Calcium is an essential mineral that is present in the body. It is present in the bones and is vital for numerous mechanisms. Calcium is vital for strong bones, teeth, hormone secretion, and the health of central nervous system. It is useful for muscles, blood vessels, coagulation, cardiovascular system, and it assists in movement of the sperms into an egg during fertilization. The body constantly needs calcium replenishment through dietary sources and a lack of it manifests in the form of symptoms like muscle twitches and aches, palpitations and high blood pressure, premenstrual cramps, gum diseases, arthritis, osteoporosis, and insomnia. Calcium forms two percent of a person’s body weight and a person generally keeps building bone mass until the age of mid-thirties. Consuming a diet rich in calcium ensures good bone development till mid-thirties and later on, it can reduce the speed of bone mass decay. For those who are deficient in calcium, doctors might prescribe calcium supplementation in the form of medications like calcium acetate, calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, and others. Increased levels of calcium or hypercalcemia is linked to the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. With increased serum calcium levels, there is increased insulin resistance. On the contrary, people with low calcium levels (hypocalcemia) and low vitamin D, there is increase in blood sugar levels. Supplementation of vitamin D and calcium has beneficial effects on glucose metabolism. Calcium supplementation and intake in diet should be optimum in order to achieve optimum glycemic control.
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