Calcium is a chemical element that is essential for humans. People need to consume a certain amount of it to build and maintain strong bones and healthy communication between the brain and various parts of the body.
Calcium continues strengthening the bones of humans until they reach the age of 20-25 years, or when they reach their peak mass. After that age, the element helps bone maintenance as well as slowing down bone density loss, which is a natural part of the aging process. People whose calcium intake is inadequate before the age of 20-25, have a considerably higher risk later on in life of developing brittle bone disease or osteoporosis, because calcium is drawn from the bones as a reserve.
Calcium regulates muscle contraction, including the heartbeat. It also plays a key role in normal blood coagulation (clotting).
