The main function of calcium is the development and maintenance of healthy bones and teeth. Bone is made up of cells and fiber embedded in a mineral matrix, which is mostly crystals of calcium phosphate. One form of bone calcium is bound tightly within the bone and the other is easily removed to maintain blood levels. Calcium is removed from the tightly bound part of the bone only when the more mobile stores are exhausted and dietary intake is inadequate. Increasing calcium may normalise heart rhythm in arrhythmia sufferers.
Calcium also aids in the release of neurotransmitters which carry messages between nerve cells.
It has been found that people whose diets are low in calcium are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure. The effects of a mother's high calcium diet during pregnancy may also be passed on to her children who will be less likely to suffer from high blood pressure. There is currently an ongoing debate as to whether these calcium channel blockers increase the risk of heart attacks. It is also involved in the control of blood cholesterol levels. Increased calcium may lower blood cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of developing premature heart disease.