Calcium
Mineral
Overview
- Calcium is an essential mineral serving as a primary building block for strong bones and teeth.
- It supports bone development, growth, and density.
- Calcium also facilitates muscle contraction and nerve transmission.
- Supplementation ensures adequate intake for overall bone health and osteoporosis prevention.
Chemistry
- Molecular Formula: Ca
- IUPAC Name: Calcium
- Key Structural Features: Face-centered cubic (FCC) crystal structure; 20 protons, 20 neutrons, 20 electrons; [Ar] 4s² electron configuration; readily forms a +2 ion (Ca²⁺).
- Physical Properties: Atomic mass: 40.078 u; Density: 1.55 g/cm³; Melting point: 842 °C; Boiling point: 1484 °C; Electronegativity: 1.00.
- Chemical Properties: Highly reactive metal; readily forms +2 ion; highly soluble in water; reacts with acids; essential for biological processes.
Sources & Quality
Natural Sources:
- Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt).
- Leafy greens (broccoli, kale, spinach).
- Fortified foods (cereals, orange juice, plant-based milk).
- Mineral water.
- Seaweed (kelp, wakame).
- Bone broth.
Extraction/Synthesis Methods:
- Limestone mining.
- Calcium carbonate production (calcium oxide + carbon dioxide).
- Calcium citrate production (calcium carbonate + citric acid).
- Calcium gluconate production (calcium carbonate + gluconic acid).
Quality Considerations for Supplements:
- Bioavailability.
- Purity (heavy metal contamination).
- Form (carbonate, citrate, gluconate).
- Additives.
- Third-party testing (NSF International, ConsumerLab.com).
- Accurate label claims.
Where to Buy Calcium
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