Calcium is used in forming bones, also known as bone mineralization, and in the proper formation and maintenance of teeth. It is important in nerve impulse transmission, blood coagulation, and muscle contraction.

Calcium functions in the body:  Solidity of the body, Essential to fetal growth during pregnancy, Found in cartilage, fluids and tissues, Body alkalinity.

Calcium is used in forming bones, also known as bone mineralization, and in the proper formation and maintenance of teeth. "The skeleton of the body depends on calcium just as the more rigid, supporting structures in the earth's crust rely to a great extent on calcareous formations like limestone." 3 It is also important in nerve impulse transmission, blood coagulation, and muscle contraction. Vitamin D (sunshine) and Magnesium are essential to the proper absorption and assimilation of calcium.

Calcium is required for the release of energy for muscular contraction, mediates the transport function of cell and organelle membranes, effects the release of neurotransmitters at synaptic junctions, mediates the synthesis, secretion and metabolic effects of hormones and enzymes. Calcium also helps regulate muscle tone, muscle receptiveness to nerve stimulation and the regulation of the heartbeat. "Calcium is primarily stored in bones (99%), where the ratio of calcium to phosphorous is nearly constant at slightly greater than 2:1. Calcium is involved in numerous vital functions throughout the body, including: protein and fat digestion, energy production, nerve transmission, neuromuscular activity, the absorption of other nutrients, such as vitamin B 12 ." 4

3. Rudolph Ballentine, M.D., Diet and Nutrition A Holistic Approach, (The Himalayan     International Institute of Yoga Science and Philosophy) page 225.

4. Edited by Josehp E. Pizzorno, Jr. and Michael T. Murray, Textbook of Natural Medicine,     Second Edition, Volume 1, (Churchill Livingstone, 1999) page 920.