Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2026

A Calcium Phosphate-Induced Mouse Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Model
Published on: November 18, 2022
Hypochlorhydric stomach: a risk condition for calcium malabsorption and osteoporosis?
Pentti Sipponen1, Matti Härkönen
1Repolar Oy, Espoo, Finland. pentti.sipponen@repolar.com
Abstract:
Malabsorption of dietary calcium is a cause of osteoporosis. Dissolution of calcium salts (e.g. calcium carbonate) in the stomach is one step in the proper active and passive absorption of calcium as a calcium ion (Ca(2+)) in the proximal small intestine. Stomach acid markedly increases dissolution and ionization of poorly soluble calcium salts. If acid is not properly secreted, calcium salts are minimally dissolved (ionized) and, subsequently, may not be properly and effectively absorbed. Atrophic gastritis, gastric surgery, and high-dose, long-term use of antisecretory drugs markedly reduce acid secretion and may, therefore, be risk conditions for malabsorption of dietary and supplementary calcium, and may thereby increase the risk of osteoporosis in the long term.
Related Concept Videos
Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Skeleton and Calcium Homeostasis
Introduction to Electrolytes
Role of Sodium
One...
Esophageal Achalasia
Hormones and Bone Tissue
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
Other Disorders of Digestive System