The Effects of Calcium Supplementation on the Human Body Charlie Ryan
Abstract: The usage of calcium supplementation for the purpose of treating or preventing Osteoporosis has been studied to determine its efficacy and harmful side effects. The purpose of this article is to review these studies and call for further research into the effects of calcium supplements. Introduction: Calcium plays a number of important roles in physiology, pathology, and especially as a structural component for bones.1 It is used in the processes of blood-clotting, muscle contraction, regulation of heart rhythms, and nerve functions.2 The body can attain calcium by either ingesting it through food and supplements or by removing calcium from the bones.2 The loss of bone mineral density (BMD) and the loss of muscle function are major causes of osteoporotic fractures, which are associated with disability, increased morbidity and a twenty percent increased mortality.3 Osteoporosis remains a common problem. Approximately forty percent of women aged fifty are expected to have an osteoporotic fracture in the remainder of their life.4 For years, a certain calcium and Vitamin D balance has been considered necessary for maintaining a healthy bone metabolism and for treating, as well as preventing, osteoporosis.3 There has been evidence that supplemental approaches to calcium, especially for those who receive inadequate amounts of it, may benefit bone mass and reduce fracture risk.5 Recent studies have, however, questioned the efficacy of calcium supplements.3 Moreover, further evidence
suggests possible gastrointestinal side effects, increased risk of kidney stones, and potential negative cardiovascular effects from calcium supplementation.3 Efficacy of Calcium Supplements: As a person ages, bones go through a remodeling process where they are repeatedly broken down and built up. 2 Osteoblast bone cells will continuously build bone up while osteoclast bone cells will constantly break bone down if calcium is needed in other parts of the body. 2 A typical healthy person will produce more bone than they lose until about the age of thirty, when they will have a negative calcium balance which can lead to bone loss and thus higher fragility in bones.2 Figure 1 depicts the negative feedback loop of calcium in the body.
Figure 1: A visual depiction of how the body regulates calcium levels. Note the effects of calcium levels on osteoclasts.2 Several studies have been performed to determine whether calcium supplementation has been shown to reduce the risk of osteoporotic fractures. Its effects when combined with Vitamin D supplemental intake may differ, as having 27
