Functions
Part of bone structure – frame that holds the body upright and attachment points for muscle
Calcium bank – source of the mineral when there is a drop in blood calcium
Involve in muscle contraction and relaxation, nerve functioning, blood clotting and blood pressure
(Whitney et. al., 2014, p. 388 and 395)
Signs of Deficiency
Stunted growth in children and osteoporosis in adults (Whitney et. al., 2014, p. 395)
Synergistic Nutrients
Vitamin A, C, E, D, K, arginine, boron, carnosine, chromium, copper, lysine, magnesium, methionine, phosphorus, selenium (Osiecki, 2010, p. 165)
Recommended Dietary Intake (per day)
Men 19-70 years 1,000 mg
Men > 70 years 1,100 mg
Women 19-50 years 1,000 mg
Women > 50 years 1,300 mg
Pregnancy 14-18 years 1,300 mg
Pregnancy 19-50 years 1,000 mg
Upper Limits (per day)
Adults or Pregnancy 2,500 mg
(Australian National Health and Medical Research Council, 2017)
(Food Standards Australia New Zealand, 2019)
References
Australian National Health and Medical Research Council. (2017). Nutrients. Retrieved 21 January, 2019, from https://www.nrv.gov.au/nutrients
Food Standards Australia New Zealand. (2019). Minerals. Retrieved 21 January, 2019, from http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/science/monitoringnutrients/nutrientables/nuttab/pages/default.aspxhttp://archive.foodstandards.gov.au/consumerinformation/nuttab2010/nuttab2010onlinesearchabledatabase/onlineversion_code.cfm?&action=nutrientList
Osiecki, H. (2010). The Nutrient Bible (9th Ed.). AG Publishing: Australia
Whitney, E., Rolfes, S.R., Crowe, T., Cameron-Smith, S. and Walsh, A. (2014). Understanding Nutrition: Australia and New Zealand Edition (2nd Ed.). South Melbourne, Australia: Cengage Learning.