Minerals are classified as major and trace. This classification is based on how much the mineral is needed. Major minerals are important nutrient in our diet, amount required is 0.1gm per day. Trace minerals are needed in small amounts (0.01 gm per day).

Calcium is known as the fifth most common element in the earth’s crust and is a primary mineral in the human body. Almost 99% of the human body’s calcium can be found in bones and teeth, but it also exists in body fluids such as blood plasma. Calcium is known by many names: calcium carbonate, calcium gluconate, calcium caseinate, calcium citrate, and calcium phosphate to name a few.

**Calcium is found in dairy products, eggs, green leafy vegetables, wheat germ, orange, prunes, dates, figs, raw nuts and sesame seeds. It can also be found in seaweed and sardines among other dietary sources.

Calcium is required for the formation of bones and teeth. It also helps to clot the blood easily. It is responsible for keeping the muscles and nerve activity normal. Calcium is known to help lower blood pressure, as well as to prevent osteoporosis, and colon cancer. Calcium also is an integral factor in maintaining the health of the immune system in the human body.

Even though it is so important to proper functioning of the human organism, calcium deficiency is not uncommon. Severe calcium deficiency often occurs in individuals who have thyroid disease, or medical problems with the parathyroid. The way deficiency occurs is that calcium and phosphorous form a delicate balance in the body. When this balance is upset, typically calcium levels in the body fall and phosphorous levels rise. This imbalance causes the body to begin utilizing calcium from bones and teeth so that it can return the calcium-phosphorous balance. In severe calcium deficiency, bones can become weak and brittle and the body may have uncontrollable muscle spasms of seizures. Most common diseases associated with calcium are Rickets and muscle spasm.

Recommended intakes of calcium vary, but the common agreement among professionals seems to be between 1,000 to 1,500 milligrams daily.