Use of Calcium Isotopic Tracers To Determine Factors That Perturb Calcium Metabolism

Abstract

Calcium plays an important role in maintaining bone health. Ensuring adequate calcium intake throughout life is essential for reaching greater peak bone mass in young adulthood and lowering osteoporotic fracture risk when aging. Calcium homeostasis involves a complex interaction between three organ systems: intestine, kidney, and bone. Metabolic balance plus kinetic studies using calcium isotopic tracers can estimate calcium metabolism parameters and pinpoint how organs and processes are perturbed by internal and external modifiers. Both modifiable factors (e.g., vitamin D supplementations and dietary bioactives) and non-modifiable factors (e.g., age, sex, and race) influence calcium utilization. Current evidence suggests that prebiotic fibers may offer an alternative approach to enhance calcium absorption through altering gut microbiota to ultimately improve bone health.

Effects of Dietary Colostrum Basic Protein on Bone Growth and Calcium Absorption in Mice

“…The bone matrix contains 70% inorganic mineral salts, which contribute to the rigidity of bone. Calcium is the key element in bone mineral salts, and the balance of calcium metabolism in the body is of great significance for the maintenance of bone health [ 9 ]. Stable serum calcium levels ensure normal physiological activities of the body.…”

“…Optimizing calcium and protein intake during the growth process increases bone formation in the early stage of bone development so that the body can obtain the best peak bone mass and strength. As the main inorganic component of bone, calcium plays an irreplaceable role in the human body [8,9]; 99% of the body's calcium is stored in the bones in the form of hydroxyapatite, which contributes to their strength. The body's serum calcium concentration is usually stable, and fluctuation triggers the regulation of calcium metabolism with the deposition or release of bone calcium and the absorption of Nutrients 2024, 16, 664 2 of 13 calcium [10,11].…”

Preparation of synbiotic milk powder and its effect on calcium absorption and the bone microstructure in calcium deficient mice

“…Calcium loss can be offset by ensuring an adequate daily intake of dietary calcium, which is essential in maintaining greater peak bone mass. 5,6 Compared to traditional calcium-only preparations, dietary calcium has the advantage of having fewer side effects and can be absorbed more efficiently by the body. 7 Therefore, lots of recent studies have focused on developing an efficient and convenient dietary calcium supplement.…”