EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Calcium as a nutrient is most commonly associated with the formation and metabolism of bone. Over 99 percent of total body calcium is found as calcium hydroxyapatite (Ca10[PO4]6[OH]2) in bones and teeth, where it provides hard tissue with its strength.

Detailed explanation-2: -Phosphorus. More than half the mass of bone mineral is comprised of phosphorus, which combines with calcium to form hydroxyapatite crystals. In addition to this structural role, osteoblastic activity relies heavily on local phosphate concentrations in the bone matrix (13, 38).

Detailed explanation-3: -Ossification begins as mesenchymal cells form a template of the future bone. They then differentiate into osteoblasts at the ossification center. Osteoblasts secrete the extracellular matrix and deposit calcium, which hardens the matrix.

Detailed explanation-4: -The process of bone formation requires an adequate and constant supply of nutrients, such as calcium, protein, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin D, potassium, and fluoride.

Detailed explanation-5: -Calcium is the major component of the bone, where it is present at more than 99% as calcium-phosphate complexes, and provides the skeleton strength and structure, making the bone a metabolic reservoir to maintain the intra-and extra-cellular calcium pool.