An Evidence-Based Monograph on Calcium: From Elemental Properties to Clinical Controversies

Section 1: Identification and Physicochemical Profile

This section establishes the fundamental identity of calcium, grounding the subsequent pharmacological and clinical discussion in its basic chemical and physical nature. Calcium, as both a fundamental element and a therapeutic agent, possesses a unique profile that dictates its handling, reactivity, and biological function.

1.1 Nomenclature and Identification

The subject of this monograph is the chemical element Calcium, which is identified in pharmaceutical and chemical databases by a set of unique identifiers. In the DrugBank database, it is classified as a small molecule with the accession number DB01373.[1] The Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) has assigned it the registration number 7440-70-2, which specifically refers to the elemental form of calcium.[2]

The element is known by several synonyms across different languages and contexts, including "Calcium, elemental," "Elemental calcium," "Calcio" (Spanish), and "Kalzium" (German).[1] In chemical and industrial settings, it is commonly referred to as "Calcium Metal".[4] Its European Community (EC) number is 231-179-5.[2] While the DrugBank entry DB01373 refers to the therapeutic entity, the CAS number 7440-70-2 pertains to the pure element itself. This distinction is important, as the therapeutic applications invariably involve calcium salts rather than the highly reactive elemental metal.

1.2 Atomic and Chemical Properties

Calcium's position in the periodic table defines its chemical behavior. It is an alkaline earth metal, located in Group 2 and Period 4, and belongs to the s-block elements.[9] Its properties are characteristic of the heavier elements in its group, including strontium and barium.[9]