Calcium is a major element in the body and an adult man of 60 kg has nearly 1 kg of Ca, most it is present in bones. An important function of Ca is in the formation of bone. Though small in quantity, non-skeletal Ca has an important role to play in neuromuscular excitation, blood coagulation, membrane permeability and so on. About 20-30% of the Ca in the diet is absorbed and such absorption is greatly facilitated by vitamin D.
The utilization of dietary calcium in human subjects varies from 15 to 20% depending on age and physiological state. Additional Ca is required during growth for skeletal development and during lactation for milk secretion. The daily calcium requirements recommended by (ICMR) Nutrition Expert Group are as follows:
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