What does low calcium mean
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Understanding Low Calcium Levels: Implications and Health Risks
Low Calcium Intake and Bone Health
Low calcium intake is a significant concern for bone health. Calcium is essential for bone mineralization, and insufficient intake can lead to decreased bone mineral density (BMD), increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Studies have shown that populations with low calcium intake, such as those in many Asian countries, exhibit lower BMD and higher rates of osteoporosis1 6. This is particularly evident in older adults, where calcium intake below 400 mg/day is associated with significantly lower BMD in the lumbar spine and femoral neck6.
Health Benefits of Adequate Calcium Intake
Adequate calcium intake has numerous health benefits beyond bone health. It can reduce the risk of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy, lower blood pressure, prevent osteoporosis, and reduce the risk of colorectal adenomas2. Additionally, sufficient calcium intake during pregnancy can lead to lower blood pressure in offspring2. These benefits highlight the importance of maintaining adequate calcium levels through diet or supplementation.
Calcium and Chronic Diseases
Low calcium intake is linked to several chronic diseases. It is a risk factor for osteoporosis, colorectal and breast cancer, and hypertension3 4 5. The mechanisms involve the extracellular calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR), which plays a crucial role in various cellular processes. Impaired Ca2+/CaSR signaling can lead to inadequate bone formation, tumor progression, and hypertension3. Furthermore, low calcium intake can increase the risk of cardiovascular events and disease outcomes3.
Calcium and Mortality
Low plasma ionized calcium levels are associated with increased all-cause mortality, including cancer-related deaths8. Each 0.1 mmol/L decrease in plasma ionized calcium below the median level significantly raises the risk of mortality8. This underscores the critical role of calcium in overall health and longevity.
Socioeconomic and Geographic Disparities
There are significant disparities in calcium intake based on socioeconomic status and geographic location. Populations in low-income countries and regions such as Africa, South America, and parts of Asia often have lower calcium intake compared to high-income countries1 2. This disparity is partly due to differences in dietary habits and availability of calcium-rich foods. For instance, in the U.S., milk and dairy products are major sources of dietary calcium, contributing significantly to the overall intake9.
Strategies to Improve Calcium Intake
To address low calcium intake, strategies such as food fortification and dietary supplementation are recommended. Fortifying foods and water with calcium can help bridge the gap between high- and low-income populations2. Additionally, biofortification of crops with calcium is a promising approach to enhance calcium intake in regions with low dietary calcium4.
Conclusion
Low calcium intake poses significant health risks, including poor bone health, increased risk of chronic diseases, and higher mortality rates. Addressing this issue requires targeted strategies to improve calcium intake, particularly in low-income and high-risk populations. Ensuring adequate calcium intake through diet, supplementation, and food fortification can lead to substantial health benefits and reduce the burden of calcium-related health issues.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Global dietary calcium intake among adults: a systematic review
Many countries have low average calcium intake, with Northern Europe having the highest intake, but recent, nationally representative data is mostly lacking.
Systematic Review
Rigorous Journal
Highly CitedCalcium Intake and Health
Increasing calcium intake to 400-500 mg/day can reduce blood pressure, reduce osteoporosis risk, and lower cholesterol levels, with potential benefits for both rich and poor populations.
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedCalcium Nutrition and Extracellular Calcium Sensing: Relevance for the Pathogenesis of Osteoporosis, Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases
Calcium malnutrition contributes to osteoporosis, cancer, hypertension, and vascular calcification, with impaired Ca2+/CaSR signaling potentially contributing to these chronic diseases.
Systematic ReviewRigorous JournalHighly CitedCalcium storage in plants and the implications for calcium biofortification
Understanding calcium storage and transport in plants is crucial for effective biofortification strategies, enhancing human intake and crop quality.
Highly CitedMolecular mechanisms triggered by low-calcium diets
Low calcium intake can lead to osteoporosis, hypertension, and colorectal cancer, while high calcium intake can facilitate weight loss and reduce blood pressure.
Interactions between dietary calcium intake and bone mineral density or bone geometry in a low calcium intake population (KNHANES IV 2008-2010).
Low calcium intake is significantly related to low bone mineral density and increased risk of osteoporosis, but sufficient vitamin D levels may compensate for these negative effects on bone.
Observational StudyRigorous JournalHighly CitedImpact of calcium and vitamin D insufficiencies on serum parathyroid hormone and bone mineral density: Analysis of the fourth and fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES IV‐3, 2009 and KNHANES V‐1, 2010)
Low calcium intake significantly impacts serum parathyroid hormone and bone mineral density, and cannot be compensated for with higher vitamin D levels alone.
Observational StudyVery Rigorous JournalHighly CitedLow plasma ionized calcium is associated with increased mortality: a population-based study of 106,768 individuals.
Low plasma ionized calcium is associated with increased all-cause, cancer, and other mortality, while high levels are associated with increased cardiovascular mortality in the general population.
Observational StudyVery Rigorous JournalConsumption of calcium in the U.S.: food sources and intake levels.
U.S. women generally consume less than optimal calcium intake, with 50% from milk and milk products, 20% from grains, and 30% from meat, poultry, fish, vegetables, fruits, eggs, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
Highly CitedImpact of low serum calcium at hospital admission on SARS-CoV-2 infection outcome
Hypocalcemia is common in hospitalized SARS-CoV-2 patients and can predict worse outcomes, but no differences in mortality rates were found between groups.
Observational Study