Calcium facts

• Calcium is the fifth most abundant element in the Earth's crust, present at a level of about three percent in the oceans and soil.
• Calcium is essential for living organisms, particularly in cell physiology, where movement of the calcium ion Ca2+ into and out of the cytoplasm functions as a signal for many cellular processes.
• Calcium participates in many biochemical reactions, including building skeletal systems and moderating muscle action.
• Calcium is the lightest of the alkaline earth metals.
• Calcium is created in extremely large, extremely hot stars. It requires one atom of argon and one atom of helium.
• The element name "calcium" comes from the Latin word "calcis" meaning "lime".
• Calcium is the 5th most abundant element by mass in the human body.
• Ninety-nine percent of the body’s calcium is stored in the bones and teeth.
• As a major material used in mineralization of bones and shells, calcium is the most abundant metal by mass in many animals.
• High-fiber foods may interfere with your body’s ability to absorb calcium.
• It is recommended that postmenopausal women 50+ who are not on estrogen should take 1500 mg.of calcium per day.