth, blood clotting and hormone secretion. Unlike some nutrients, the body does not produce calcium naturally, making it crucial to obtain through dietary sources.
While the majority of calcium in our bodies is stored in bones and teeth, a portion is also present in our blood and muscles, where it supports essential physiological processes. Due to the critical nature of these processes, blood calcium levels are tightly regulated. Insufficient dietary calcium, known as hypocalcemia, can trigger the release of parathyroid hormone (PTH), a hormone that regulates calcium levels, to pull calcium from bones into the blood, weakening our skeletal structure, compromising strength, and increasing the risk of fractures. Symptoms of hypocalcemia include muscle cramps, dry skin, brittle nails, and, in the long term, stiff muscles, confusion, forgetfulness and depression.
Calcium is crucial not only for strong bones but also for muscle contraction, especially during exercise, making it an important mineral for athletes. Clinical research has shown that consuming a calcium-rich meal before training sessions helps stabilise blood calcium levels and reduce the PTH response, ensuring an adequate supply to blood vessels and muscles and maintaining bone integrity to reduce the risk of future fractures.
Additionally, calcium is vital for transmitting nerve impulses between nerve cells and regulating nervous system activity. A national health survey of adults in the USA identified that both inadequate and excessive intakes of calcium and magnesium are associated with an increased incidence of nerve dysfunction, highlighting the importance of adequate calcium levels. The latest National Adult Nutrition Survey in New Zealand found that around 59% of people are not getting enough calcium indicating that calcium needs to be a key focus for nutrition among New Zealand adults.
While the majority of calcium in our bodies is stored in bones and teeth, a portion is also present in our blood and muscles, where it supports essential physiological processes. Due to the critical nature of these processes, blood calcium levels are tightly regulated. Insufficient dietary calcium, known as hypocalcemia, can trigger the release of parathyroid hormone (PTH), a hormone that regulates calcium levels, to pull calcium from bones into the blood, weakening our skeletal structure, compromising strength, and increasing the risk of fractures. Symptoms of hypocalcemia include muscle cramps, dry skin, brittle nails, and, in the long term, stiff muscles, confusion, forgetfulness and depression.
Calcium is crucial not only for strong bones but also for muscle contraction, especially during exercise, making it an important mineral for athletes. Clinical research has shown that consuming a calcium-rich meal before training sessions helps stabilise blood calcium levels and reduce the PTH response, ensuring an adequate supply to blood vessels and muscles and maintaining bone integrity to reduce the risk of future fractures.
Additionally, calcium is vital for transmitting nerve impulses between nerve cells and regulating nervous system activity. A national health survey of adults in the USA identified that both inadequate and excessive intakes of calcium and magnesium are associated with an increased incidence of nerve dysfunction, highlighting the importance of adequate calcium levels. The latest National Adult Nutrition Survey in New Zealand found that around 59% of people are not getting enough calcium indicating that calcium needs to be a key focus for nutrition among New Zealand adults.
Research and studies
We're led by an evidence-based approach, where each product – and every ingredient – has a purpose. As the science of nutrition evolves, we're constantly learning too.
Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise
The Impact of Acute Calcium Intake on Bone Turnover Markers during a Training Day in Elite Male Rowers
Frontiers in Nutrition
Nonlinear relationship between dietary calcium and magnesium intake and peripheral neuropathy in the general population of the United States
