Calcium citrate, Ca(C₆H₅O₇)₂(MW = 498.5 amu), is a common dietary supplement to provide calcium needed for strong teeth and bones.
a. Look up the recommended daily dietary intake of calcium for adult men and premenopausal women.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the problem. The question asks for the recommended daily dietary intake of calcium for adult men and premenopausal women. This is a conceptual question requiring reference to nutritional guidelines.
2. Step 2: Recognize that calcium is an essential mineral for bone health and other physiological functions. The recommended daily intake (RDI) varies by age, gender, and life stage.
3. Step 3: Consult reliable sources such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or the Dietary Guidelines for Americans to find the RDI for calcium. For adult men (ages 19–70), the RDI is typically 1,000 mg/day. For premenopausal women (ages 19–50), the RDI is also 1,000 mg/day.
4. Step 4: Note that these values are general recommendations and may vary slightly depending on the source or specific health conditions.
5. Step 5: Use this information to calculate the amount of calcium citrate supplement needed to meet the RDI, if required. For example, determine how much calcium is provided by a given mass of calcium citrate using its molecular weight and the proportion of calcium in the compound.

Key Concepts

Calcium's Role in the Body

Calcium is an essential mineral that plays a critical role in various bodily functions, including the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth, muscle contraction, and nerve transmission. It is vital for blood clotting and helps in the release of hormones and enzymes that are important for many bodily processes.

Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)

The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is a guideline that indicates the daily intake level of a nutrient considered sufficient to meet the requirements of most healthy individuals. For calcium, the RDA varies by age and gender, with specific recommendations for adult men and premenopausal women to ensure adequate intake for bone health.

Calcium Sources and Supplements

Calcium can be obtained from various dietary sources, including dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods. For individuals who may not get enough calcium from their diet, supplements like calcium citrate can be used. Understanding the bioavailability and absorption of different calcium forms is important for effective supplementation.