The Importance of Calcium Absorption for Bone Health
Calcium Absorption FAQ
How does calcium absorption occur?
Calcium absorption occurs by an active, carrier-dependent process and a passive, paracellular process. The active process is vitamin-D-dependent, but the passive process is not.
How effective is calcium absorption?
Calcium absorption is moderately efficient in humans, with 35% of dietary intake typically being absorbed. The transfer of calcium across the intestinal barrier occurs through both saturable (presumably transcellular) and nonsaturable (presumably paracellular diffusion) pathways.
How does calcium absorption vary by type of food?
Calcium absorption varies by type of food. The absorption of calcium from dairy products and fortified foods is about 30% [ 1 ]. Certain compounds in plants (e.g., oxalic acid, phytic acid) can decrease calcium absorption by forming indigestible salts with calcium, decreasing its absorption [ 3 ].
What is the relationship between calcium intake and absorption?
An inverse relationship exists between calcium intake and absorption. Absorption of calcium from food is about 45% at intakes of 200 mg/day but only 15% when intakes are higher than 2,000 mg/day [ 6 ]. Age can also affect absorption of dietary calcium [ 1, 4 ].
How is calcium absorbed in the gastrointestinal system?
Calcium must be ingested endogenously, and absorption in the gastrointestinal system is influenced by hormones PTH and calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D). Serum calcium can be measured by a venous sample, with physiologic levels ranging from 8.8 mg/dL to 10.4 mg/dL for total calcium and 4.7 mg/dL to 5.2 mg/dL for ionized calcium.
Calcium Absorption References
If you want to know more about Calcium Absorption, consider exploring links below:
What Is Calcium Absorption
- https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/calcium-intake-and-absorption
- https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/calcium-HealthProfessional/
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/calcium-supplements/art-20047097
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/calcium-absorption
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6844170/
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/calcium/
- https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/calcium/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/calcium
Calcium Absorption Information
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