GLOSSARY

Bone Calcium is calcium in the mineralized skeleton, contributing to strength and a regulated reservoir.

Most body calcium is in bones and teeth; a smaller pool supports signaling, contraction, secretion and coagulation. Bone strength also depends on energy, protein, vitamin D, hormones and mechanical loading. For an athlete at risk of bone stress injury, the whole nutrition and training context matters more than assuming one calcium tablet provides complete protection against injury.

Parathyroid hormone, active vitamin D, kidneys and bone regulate blood calcium. With chronically inadequate intake, blood may remain normal while bone bears part of the cost. One serum test therefore cannot establish positive or negative calcium balance. Growth, pregnancy, disease and hormonal status matter. A calcium-to-phosphorus ratio alone cannot replace evaluating the adequacy of each nutrient and the wider bone-health context.

Dairy, fortified plant drinks, calcium-set tofu and fish eaten with bones can supply calcium, but amounts and uptake differ. Check fortification and shaking instructions; plant drinks are not all enriched. Athletes avoiding dairy need an actual replacement assessed by consumed portions. A white beverage or adequate protein content does not guarantee calcium adequacy within the daily diet.