| |
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body. Metabolites of Vitamin D are important in this, increasing reabsorption of calcium by bones. Calcium can bind to a wide range of proteins altering their biological activity. This involves loss of calcium from the bones and reduced bone density. This causes bones to be brittle and liable to fracture. This is thought to be due to animal protein increasing calcium loss from bones. However, other research has found no difference between vegetarians and omnivores.
A low level of calcium in the blood and tissues can cause hypocalcemia. In severe cases muscle spasms may occur, called tetany. During pregnancy, calcium absorption from the gut increases and no additional calcium is generally needed. Calcium absorption decreases with age so it is important that the elderly receive adequate dietary calcium.
|
|
|
