Calcium is a silver-white soft metal that is used in a variety of different places, especially

the human body, which requires calcium to circulate blood, move muscles, and release
hormones. It has a boiling point of 1,484℃ and a melting point of 842℃. Calcium can be found
in dairy products; dark green vegetables such as kale and spinach; white beans; and sardines.
Calcium is also used as limestone (calcium carbonate), directly for building, and quicklime
(calcium oxide), can react with water to make cement, soil conditioner, and even water treatment
to reduce acidity. Calcium reacts with water to produce hydrogen gas and calcium hydroxide.
When heating, calcium reacts with hydrogen, boron, sulfur, carbon and phosphorus.

Calcium is particularly important for the growth of teeth and bones. For example,
calcium phosphate is the main component of the bone. Almost all calcium is stored in your bones
and teeth, so if the body is not getting enough calcium, it will take calcium from your bones and
teeth. But, cannot be absorbed into the body without vitamin D. Vitamin D can be found in foods
such as salmon eggs and mushrooms, and direct sunshine.

How much is too little, or too much calcium? Adults are recommended to have 1,000 mg of
calcium everyday, and 1,200 mg for women over 50 and pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Symptoms such as constipation, bloating and gas are evident when the body is getting too much
calcium. Extra calcium can also increase the risk of kidney stones and hypercalcemia. A lack of
calcium can cause osteoporosis, which is a bone disease where the body loses too much bone, or
makes too little bone, which can cause the bones to be too frail or fragile. Children who don’t get
enough calcium may not grow to their full potential height, and develop other health issues in the
future.