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Calcium, essential for health

Emilio Martínez de Victoria1

  • 1Departamento de Fisiología. Instituto de Nutrición y Tecnología de Alimentos "José Mataix". Centro de Investigación Biomédica. Universidad de Granada. Granada. emiliom@ugr.es.

Nutricion Hospitalaria
|August 31, 2016
PubMed
Summary

Adequate calcium intake is crucial for skeletal and regulatory functions. Low calcium intake, particularly in older Spanish adults, is linked to various health issues like osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.

Keywords:
Calcio. Ingestas recomendadas. Cáncer. Osteoporosis. Biodisponibilidad.

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Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Human Physiology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Calcium (Ca) is the most abundant mineral, comprising ~2% of body weight, vital for skeletal structure and cellular regulatory functions.
  • Bone mineralization relies on calcium, phosphate, and magnesium, necessitating adequate dietary intake of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D.
  • Ionic calcium (Ca2+) is essential for numerous cellular functions, requiring tight regulation of plasma concentrations to prevent hypocalcemia or hypercalcemia.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the critical roles of calcium in the human body, from skeletal integrity to cellular regulation.
  • To examine calcium intake patterns in the Spanish population, focusing on vulnerable groups like older adults and women.
  • To explore the relationship between dietary calcium intake and the risk of developing chronic diseases such as osteoporosis, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and obesity.

Main Methods:

  • Review of physiological and dietary factors influencing calcium bioavailability.
  • Analysis of existing studies linking dietary calcium intake with various health outcomes.
  • Identification of primary dietary sources of calcium within different dietary patterns, including the Mediterranean diet.

Main Results:

  • Significant percentages of the Spanish population, especially older adults and women, exhibit low calcium intake.
  • Milk and dairy products are the primary dietary sources of calcium.
  • Green leafy vegetables, fruits, and legumes can contribute significantly to calcium intake within a Mediterranean dietary pattern.

Conclusions:

  • Ensuring adequate calcium intake is essential for public health, particularly for older adults and women in Spain.
  • Dietary strategies should emphasize calcium-rich foods, considering bioavailability factors.
  • Insufficient calcium intake is associated with an increased risk of major chronic diseases, underscoring the importance of dietary calcium.