Calcium

Calcium is a mineral classified as a major element, as it is present in quantities of more than 50 mg per kilogram of body weight. With a body content of 1–1.1 kg, calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body. 99 percent of the calcium present in the body is found in bones and teeth – calcium gives them stability and strength. Bones also serve as a storage depot: in times of deficiency, calcium can be mobilized to support other vital functions. Additionally, calcium facilitates blood clotting, muscle and nerve signaling, and the activation of specific enzymes and hormones.
Calcium is found primarily in milk and dairy products and is therefore also present in significant quantities in cheese. The recommended daily intake for adults is 1,000 mg; this could be achieved, for example, by eating just under 100 g of Allgäuer Emmentaler. To ensure optimal calcium absorption, the body also needs an adequate supply of vitamin D, which is also present in cheese.