Calcium and Magnesium: Bone Health and Metabolism

This topic delves into the critical roles of calcium and magnesium in human physiology, with a focus on bone health, nerve function, and enzymatic reactions. For Zambian tertiary students in nutrition, it is essential to understand that calcium is the primary mineral in bones and teeth, requiring constant dietary intake to prevent bone loss, especially in vulnerable groups. Students will learn about dietary sources beyond dairy, such as dark green leafy vegetables, crucial for lactose-intolerant populations. Magnesium's role as a cofactor in hundreds of enzymatic processes and its distribution in the body will also be covered. This knowledge is vital for addressing osteoporosis risk, managing electrolyte balance, and providing accurate dietary advice in clinical and public health settings in Zambia, forming a core part of the mineral nutrition syllabus for diplomas and degrees.