Dietary Calcium Supplementation Research Articles

Consuming probiotics protects against cadmium exposure from rice consumption while promotes gut health: An assessment based on a mouse model.

Cadmium (Cd) in rice constitutes a global health risk. It is crucial to develop strategies that not only reduce the bioavailability of Cd in rice but also confer additional health benefits. One potential approach involves the consumption of probiotics, which can bind Cd in the intestines and enhance gut health. The effects of consuming Akkermansia muciniphila, Bifidobacterium pseudolongum, and Psychrobacter sp. on the bioavailability of Cd in rice and gut health were evaluated using in vivo mouse bioassays and in vitro Cd immobilization assays. In mice fed Cd-contaminated rice without dietary calcium (Ca) and iron (Fe) supplementation (i.e., under conditions of mineral deficiency), the intake of these probiotics insignificantly reduced Cd accumulation in the kidneys and livers, although it did promote Cd excretion via feces. This outcome was primarily due to the competition for Ca and Fe between the probiotics and the host, which led to increased intestinal expression of Ca and Fe transporters under mineral-deficient conditions, thereby mitigating the probiotics' ability to reduce Cd bioavailability. Conversely, in mice fed Cd-contaminated rice with adequate dietary Ca and Fe (i.e., under conditions of mineral adequacy), probiotic intake significantly decreased Cd concentrations in the kidneys by 60.0%-72.0% compared to the control group exposed to Cd. Additionally, probiotic consumption fostered the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and strengthened intestinal tight junctions, reducing the inflammatory response in the intestines. These findings suggest that combining probiotics with sufficient Ca and Fe intake can effectively reduce dietary Cd exposure and enhance gut health.

Alterations in the gut microbiota of Eimeria infected broiler chickens fed diets supplemented with varying levels of dietary calcium and phosphorus, along with 25-hydroxycholecalciferol

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of the reduced dietary calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) level and supplementation of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OHD3) on the expression of vitamin D receptor (VDR) and antimicrobial peptides and gut microbiota of broiler chickens with/without Eimeria challenge. A total of 576 fourteen-day-old broiler chicks were randomly allocated according to a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design with main effects including Eimeria challenging (125,000 Eimeria acervulina, 25,000 Eimeria maxima, and 25,000 Eimeria tenella), dietary Ca and P levels (0.84% Ca and 0.42% available P or 0.64% Ca and 0.22% available P), and supplementation of 25-OHD3 (3,000 IU/kg) of 6 replicates. Three-way ANOVA was performed, and the effects of 3 main factors and their interactions were investigated. The reduced dietary Ca and P level downregulated cathelicidins 3 (CATH3) in the upper jejunum in the Eimeria challenging condition (interaction; P < 0.05). The reduced dietary Ca and P level decreased the relative mRNA expression of jejunal avian beta defensin 5 (AvBD5) in the Eimeria challenging condition (interaction; P < 0.05). The reduced dietary Ca and P level tended to decrease the relative mRNA expression of jejunal AvBD9 in the Eimeria challenging condition (interaction; P = 0.051). The reduced dietary Ca and P level decreased observed features (alpha diversity parameter for richness) in the upper jejunal microbiota in the Eimeria challenging condition (interaction; P < 0.05). The supplementation of 25-OHD3 decreased the relative abundance of the phylum Bacteroidetes (P < 0.05) and increased the relative abundance of the family Ruminococcaceae (P < 0.05) in the cecal digesta. The supplementation of 25-OHD3 decreased the serum endotoxin level in the Eimeria challenging condition (interaction; P < 0.05). Therefore, the reduced dietary Ca and P level modulated the upper jejunal microbiota via modulating the expression of antimicrobial peptides, and the supplementation of 25-OHD3 favorably modulated the cecal microbiota in broiler chickens with/without Eimeria challenge.

