Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body, with 99% per cent of it found only in our bones and teeth. The essential mineral helps in forming and maintaining strong bones and teeth, facilitating muscle movement and transmitting nerve signals. In addition, it aids in normal blood clotting and supports the proper release of hormones that regulate various bodily functions.How Much Calcium Is Required By Our Bodies? Certain groups, including children, older adults, and postmenopausal women, may require calcium supplements, especially if their diets are low in this crucial nutrient or consume high amounts of caffeine, alcohol, or soda.Additionally, it’s important to recognize that vitamin D plays a complementary role in calcium absorption. Sources of vitamin D include fish oil and fortified dairy products, making it essential for optimizing calcium's benefits. Understanding the importance of calcium and how to ensure adequate intake is key to promoting long-term health.Dietary sources of calcium include dairy products, green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and fortified foods. Interestingly, the majority of calcium in the body is stored in the bones and teeth, underscoring its importance for skeletal health.Here Is Why You Need Calcium? Calcium is an essential mineral that plays numerous critical roles in the human body, particularly in maintaining bone health, facilitating muscle function, and supporting cardiovascular health.Bone HealthApproximately 99% of the body's calcium is stored in the bones and teeth, making it vital for their development, growth, and maintenance. During childhood, calcium is crucial for the formation of strong bones. Even after growth has ceased, it continues to play a significant role in preserving bone density and mitigating age-related bone loss. Women who have gone through menopause face an increased risk of bone density loss and osteoporosis, leading healthcare providers to often recommend calcium supplements.Muscle ContractionCalcium is essential for muscle contraction. When a nerve activates a muscle, calcium is released, enabling muscle proteins to facilitate contraction. Conversely, when calcium is pumped out of the muscle, relaxation occurs. This regulation is key for overall muscle function.Cardiovascular HealthCalcium also plays a significant role in the cardiovascular system, particularly in blood clotting—a complex process that requires calcium at multiple stages. Additionally, calcium is crucial for the heart's function and helps relax the smooth muscles surrounding blood vessels. Research suggests a possible connection between higher calcium intake and lower blood pressure.Importance of Vitamin DVitamin D is indispensable for bone health, as it enhances the body's ability to absorb calcium. Together, these nutrients work synergistically to support overall health.Additional BenefitsBeyond its primary functions, calcium acts as a co-factor for numerous enzymes, aiding in their efficiency. Studies indicate that adequate calcium intake may lead to various health benefits, including a reduced risk of hypertension during pregnancy, lower blood pressure in adolescents, improved cholesterol levels, and a decreased likelihood of developing colorectal adenomas, which are benign tumors.