Calcium

Calcium is a mineral that is essential for life. It is naturally found in many foods, such as dairy products, leafy green vegetables, and fish. It is also added to some foods and is available as a dietary supplement.

Calcium is added to foods to increase their calcium content, which is important for bone health. It is often found in fortified foods like cereals, orange juice, and plant-based milk alternatives. It can also act as a firming agent in some processed fruits and vegetables.

Calcium is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a nutrient. The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine have established a tolerable upper intake level (UL) for calcium. JECFA and EFSA have evaluated calcium and set acceptable daily intakes. Adequate calcium intake is important for bone health throughout life. High doses from supplements may be linked to certain health issues, but evidence is mixed.