Skeletal minerals

Skeleton (bones) are a living organ. The bone stores 99% of the body's calcium and 85% of the phosphorus. It is very important to keep the blood level of calcium within a narrow range. If blood calcium gets too high or too low, the muscles and nerves will not function.

Skeleton gives the body its shape, allows movement, makes blood cells, provides protection for organs and stores minerals. Bones are constantly being remodeled with old bone being resorbed and new bone being formed.

The weight of mineral per volume of bone is the Bone Mineral Density. Bone density refers to how much calcium and other minerals are present in a section of human bone. Bone density is highest between ages 25 and 35. It goes down as human get older. This can result in brittle, fragile bones that can break easily, even without a fall or other injury.

Calcium needs vary with age. People can get the recommended daily amount of calcium by eating a healthy diet that includes a variety of calcium-rich foods. Milk, yogurt, cheese, and other dairy products are the biggest food sources of calcium.

Other key minerals needed by bones: phosphorus, magnesium, zinc. Phosphorus main function of is in the formation of bones and teeth. Phosphorus deficiency results in rickets and stunted growth in children and osteomalcia in adults.

Primarily found in bone crystals; magnesium improves bone strength. Older adults are more likely to be deficient in magnesium.

Zinc is an essential mineral that is required for normal skeletal growth and bone homeostasis. Furthermore, zinc appears to be able to promote bone regeneration.
Skeletal minerals