ByDr. Kimberly Balas

Understanding Calcium

Not solid or static – they are living tissue that is continually renewedStore mineralsBuild white and red blood cellsProtect brain, spinal column and internal organs from injury

Osteoclasts are cells that break down boneOsteoblasts are cells that build boneRepairs to injured bones are done much like repaving a roadInjured bone is constantly being removed and replaced

Kidney contributes to structural integrityKidney filters phosphorus out of the bloodVitamin D circulation in the blood is controlled by kidneyOsteoclasts release calcium, phosphorus and other minerals from the bone structure into bloodWhen bone “dismantling” cells increase in activity and the bone “building” cells do not increase, kidney handles the offset in the bloodChronic Kidney Disease can shut down the production of new bone “building” which causes parathyroid to attempt to prevent this and hormones are thrown off.

Macro MineralsCalciumMagnesiumPhosphorusSodiumChloridePotassiumSulphur

Trace MineralsIronMolybdenumCopperZincFluorideSeleniumChromiumSilicaManganeseIodineCobalt

Most abundant mineral in the bodyEssential to maintaining total body healthNeeded for mineralization of bones and teethCalcium and phosphorus join to form calcium phosphate, a major component of the mineral complex (called hydroxyapatite) that gives structure and strength to bones

Is also critical for controlling the beat of the heart - contractionRole in cellular communicationHelps with blood clottingNerve conduction

Muscle contractionRegulation of enzyme activityRegulatory systems tightly control the amount of calcium in the blood for bioavailabilityIf not available in the blood the body will draw from bone stores

Absorbed in the small intestineNot all calcium we consume will be absorbedThe amount of calcium absorbed is dependent on a number of factors:

Acidic condition in the intestinesVitamin D levelsEstrogen level Type of calcium supplement

Will lead to:Calculus on teethCalcium depositsBone breakage

Will predispose to:ArthritisGoutCancerComplicated arterial lesionsHigh blood pressure

Phosphorus x 2.5 = Predicted CalciumSerum Calcium – Predicted Calcium = Free Calcium Risk Factor

Risk Index Correlation Disease Risk

.1-.8 Little to no dental plaque

Lowest risk

.9-1.4 Mild plaque/calcification

Slightly increased

1.5-2.1 Moderate plaque Moderate

2.2 Heavy plaque and calcification

Extreme risk

Predictor of excess free calciumReflects the sum total of organic anions (alkaline buffers) plus albumin relative to total calcium

Excess of Ca can actually lower pHLow Ca can be associated with cancer risk (it’s more typically a deficiency in protein)Excess free Ca increases cancer risk

Most Americans are deficient in organic anions and/or they are not metabolizing protein correctly leading to unhealthy calcificationsCalcium carbonate has to be bound to a different organic anion or to protein

If calcium can’t be bound, it ends up as free calciumExcess free calcium predisposes to:

Hardened arteriesOsteoarthritisCalculus on teethCancer

You really can’t know without a blood chemistry testThere is 7 times more calcium than magnesium in our dietary intakeSome people have plenty of calcium, they just need to push that calcium into their bonesSome people just need more protein or need to improve protein metabolism

Calcium is bound to casein. Humans don’t have the enzymes to separate casein from calcium like calvesCow’s milk is too high in phosphorus, not enough magnesiumPasteurization binds calcium to phosphorus forming calcium phosphate, which is difficult to assimilate. It also destroys nutrients that help in calcium assimilation.

Cultured dairy foods (Amasai)Raw Cheese (A2)Dark green leafy vegetables (collard greens, spinach, turnip greens, kale, beet greens, Chinese cabbage, dandelion greens)Canned sardinesCanned pink salmon with bonesUnpasteurized goat’s milkNuts

Better Bones, Better Body by Susan E. Brown, Ph.D.

Healthy Bones & Joints by David Hoffmann, B.Sc., FNIMH

Strong Women, Strong Bones by Miriam E. Nelson, Ph.D.