Contractions in vertebrate smooth muscle are initiated by agents that increase intracellular calcium.

Sodium causes fluid retention and increases calcium in the urine.

These effects can increase calcium (by 750%, with 85% available for absorption), iron, copper and zinc.

Furthermore, any agent increasing intracellular calcium may cause activation of some forms of PLA.

By increasing intracellular calcium as described below, cardiac glycosides increase calcium-induced calcium release and thus contraction.

Using less water when reconstituting dry milk and adding nonfat dry milk powder to other drinks and foods are excellent ways to increase calcium.

Finally, yet another EP isoform couples to G, which both decreases cAMP and increases calcium.

Taking calcium supplements is another way to increase calcium in your diet.

Taking estrogen pills along with large amounts of calcium might increase calcium in the body too much.

As a channel, it conducts calcium and monovalent cations to depolarize cells and increase intracellular calcium.