Calcium is not only essential for healthy bones and teeth but also required for vascular contraction and vasodilation, muscle function, nerve transmission, intracellular signaling and hormonal secretion, although less than 1% of total body calcium is needed to support these critical metabolic functions.
While 99% of calcium is concentrated in the bones and teeth, small amounts circulate in the blood stream.
Insufficient calcium supply can lead to lower bone density, causing osteoporosis, a disease whereby the bones become brittle and porous and more prone to breakage.