Translatomics reveals the role of dietary calcium addition in regulating muscle fat deposition in pigs

Intramuscular fat (IMF) in pork holds significant importance for economic performance within the pig industry and dietary calcium supplementation enhances the accumulation of intramuscular fat. Additionally, calcium ions inhibit translation and reduce protein synthesis. However, the mechanism by which calcium regulates IMF deposition in muscle through translation remains largely unknown. In this study, we compared the ribosome profiles of the longissimus dorsi muscles of Duroc ×\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\ imes$$\\end{document} Landrace ×\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\ imes$$\\end{document} Large white pigs from the normal calcium (NC) group or calcium supplement (HC) group by Ribo-seq, and RNA-seq. By integrating multiple-omics analysis, we further discovered 437 genes that were transcriptionally unchanged but translationally altered and these genes were significantly enriched in the oxidative phosphorylation signaling pathway. Furthermore, experimental data showed that inhibiting the expression of COX10 and mtND4L increased triglyceride accumulation in C2C12 cells, providing new targets for intramuscular fat deposition. Finally, this work links dietary calcium, translation regulation and IMF deposition, providing a new strategy for both meat quality and economic performance within the pig industry.

Effects of dietary minerals deficiency and supplementation on different parts of muscle minerals content in grazing Mongolian sheep.

The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of dietary deficiency and supplementation of calcium, zinc, copper, cobalt, manganese or selenium on minerals content in the longissimus dorsi (LD), biceps femoris (BF) and triceps brachii (TB) of grazing Mongolian sheep. We randomly divided 98 sheep into 7 treatment groups and fed them specific diets for 60 days: a total mineral nutrition diet (LCG), a calcium deficiency diet (LCa), a zinc deficiency diet (LZn), a copper deficiency diet (LCu), a cobalt deficiency diet (LCo), a manganese deficiency diet (LMn) and a selenium deficiency diet (LSe). Then 7 sheep from each group were slaughtered and samples of LD, BF and TB were collected for mineral content analysis. The remaining sheep in each group were subsequently fed specific diets for an additional 41 days: a total mineral nutrition diet (SCG), a calcium supplementation diet (SCa), a zinc supplementation diet (SZn), a copper supplementation diet (SCu), a cobalt supplementation diet (SCo), a manganese supplementation diet (SMn) and a selenium supplementation diet (SSe). Afterward, all sheep were slaughtered, and muscle samples were collected and analyzed. Significant findings emerged that LCa decreased sulfur (S) content in BF and increased Ca content in LD and BF, while SCa increased S and Ca content in BF and TB, respectively (P < 0.05). LZn decreased Zn, S, and potassium (K) content in LD and BF, while SZn increased Zn and S content in LD and BF, respectively (P < 0.05). LCu decreased Cu and iron (Fe) content in LD and TB, while SCu increased Fe content in TB (P < 0.05). LCo decreased phosphorus, S, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn content in LD (P < 0.05). LMn decreased Mn content and increased K content in TB, while SMn decreased K content in BF and TB (P < 0.05). LSe and SSe decreased and increased Se content in LD, BF, and TB, respectively (P < 0.05). Dietary mineral levels have varying effects on lamb meat minerals content. It is important to ensure an adequate intake of minerals in the diet to enhance the mineral nutrition of lamb meat.

Dietary supplementation of vitamin D3 and calcium partially recover the compromised time budget and circadian rhythm of lying behavior in lactating cows under heat stress

Heat stress (HS) impedes cattle behavior and performance and is an animal comfort and welfare issue. The objective of this study was to characterize the time budget and circadian rhythm of lying behavior in dairy cows during HS and to assess the effect of dietary supplementation of vitamin D3 and Ca. Twelve multiparous Holstein cows (42.2 ± 5.6 kg milk/d; 83 ± 27 d in milk) housed in tiestalls were used in a split-plot design with the concentration of dietary vitamin E and Se as main plots (LESe: 11.1 IU/kg and 0.55 mg/kg, and HESe: 223 IU/kg and 1.8 mg/kg, respectively). Within each plot cows were randomly assigned to (1) HS with low concentrations of vitamin D3 and Ca (HS, 1,012 IU/kg and 0.73%, respectively), (2) HS with high concentrations of vitamin D3 and Ca (HS+D3/Ca; 3,764 IU/kg and 0.97%, respectively), or (3) thermoneutral pair-fed (TNPF) with low concentrations of vitamin D3 and Ca (1,012 IU/kg and 0.73%, respectively) in a Latin square design with 14-d periods and 7-d washouts. Lying behavior was measured with HOBO Loggers in 15-min intervals. Overall, cows in HS spent less time lying per day relative to TNPF from d 7 to 14. Daily lying time was positively correlated with milk yield, energy-corrected milk yield, and feed efficiency, and was negatively correlated with rectal temperature, respiratory rate, fecal calprotectin, tumor necrosis factor-α, and C-reactive protein. A treatment by time interaction was observed for lying behavior: the time spent lying was lesser for cows in HS than in TNPF in the early morning (0000-0600 h) and in the night (1800-2400 h). The circadian rhythm of lying behavior was characterized by fitting a cosine function of time into linear mixed model. Daily rhythmicity of lying was detected for cows in TNPF and HS+D3/Ca, whereas only a tendency in HS cows was observed. Cows in TNPF had the highest mesor (the average level of diurnal fluctuations; 34.2 min/h) and amplitude (the distance between the peak and mesor; 17.9 min/h). Both the mesor and amplitude were higher in HS+D3/Ca relative to HS (26.6 vs. 25.2 min/h and 3.91 min/h vs. 2.18 min/h, respectively). The acrophase (time of the peak) of lying time in TNPF, HS, and HS+D3/Ca were 0028, 0152, and 0054 h, respectively. Lastly, a continuous increase in daily lying time in TNPF was observed during the first 4 d of the experimental period in which DMI was gradually restricted, suggesting that intake restrictions may shift feeding behavior and introduce biases in the behavior of animals. In conclusion, lying behavior was compromised in dairy cows under HS, characterizing reduced daily lying time and disrupted circadian rhythms, and the compromised lying behavior can be partially restored by supplementation of vitamin D3 and Ca. Further research may be required for a more suitable model to study behavior of cows under HS.

