The most abundant mineral in the body is calcium.
Calcium plays a vital role in the growth and maintenance of strong bones, gums, and teeth.
This mineral helps prevent osteoporosis in adults and rickets in children. Efficient contraction of muscles, including the heart, is dependent on adequate calcium. Normal blood clotting, healthy nerve impulse transmission and maintenance of normal blood pressure rely on calcium as well. Calcium may decrease heart disease and when taken with vitamin D may decrease the incidence of colorectal cancer. Female athletes and menopausal women also require higher amounts of calcium due to a decreased amount of estrogen.