Mechanisms Involved in the Relationship between Low Calcium Intake and High Blood Pressure

Abstract

There is increasing epidemiologic and animal evidence that a low calcium diet increases blood pressure. The aim of this review is to compile the information on the link between low calcium intake and blood pressure. Calcium intake may regulate blood pressure by modifying intracellular calcium in vascular smooth muscle cells and by varying vascular volume through the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system. Low calcium intake produces a rise of parathyroid gland activity. The parathyroid hormone increases intracellular calcium in vascular smooth muscles resulting in vasoconstriction. Parathyroidectomized animals did not show an increase in blood pressure when fed a low calcium diet as did sham-operated animals. Low calcium intake also increases the synthesis of calcitriol in a direct manner or mediated by parathyroid hormone (PTH). Calcitriol increases intracellular calcium in vascular smooth muscle cells. Both low calcium intake and PTH may stimulate renin release and consequently angiotensin II and aldosterone synthesis. We are willing with this review to promote discussions and contributions to achieve a better understanding of these mechanisms, and if required, the design of future studies.

Micronutrient-rich dietary intake is associated with a reduction in the effects of particulate matter on blood pressure among electronic waste recyclers at Agbogbloshie, Ghana

“…This study found that dietary Ca intake was associated with reduced SBP and PP. This is consistent with other studies that examined dietary antioxidant intake and its relationship with BP [72][73][74][75][76]. However, in a doubleblinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial, the intake of Ca-rich diet reduced DBP but not SBP [26,77].…”

Association between pre-pregnancy calcium intake and hypertensive disorders during the first pregnancy: the Japan environment and children’s study

“…The parathyroid gland secretes parathyroid hormone and the parathyroid factor. Both mediators increase cytosolic free Ca concentration, leading to the contraction of vascular smooth muscle tissue [ 31 ]. Therefore, Ca intake may affect smooth muscle function on utero-placental flow.…”

Calcium Intake and Health

“…Blood pressure is regulated by intracellular calcium in vascular smooth muscle cells, through vasoconstriction and variations of the vascular volume [51,52]. Low calcium intake seems to trigger both mechanisms, raising plasma parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, that increase intracellular calcium directly or through calcitriol activation, and stimulating the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone signalling pathway that produces sodium and water reabsorption, thus increasing the vascular volume [42,52,53,54,55]. Parathyroidectomized rats in comparison with sham-operated rats did not show an increase in blood pressure after 10 weeks of a calcium-free diet [54].…”