Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) Practice Exam 2026 – All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

Calcium is widely recognized as an essential mineral for bone health. It plays a crucial role in the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth. Approximately 99% of the calcium in the human body is stored in the bones and teeth, which highlights its fundamental importance to skeletal structure and integrity.

Calcium is necessary for the process of bone mineralization, where it combines with phosphorus to form hydroxyapatite, the mineral complex that gives bones their rigidity and strength. Inadequate calcium intake can lead to diminished bone density, making bones more susceptible to fractures and conditions such as osteoporosis.

While other minerals, such as magnesium and zinc, also contribute to overall bone health and play supporting roles in various biological processes, they do not have the same direct impact on bone structure as calcium. Iron, although important for other bodily functions like oxygen transport in the blood, is not directly linked to bone health. Hence, calcium stands out as the primary mineral essential for maintaining bone health.