Calcium is an essential mineral necessary for normal body function. Your body primarily uses calcium to strengthen bones and teeth, but it's also involved in important body functions such as muscle and neurological activity. Although the body mostly absorbs calcium into the bones and teeth, this mineral also circulates through the body and, in some cases, can accumulate in excess.
About Calcium
Your body doesn't produce calcium on its own, so consuming proper amounts in your diet is key. Calcium is found mainly in dairy products such as milk, yogurt and cheese. Green, leafy vegetables, such as kale and broccoli, also contain a good dose of calcium. Bones and teeth absorb most of the calcium you consume -- about 99 percent. When your body is calcium deficient, it leaches calcium from the bones, which, over time, can cause bone density problems, such as osteoporosis.
Calcium Not in the Bones and Teeth
The small remaining amount of calcium not absorbed by the bones and teeth aids in normal body function and is found in blood, muscle cells and the fluid between cells. Calcium functions here to help muscles contract, send nervous system signals throughout the body, secrete hormones and enzymes for normal heart rhythm and blood pressure, and help blood clot properly. Your body also naturally excretes calcium daily through feces, urine and sweat.
Excess Calcium
Although excess calcium is naturally excreted from your body, it's possible for excess calcium to accumulate. This excess circulates through the blood in a condition called hypercalcemia, or high blood calcium. Excess calcium supplements or a problem with the parathyroid organ, which helps regulate calcium levels, is usually the cause. Usually hypercalcemia causes no health conditions, but if left untreated over time it can lead to kidney stones and, oddly, also osteoporosis -- usually caused by too little calcium. Severe hypercalcemia can cause more serious problems including kidney failure, problems with heart rhythm, coma or confusion.
Calcium Recommendations
Calcium recommendations vary by age. The National Osteoporosis Foundation says that adults over 50 need 1,200 mg of daily calcium while adults younger than 50 should consume 1,000 mg of calcium per day. Older adults need more calcium because advanced age, particularly for women, is a risk factor for developing osteoporosis. The safe daily upper limit of calcium intake is 2,000 mg per day for adults over 50 and 2,500 mg for adults under age 50. Usually food alone will not cause you to go over the safe upper limits; supplements are usually involved.
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