calcium

Calcium is a mineral that is found in your bones and teeth. It is also important for your muscles, blood, and nerves. Calcium helps your bones to grow strong and healthy. It also helps your blood to clot and your nerves to send messages.

Here are some of the things that calcium does in your body:

• Builds strong bones and teeth
• Helps blood to clot
• Sends messages from your brain to your body
• Helps muscles to contract
• Regulates the heartbeat

Here are some foods that are good sources of calcium:

• Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yoghurt
• Dark green leafy vegetables, such as broccoli and kale
• Tofu
• Sardines
• Salmon

If you don't get enough calcium, you may develop health problems, such as:

• Osteoporosis, which is a condition that makes your bones weak and brittle
• Rickets, which is a condition that affects the growth of bones in children
• Tooth decay

The body needs calcium to build strong bones and teeth.