Optimization of the synthesis process of β‐galactosidase/carboxymethylchitosan‐silica biocatalyst powders, stabilized with lyoprotectants for potential dietary applications

Abstractβ‐galactosidase dosing and transport powders offer benefits for people with specific digestive deficiencies. They can be produced by immobilization in solid materials by sol–gel methods. The challenge is to maintain enzyme activity under processing conditions. The objective here is to design and optimize the calcium chloride and carboxymethylchitosan concentrations at 25°C and 7.3 pH for preparing active β‐galactosidase powders. This optimization was performed using a Response Surface Methodology with Central Composite Design, selecting lyoprotectants for preserving activity during the lyophilization. Glucose, galactose, maltose, sucrose, and β‐cyclodextrin lyoprotectants were assayed in different weight proportions. The optimal conditions to obtain a biocatalyst with maximum expressed activity were 473 mM CaCl2 and 402 ppm carboxymethylchitosan, obtaining a biocatalyst with 57.8% ± .7% recovered activity and 92.3% ± 2.1% immobilization yield. The galactose, maltose, and sucrose in a 1:5 ratio increased 1.2 times the expressed activity of this biocatalyst, protecting the active site during lyophilization due to favorable interactions with the enzyme as shown by docking analysis.Practical applicationsThis work shows the implementation of production methodologies of mixed enzyme‐mineral biocatalysts, based on the experimental, statistical, and docking studies of β‐galactosidase interactions with mono‐, di‐ and polysaccharides under ionic and thermal stress. The obtained powders could be candidates as dietary supplements of calcium, silicon minerals, and β‐galactosidase.

Effects of eggshell and seashell powder as natural dietary calcium supplements on growth, molting frequency, and carapace calcium composition of juvenile red claw crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus.

The growth performance of red claw crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus, fed diets with different sources and concentrations of natural calcium was evaluated. Formulated diets containing 30% protein and 8% lipid were prepared using supplementation of 0 (control), 3%, 6%, 9% eggshell, and 6% seashell. C. quadricarinatus juveniles with an average total weight of 0.21 ± 0.01 g and length of 25.0 ± 0.10 mm were obtained from ten ovigerous females bred in captivity. An aquarium with a size of 0.72 m² was divided into eight compartments with an area of 0.09 m² per compartment and was individually stocked with juvenile crayfish. A total of eight juvenile crayfish were used per dietary treatment. There were five dietary treatments in total and each of these treatments were replicated three times. The addition of eggshell and seashell powder exerted positive effects on the growth performance, molting frequency, and survival of the crayfish. Crayfish fed with a 6% eggshell-supplemented diet exhibited the best overall growth performance. The calcium percentage of the carapace increased with the increase in calcium content of the diets. Meanwhile, the performance of diets comprising eggshells and seashells was not significantly different (P > 0.05). Considering the low cost and abundance of eggshells, the addition of 6% of this product to the diet is recommended for the best growth of juvenile C. quadricarinatus.

