Summary
This is a comprehensive narrative review chapter in a clinical nutrition reference text, synthesising evidence on calcium's distribution, chemistry, and physiological function in humans. It covers calcium requirements across the lifespan, evaluates dietary sources and their bioavailability, discusses consequences of deficiency, and reviews supplementation strategies and their evidence base. The chapter is positioned as a reference resource for clinical and public health practitioners.
Regional applicability
As a general narrative review of calcium biochemistry and nutrition, the underlying physiology and many dietary principles are universally applicable. However, recommended calcium intakes, food sources available to populations, and regulatory approaches to supplementation vary by country; United Kingdom practitioners should refer to UK-specific guidance (e.g. from SACN or NHS) for population recommendations and policy context.
Key measures
Calcium requirements by age and life stage; dietary calcium content of food sources; bioavailability of calcium from different sources; effects of supplementation on calcium status and health outcomes
Outcomes reported
The chapter synthesises current knowledge on calcium's biochemical function, physiological requirements across the lifespan, dietary sources, consequences of deficiency, and evidence for supplementation strategies.
Topic tags
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