Calcium News and Research

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Calcium, the most abundant mineral in the body, is found in some foods, added to others, available as a dietary supplement, and present in some medicines (such as antacids). Calcium is required for muscle contraction, blood vessel expansion and contraction, secretion of hormones and enzymes, and transmitting impulses throughout the nervous system. The body strives to maintain constant concentrations of calcium in blood, muscle, and intercellular fluids, though less than <1% of total body calcium is needed to support these functions.

The remaining 99% of the body's calcium supply is stored in the bones and teeth where it supports their structure. Bone itself undergoes continuous remodeling, with constant resorption and deposition of calcium into new bone. The balance between bone resorption and deposition changes with age. Bone formation exceeds resorption in growing children, whereas in early and middle adulthood both processes are relatively equal. In aging adults, particularly among postmenopausal women, bone breakdown exceeds formation, resulting in bone loss that increases the risk of osteoporosis over time.

Tips for heart healthiness

Everyone should know the warning signs for a heart attack -- but according to Dr. Isaac Eliaz, effective prevention requires much more than a list of potential symptoms.

23 Feb 2011

Amgen announces publication of XGEVA Phase 3 study results against solid tumors in Journal of Clinical Oncology

Amgen today announced the publication of results from a pivotal Phase 3 study of 1,776 advanced cancer patients with different types of solid tumors or multiple myeloma, which compared XGEVA to Zometa in preventing skeletal-related events.

23 Feb 2011

Higher intake of vitamin D may reduce breast cancer risk

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha have reported that markedly higher intake of vitamin D is needed to reach blood levels that can prevent or markedly cut the incidence of breast cancer and several other major diseases than had been originally thought. The findings are published February 21 in the journal Anticancer Research.

23 Feb 2011

Crustacean inspired technology leads to better calcium supplements

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) researchers have developed a unique technology that stabilizes an otherwise unstable form of calcium carbonate. This mineral form provides significantly higher biological absorption and retention rates than other sources presently used as dietary calcium supplements.

19 Feb 2011

Platelet-rich fibrin matrix doesn't improve healing after rotator cuff repair

For years, doctors have used platelet rich plasma (PRP) to promote healing in various surgeries, but a recent study demonstrates that a type of PRP did not improve healing after rotator cuff repair.

18 Feb 2011

Medical expert speaks about effects of sugar on human body

With the many forms of sugar available, from table sugar, to high-fructose corn syrup to agave and honey, understanding the differences between sugars and their effects on the body is not all sweet.

18 Feb 2011

Cytochroma initiates CTAP101 repeat-dose safety, efficacy study in vitamin D insufficiency, SHPT and CKD

Cytochroma today announced the initiation of a repeat-dose safety and efficacy study of CTAP101 Capsules in patients with vitamin D insufficiency, secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) and stage 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD).

17 Feb 2011

Integra launches Trel-XPress Demineralized Bone Matrix for orthopedic reconstruction surgery

Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corporation announced today the launch of Trel-XPress Demineralized Bone Matrix, expanding its portfolio of bone grafting substitutes for the orthopedic extremity reconstruction surgeon, which includes Integra OS Osteoconductive Scaffold, a synthetic bone void filler manufactured from beta tri-calcium phosphate and type I bovine collagen; Trel-X, a demineralized bone matrix; and Trel-XC, a demineralized bone matrix premixed with cancellous bone.

16 Feb 2011

Study finds water softener does not provide benefit to children with eczema

The first study of its kind in the world — involving 336 children aged between six months and 16 years old — has shown that installing a water softener for three months brings no additional relief for eczema sufferers.

16 Feb 2011

USDA nutrient dosage recommendations not sufficient, says USANA

USANA Health Sciences, Inc. commends the USDA for recognizing that nutritional gaps are common in the average American diet and that dietary supplementation can play a vital role in filling those gaps. However, USANA scientists and advising physicians caution that many important nutrients were not included in the recently published Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010 and that the USDA dosage recommendations are not sufficient to improve and maintain overall health.

15 Feb 2011

State court jury rules in favor of Merck in FOSAMAX trial

Merck & Co., Inc. today said a state court jury in New Jersey found in its favor in the Rosenberg v. Merck case, rejecting the claims of a woman who blamed her dental and jaw related problems on her FOSAMAX use.

15 Feb 2011

Harmful effects of energy drinks on children

A new study published in the journal Pediatrics on Monday examined the risks of consumption of high-caffeine energy drinks on children and young adults. The study notes that these drinks are linked to an array of serious events like heart palpitations, high blood pressure and even cardiac arrest and death. The risk rises if young adults consuming the drink suffer from chronic diseases or take other medications.

14 Feb 2011

New perspectives challenge long-held beliefs about impact of saturated fatty acids on risk of cardiovascular disease

For generations, the consumption of dairy products has been positively associated with the health and wellness of families and communities. Nevertheless, the recent shift in dietary trends has focused on "what not to eat" instead of emphasizing "what to eat," resulting in demonizing the naturally occurring fats in dairy, while overlooking its many essential nutrients.

11 Feb 2011

Scientists generate beating heart cells from skin cells of young patients with severe genetic heart defect

Using skin cells from young patients who have a severe genetic heart defect, Stanford University School of Medicine scientists have generated beating heart cells that carry the same genetic mutation. The newly created human heart cells - cardiomyocytes - allowed the researchers for the first time to examine and characterize the disorder at the cellular level.

10 Feb 2011

New study shows eggs are 14% lower in cholesterol

According to new nutrition data from the United States Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service, eggs are lower in cholesterol than previously thought.

8 Feb 2011

Nutritional deficiencies among indigenous populations: two studies

They find iodine deficiency for the first time among an Aboriginal population in the NT. This deficiency was previously thought to occur only in the nation’s south-eastern states. The study involved nearly 400 teenagers of aboriginal origin living in remote as well as urban areas of the Darwin Health Region, which covers 120,000 km-square of the top end of the NT.

7 Feb 2011

Pediatric physicians present 12 research abstracts, posters at Cardiology 2011

Pediatric cardiology researchers and clinicians gather this week in Scottsdale, Ariz. for Cardiology 2011, the 15th Annual Update on Pediatric and Congenital Cardiovascular Disease, sponsored by The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Original research from more than 30 cardiac programs in the U.S. and abroad is being presented throughout the meeting.

7 Feb 2011

Scientists unravel mystery about how new tumors in individuals with breast cancer take root

In a discovery that may lead to a new treatment for breast cancer that has spread to the bone, a Princeton University research team has unraveled a mystery about how these tumors take root.

4 Feb 2011

Rare new disease identified – calcium accumulates in blood vessels

A new rare disease has been identified. Louise Benge’s started having difficulty in walking when she was 25. She developed hardening and pain over her calves and hands. She worsened over the next 20 years. Her family physician in Mount Vernon, Ky., was at a loss, as were a vascular specialist, a hand specialist and a kidney specialist. Her two sisters and two brothers had the problem too, but no doctor could understand why.

3 Feb 2011

Longer life with osteoporosis therapy: Study

In a new breakthrough, Australian scientists have identified the “remarkable” life-extending properties of an osteoporosis treatment. The research is published in the Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism on Thursday.

3 Feb 2011