Calcium Phosphate Essay

Submitted By psycologist
Words: 1207
Pages: 5

Calcium: Medical Scientific and Industrial Applications
5.1 Medical
Calcium is an important component of a healthy diet and a mineral necessary for life.
The most abundant mineral in the body .Approximately 99 percent of the body's calcium is stored in the bones and teeth.
Calcium and Phosphorus join to form Calcium Phosphate a major component of the mineral complex (called Hydroxipatite ) that gives structure and strength to bones. Calcium plays an important role in building stronger, denser bones early in life and keeping bones strong and healthy later in life.
Heart function
Nerve signaling. It acts as a messenger of neurotransmitter release from neurons
Muscle contractions
Blood clotting cascade
Calcium absorption, use and excretion is regulated by the Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
And Vitamin D
Calcium storages are intracellular organelles that constantly accumulate Ca2+ ions and release them during certain cellular events. Intracellular Ca2+ storages include mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum.

Normally the level of calcium in the blood is carefully controlled. When blood calcium levels get low (hypocalcemia), the bones release calcium to bring it back to a good blood level. When blood calcium levels get high (hypercalcemia), the extra calcium is stored in the bones or passed out of the body in urine and stool. The amount of calcium in the body depends on the amount of:
Calcium you get in your food.
Calcium and vitamin D your intestines absorb.
Phosphate in the body.
Certain hormones, including parathyroid hormone, calcitonin, and estrogen in the body.

The Calcium level in the blood can be messure in a laboratory Test:
This test can be ordered as:
Total Calcium blood level(Ca),

Or in other panels that are ordered in physical exam
(BMP) Basic Metabolic Panel or Chem 7 which includes: Glucose, Calcium, Bun, Potassium, Choloride, Sodium,Co2, (CMP) Comprehensive Metabolic Panel or Chem 14 Which includes Albumin, Alkaline Phosphatase, AST, ALT, total protein , Total bilirubin.

Calcium Blood Level:
Normal values range from 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL.

Interpretation:
Causes of Low Level or Hypocalcemia:
Hypoparathyroidism
Extreme deficiency on dietary Calcium,
Vitamin D Deficiency
Renal Failure. Symptoms: Seizures, Dementia mental Retardation( in children), Emotional problems (Depression, Anxiety),
Long term of Calcium Deficiency can cause: poor blood clotting,
Osteoporosis
Causes of Hypercalcemia:
Hyperparatyroidism
Cancer
Excess in Vitamin D intake.
Excess in calcium in the Urine (hypercalciuria) may lead to the formation of crystals or calculi (stones in kidneys) and Kidney Failure.

Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) is used as antiacid for heartburns and Indigestion:

Calcium Sources:
Calcium amount in foods, 100 g:

Milk parmesan (cheese)
Cheddar cheese molasses hazelnuts almonds sesame seeds brown sugar lentils Eggs oranges rice green peas

Calcium supplements:
Treating osteoporosis (weak bones). Taking calcium by mouth is effective for preventing and treating bone loss and osteoporosis. Most bone growth occurs in the teenage years, and then bone strength in women remains about the same until age 30-40. After age 40, bone loss typically occurs at rates of 0.5% to 1% per year.
To treat Low Calcium Levels. Preventing bone loss caused by insufficient calcium in the diet. This can reduce the risk of breaking bones.
Reducing symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). There seems to be a link between low dietary calcium intake and symptoms of PMS. Consuming calcium daily seems to significantly reduce mood swings, bloating, food cravings, and pain.
During Pregnancy Increasing fetal bone density in pregnant women with low calcium intake.
Reducing bone loss in people taking drugs called corticosteroids, when used in combination with vitamin D.
Postmenopausal
It possibly effective reducing the risk of coloncancer

5.2