[Calcium and chronic diseases]

H Yang1, L Z Huang

  • 1Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Tongji Medical University, Wuhan 430030.

Insights

This review explores how calcium homeostasis impacts chronic diseases like hypertension, atherosclerosis, tumors, and osteoporosis. It also covers optimal calcium intake and risks of excessive dietary calcium.

Area of Science:

  • Physiology
  • Biochemistry
  • Nutrition Science

Context:

  • Calcium is vital for numerous physiological processes.
  • Disruptions in calcium homeostasis are linked to various chronic diseases.
  • Understanding calcium's role is crucial for disease prevention and management.

Purpose:

  • To review the relationship between calcium and chronic diseases.
  • To highlight calcium's involvement in hypertension, atherosclerosis, tumors, and bone disorders.
  • To provide guidance on appropriate daily calcium intake and potential adverse effects.

Summary:

  • This review examines the multifaceted role of calcium in human health.
  • It details the connection between abnormal calcium homeostasis and chronic conditions such as cardiovascular diseases (hypertension, atherosclerosis), tumors, osteoporosis, and osseous hyperostosis.
  • The article also addresses optimal daily calcium intake recommendations and the health risks associated with high-calcium diets.

Impact:

  • Provides insights into calcium's role in common chronic diseases.
  • Informs on optimal calcium intake for health maintenance.
  • Raises awareness about the adverse effects of excessive calcium consumption.

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