However, more than half of these osteoblasts die as they form the new bone mineral matrix. Now, excess calcium triggers faster replication of osteoblasts. This process helps to release calcium into the bloodstream from where the mineral is used by the body for other functions. At the same time, osteoclasts, the other type of bone cells, breaks down the old bone tissue. That’s why osteoblasts are also called bone-building cells. Osteoblasts are specialized bone cells that integrate calcium into the bone matrix – increasing the mineral content in the bone and making the skeleton strong and healthy. A simple explanation would look like this. The absorption of calcium in the bone and its deportation from the bones to bloodstream is a complicated but highly organized process. To avoid all this chaos, the body shunts the extra calcium into the bones, but not without serious repercussions. We don’t want calcium levels in the blood to be rising too much, or else it will deposit into soft tissues, joints, intestines, arteries and kidneys – causing painful muscle spasms, arthritis, constipation and increased risk of heart disease. The extra calcium in the body is channelled towards the bones, and for very important reasons. Infections, auto-immune diseases and injury can also cause calcification.īut how could excess calcium damage bone health?Įxcessive calcium could be making our bones weaker, and here is why. The lack of information about the role of magnesium and vitamin D in healthy calcium metabolism is again one very important factor. In addition, our modern diet contains lots of food fortified with calcium. Widespread use of calcium supplements contributes substantially to heavy mineral intake. Are the risks real? Let’s find out.Įxcessive build-up of calcium in various parts of the body is known as calcification. This calcification can be detrimental to your bones as well as overall health. When you take calcium supplements but are lacking in vitamin D and magnesium, there can be excessive build-up of calcium in the body. Vitamin D helps you absorb calcium (and also phosphorus).īut what happens when we are deficient in either of these nutrients?.It converts vitamin D into its active, usable form. Magnesium also makes vitamin D bio-available.Once their work is done magnesium, like a vigilant guard, ushers these minerals out. Magnesium works like a key that unlocks cells and allows calcium and potassium to enter the cells as and when these minerals are needed.This is how this fascinating relationship works: And you can only utilize vitamin D if you have healthy levels of magnesium in the body. We have covered the role of both these nutrients in details in one of our previous articles “ Is Calcium Enough for Healthy Bones?”Īs a quick recap calcium can only help you build a healthy skeletal system if you have enough Vitamin D. Studies have shown excessive calcium in the body can do more harm than good and more so if you are deficient in Vitamin D and Magnesium. However, calcium loading through supplements to prevent osteoporosis has stirred up quite a controversy in recent times.Įxcessive calcium in the body has been linked to increased risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular events, especially when it is coming through over-consumption of calcium supplements, ironically taken to prevent or manage osteoporosis. We also need the mineral to regulate nerve, muscle and hormone functions.ĭoctors often recommend calcium supplements to older adults, especially women, to prevent osteoporosis and decrease the risk of fractures. Unknown to many, calcium does more than just building strong and healthy bones. Is Too Much Calcium Damaging Your Bones? (SQ-47)Ĭalcium remains a primary mineral when it comes to healthy bone development and maintenance.
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