Effect of Milk or Milk Derived Food Supplementation on Body Composition of Young Indian Women

Background: Lysine intake in India is low mainly due to consumption of cereals as staple diet and processing loss of lysine. The present study was aimed to assess the impact of supplementation either in the form of dietary supplements of lysine, calcium and vitamin D in order to identify an appropriate approach for the improvement of body composition. Methods: One hundred and twenty volunteer subjects in the age group of 20-30 years residing in Punjab Agricultural University hostels were selected for supplementary trial. Supplementation of milk and its products in amounts to fill the gap of dietary intake and adequacy of protein as well as limiting amino acid lysine in their diets for a period of 12 weeks was done to determine its effect on body composition. Result: The diets were also poor in protein quality as the limiting amino acid lysine was only 55% of the recommended level. Supplementation of milk and its products resulted in a significant reduction in body fat (6.62%) and visceral fat rating (9.47%) and a significant increase in skeletal muscle mass (3.98%) and bone mass (2.72%). The study recommends that improving the quality of diets through dietary supplementation of lysine, calcium and vitamin D is an effective approach to achieve optimum body composition.

Casein calcium-binding peptides: Preparation, characterization, and promotion of calcium uptake in Caco-2 cell monolayers

In this study, casein calcium-binding peptides were isolated from casein hydrolysate using calcium-peptide binding properties and their banding properties were characterized. Subsequently, the promoted calcium absorption abilities of casein calcium-binding peptides in the Caco-2 cells monolayers were investigated. Amino acid composition analysis showed that casein calcium-binding peptide-calcium chelate are rich in Glu, Ser, and Asp, with a significant increase in proportion compared to the casein hydrolysate. Molecular weight analysis showed that approximately 90 % of the casein calcium-binding peptides are oligopeptides. Thirty-seven peptide sequences were identified by mass spectrometry, and the presence, quantity, and position of some specific amino acid residues were found to correlate with calcium-binding ability. Additionally, calcium-peptide binding properties were characterized by using Ultraviolet-Visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy, which indicated that calcium ions were mainly chelated with the amino nitrogen atoms and oxygen atoms on the carboxyl group of casein calcium-binding peptides, thus forming chelate with porous microstructures. Compared with the control group, the casein calcium-binding peptides treatment group showed a significant increase in calcium transport at 30, 60, 120 and 180 min, respectively, by 44.25 %, 31.21 %, 20.67 % and 24.08 %. Therefore, casein calcium-binding peptides are expected to be used as dietary calcium supplements.

Process Optimization, Structural Characterization, and Calcium Release Rate Evaluation of Mung Bean Peptides-Calcium Chelate

To reduce grievous ecological environment pollution and protein resource waste during mung bean starch production, mung bean peptides-calcium chelate (MBP-Ca) was synthesized as a novel and efficient calcium supplement. Under the optimal conditions (pH = 6, temperature = 45 °C, mass ratio of mung bean peptides (MBP)/CaCl2 = 4:1, MBP concentration = 20 mg/mL, time = 60 min), the obtained MBP-Ca achieved a calcium chelating rate of 86.26%. MBP-Ca, different from MBP, was a new compound rich in glutamic acid (32.74%) and aspartic acid (15.10%). Calcium ions could bind to MBP mainly through carboxyl oxygen, carbonyl oxygen, and amino nitrogen atoms to form MBP-Ca. Calcium ions-induced intra- and intermolecular interactions caused the folding and aggregation of MBP. After the chelation reaction between calcium ions and MBP, the percentage of β-sheet in the secondary structure of MBP increased by 1.90%, the size of the peptides increased by 124.42 nm, and the dense and smooth surface structure of MBP was transformed into fragmented and coarse blocks. Under different temperatures, pH, and gastrointestinal simulated digestion conditions, MBP-Ca exhibited an increased calcium release rate compared with the conventional calcium supplement CaCl2. Overall, MBP-Ca showed promise as an alternative dietary calcium supplement with good calcium absorption and bioavailability.

Effect of circadian clock and claudin regulations on inulin-induced calcium absorption in the mouse intestinal tract.

