ABSTRACT
In addition to ful„lling the needs for calcium ions required in numerous intracellular functions as well as for the regulation of blood clotting (hemostasis), practically all of the remainder of the body’s calcium exists in skeletal salts that support the body, enable ambulation, and protect internal organs. A „xed amount of calcium forms the teeth which, after formation, remain static in the oral cavity and which, unlike bone, do not participate in calcium metabolism. In the growing years, dietary calcium contributes greatly to the development of peak bone mass (PBM). Following the achievement of PBM in the second or third decade of life, dietary calcium is needed to replace calcium lost from bone tissue as part of the normal dynamic turnover of the skeleton. Adult bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) are better maintained by an adequate amount of calcium in the diet.
