Calcium Ca Atomic Number: 20 Atomic Weight: 40.078 ______________________________________________________________________________ Human Physiology: - 5th most abundant element - crucial to heart, nerve, muscle function - necessary for bone strength - RDA for women is 20mcg/day , men require less Sources: - Dairy products - Green leafy vegetables - Salmon, sardines, shellfish - Dried beans - Almonds, Brazil nuts Deficiency: - Osteoporosis - Tetany - Spasms - Cramps - Rickets (children) - Slow growth Excess: - Muscle weakness - Constipation - Stone in urinary tract - Interferes with iron absorption - Heart block