Neurotransmitters -- signalling molecules produced in your nervous system -- allow for communication between nerve cells, facilitating brain functioning, nerve signalling to muscle tissue and a number of other neurological processes. Calcium from your diet plays an important role in neurotransmitter signalling, with low calcium potentially inhibiting neurotransmitter release.
Process of Neurotransmitter Release and Communication
The release of neurotransmitters is a tightly controlled process, designed to help regulate the signalling between two nerve cells. Neurotransmitters are stored within nerve cells, packaged in small compartments called vesicles. When a nerve cell becomes activated, these vesicles fuse with the membrane on the surface of the nerve cell and release neurotransmitter into a synapse, a space between two nerve cells. The chemicals then stimulate the neighboring nerve cell, located on the opposite side of the synapse, triggering the activation of an electrical signal within that neuron. From there, the newly activated nerve can release additional neurotransmitters to activate other nerve cells, ultimately allowing for communication between large networks of nerves.
Role of Calcium
Your nerves rely on calcium to properly regulate the release of neurotransmitters. When a nerve cell becomes activated, it transmits an electrical pulse that moves down the length of the cell toward the synapse. This electrical signal triggers the flow of calcium into the nerve cell close to the synapse. This influx of calcium promotes the fusion of neurotransmitter vesicles to the cell membrane, triggering neurotransmitter release.
Effects of Low Calcium
Without adequate calcium, your nerve cells might not be able to properly trigger the release of neurotransmitters into the synapse. As a result, people with severe calcium deficiency might develop nerve defects due to a breakdown in nerve communication. For example, long-term calcium deficiency might disrupt nerve signalling to your muscles and heart, increasing your risk of muscle weakness cramping or heart arrhythmia, or it might lead to depression due to altered nerve communication in your brain. In addition, calcium deficiency can affect your bone tissue, increasing your risk of osteoporosis.
Intake Recommendations
You can help support proper neurotransmitter release by consuming adequate calcium each day to prevent a calcium deficiency. Men and women age 19 to 70 require 1,000 and 1,200 milligrams of calcium daily, respectively, while all adults over age 71 require 1,200 milligrams daily, according to MedlinePlus. Incorporate dark leafy greens, dairy products and tofu in your diet as sources of calcium, or take calcium supplements under the supervision of a doctor to meet your daily recommended calcium intake.
