The element calcium is present in the bones and teeth. In bones it is present as calcium phosphate or calcium carbonate.

Calcium is present in milk and milk products. In vegetables calcium is present. It is present in beans, peas, potatoes, cauliflower, figs etc. Calcium is present in plasma. Calcium is not present in red blood cells. Hormones regulates serum calcium levels in the humans. Increased calcium level are known and also decreased calcium levels in the humans. Calcium is stored in the bones. The bones act as calcium reservoir.

Excretion of Calcium:

Through sweat, urine and feces calcium is excreted.

Functions of Calcium:

Calcium performs various functions in the human body. Calcium helps in the coagulation of the blood. Calcium helps in the formation of bones. Calcium helps in the formation of teeth. Its presence is very much required in bones and teeth. It helps in the neural transmission. It helps in muscular transmission. Calcium maintains enzyme activity.

Uses of Calcium:

Calcium is used in osteoporosis (thinning of bone tissue and loss of bone density). Calcium is used to patients who require calcium. Calcium is used in rickets ( a disorder caused by a lack of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate). It is used in softening of the bones due to a lack of vitamin D or a problem with the body's ability to break down and use this vitamin. Calcium is used after surgery. In antacids calcium carbonate is used. Calcium is used in involuntary contraction of muscles.

Calcium use may cause constipation. The daily requirement of calcium is 400+ or – 100 mg. In females during pregnancy the requirement of calcium may increase up to 1500 mg. Teenagers may need 700 mg. of calcium. From this it is clear that the requirements of calcium varies in different conditions and in different ages.

Calcium plays an important role in children, adults, men and women.

Trace Elements

Trace elements are required in very minuter quantities. Trace elements are are closed related to enzymes.

Iodine:

Iodine is one of the trace elements. It is present in thyroid hormone. Major quantity of iodine is present in the thyroid gland. It is absorbed in inorganic form and collected in the thyroid gland. Organic iodine will be converted to inorganic iodine. Iodine helps in proper thyroid function. Iodine is decreased in hypothyroidism Iodine is increased in hyperthyroidism.

Iodine is excreted through urine and feces.

Good sources of iodine are sea foods. Iodized salt is used to supply iodine to the body and to prevent iodine deficiency.