Vitamins And Minerals: Calcium

Calcium is an essential mineral naturally found in foods like dairy products, leafy greens, and some fish. In packaged foods, it's often added as a purified mineral compound, such as calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, or calcium phosphate, derived from mineral sources.

Manufacturers add calcium primarily to fortify foods with this essential nutrient, helping consumers meet their daily needs. Depending on the specific calcium compound used, it can also function as a firming agent, leavening agent, or anti-caking agent in products like fortified cereals, plant-based milks, and some baked goods.

Calcium is an essential mineral for strong bones and teeth, and it plays a role in nerve and muscle function. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognizes various calcium compounds as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use as nutrients and other functional purposes in food. JECFA has evaluated several calcium compounds and, for many, concluded that an acceptable daily intake (ADI) does not need to be specified due to their low toxicity. The US National Academies have set Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (ULs) for calcium to prevent adverse effects from excessive intake, such as constipation or interference with other mineral absorption.