• Builds and maintains strong bones and teeth
• Helps in the formation of bone mass
• Maintains calcium homeostasis
• Improves balance and muscular strength
• Treats established post menopausal osteoporosis.
• Corrects the abnormalities of calcium and phosphate metabolism in patients with renal osteodystropy

Caldoz potential:

• Orthopedic
• Gynecology
• Endocrinology
• General medicine

Bones are living organs that contain:

• Bone tissue
• Cartilage
• Connective tissue

Bones provide strength and flexibility

• Contain about 65% minerals, providing the hardness of bone
• Contain 35% organic structures for strength, durability, and flexibility (collagen)
• Hydroxyapatite: mineral crystals around collagen designed to bear weight

Calcium is the most recognized nutrient associated with bone health

Also essential for bone health:

• Vitamins D and K
• Phosphorus
• Magnesium
• Fluoride

Calcium

• Calcium absorption is enhanced in an acid environment. It requires 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D
• Provides structure for bones and teeth
• Assists with acid−base balance
• Helps in transmission of nerve impulses
• Assists in muscle contraction
• Maintains healthy blood pressure
• Initiates blood clotting
• Regulates hormones and enzymes

Calcium Intake:

• Adequate Intake (AI) varies with age and gender: 500 mg to 1,200 mg/day
• RDA ICMR- Infant 500, Adult 600, Teen:800 P&L 1200
• Upper limit (UL): 2,500 mg

Bioavailability: Body’s ability to absorb and utilize calcium depends on

• Individual’s age and calcium need
• Dietary calcium and vitamin D
• Binding factors (phytates, oxalates) in foods

Calcium deficiency:

Osteoporosis from long-term calcium deficiency

Hypocalcemia (low blood calcium)

• Causes: kidney disease, vitamin D deficiency, or diseases that inhibit the production of PTH
• Symptoms: muscle spasms and convulsions

Vitamin D

• Fat-soluble vitamin
• Excess is stored in liver, adipose tissue
• Can be synthesized by the body from exposure to UV rays from the sun
• Considered a hormone: synthesized in one location and regulates activities in other parts of the body

Functions of Vitamin D:

• Regulates blood calcium levels (regulates calcium and phosphorus absorption from the small intestine)
• Stimulates osteoclasts when calcium is needed elsewhere in the body
• Required for bone calcification
• May decrease cancer growth
• Involved in cell differentiation

Sources of Vitamin D:

Ergocalciferol (D2): plants, supplements

Cholecalciferol (D3): animal foods, sun

• Most foods naturally contain little vitamin D
• Mostly obtained from fortified foods (e.g., milk)
• High amounts: cod liver oil, fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, and sardines)
• Vegetarians not consuming milk products receive vitamin D from the sun, fortified soy or cereal products, or supplements

Vitamin D deficiency:

• Loss of bone mass: from fat malabsorption
• Rickets (children), osteomalacia (adults)
• Medications alter vitamin D metabolism and activity: glucocorticoids, phenobarbital