Dietary calcium supplementation has been shown to be an effective adjunct therapy in an inflammatory bowel disease model. Soluble dietary fiber reduces intestinal pH and is known to enhance calcium absorption. Although many circadian clock regulations of nutrient absorption in the intestinal tract have been reported, the effects of clock regulation on calcium absorption have yet to be understood. In this study, we investigated the timing of efficient calcium intake by measuring urinary calcium excretion in mice. The diurnal variations in channel-forming tight junctions (claudins) were detected in both the jejunum and ileum. Following 2 days of feeding with a Ca2+-free diet, Ca2+-containing diets with or without soluble fiber (inulin) were fed at specific timings, and urine was subsequently examined every 4 hr. There was an evident increase in urinary calcium concentration when the inulin diet was fed at the beginning of the resting period. The Claudin 2 (Cldn2) expression level also showed a significant day-night change, which seemed to be a mechanism for the increased calcium excretion after inulin intake. This diurnal rhythm and enhanced Cldn2 expression were abolished by disruption of the suprachiasmatic nucleus, the central clock in the hypothalamus. This study suggests that intestinal calcium absorption might be modulated by the circadian clock and that the intake of inulin is more effective at the beginning of the resting period in mice.

Preparation of synbiotic milk powder and its effect on calcium absorption and the bone microstructure in calcium deficient mice.

Calcium deficiency can lead to osteoporosis. Adequate calcium intake can improve calcium deficiency and prevent osteoporosis. Milk powder is the best source of dietary calcium supplements. Probiotics and prebiotics are considered to be beneficial substances for promoting calcium absorption. In this study, synbiotic milk powder (SMP) was prepared by combining the three, and its calcium supplementation effect and osteogenic activity were evaluated in calcium deficient mice. Through prebiotic screening experiments in vitro, after adding 1.2% iso-malto-oligosaccharide, the number of viable bacteria and the calcium enrichment of Lactobacillus plantarum JJBYG12 increased by 8.15% and 94.53% compared with those of the control group. Long-term calcium deficiency led to a significant reduction in calcium absorption and bone calcium content in mice, accompanied by structural deterioration of bone trabeculae. SMP significantly improved apparent calcium absorption, increased serum calcium and phosphorus levels, and decreased ALP activity and CTX-1 levels. In the meantime, the bone mineral density increased significantly, and the number of bone trabeculae and the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts also increased. SMP has good dietary calcium supplementation capacity and bone remodeling ability without significant side effects on major organs. These findings provide insights into using SMP as a dietary calcium source to improve bone health.

Molecular insights on skewing of sex ratio in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) supplemented with dietary calcium and magnesium.

The effect of dietary calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) supplementation on serum biochemical parameters, steroid hormones, gene expression, and the sex ratio was investigated in female New Zealand white rabbits. A total of 25 rabbits were allocated into five treatment groups: The control group was fed with regular pellet feed, whereas, treatment groups were supplemented with Ca and Mg: T1 (0.40% and 0.01%), T2 (0.60% and 0.02%), T3 (0.80% and 0.03%) and T4 (1.00% and 0.04%), respectively. The rabbits were subjected to three breeding cycles. The T3 group skewed towards females (65.33%) from all three breeding. There was elevated Ca concentration in T3 (15.26 ± 0.77 mg dL-1) and T4 (15.61 ± 0.82 mg dL-1) groups compared to the control. The concentration of estradiol was significantly high in T3 and T4 groups at 0.5 days post-coitus (dpc) and T2, T3 and T4 groups at 21dpc. Testosterone was significantly high in T4 group at 0.50 dpc and T2 and T4 group at 21dpc. The expression of 13 genes was studied in the oviduct. Genes such as OVGP1, CCT4, ANXA2 and TLR4 were up-regulated and positively correlated with the female sex ratio. The molecular functions and pathways of up-regulated genes were suggestive of their role in fertilization such as sperm selection, sperm storage, immune regulation, implantation and early embryonic development. The variations in the serum electrolytes, steroid hormones and gene expression might have an impact on the skewing process.

Requirements and Metabolism for Calcium, Phosphorus and Vitamin D3 in the Growing-Furring Blue Foxes.

Simple SummaryThe nutritional needs of mink and foxes have long been clear, not specifically for blue foxes. With the development of technology, the present study aimed to study the effect of dietary calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D3 supplementation levels on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and serum biochemical indicators of the growing hairy blue fox. The results showed that Ca (0.8–1.2%) and vitamin D3 (1327 IU·kg−1) doses have important effects on the growth performance and nutrient digestibility of growing blue foxes and can reduce fecal nitrogen and fecal phosphorus by improving the utilization of protein and phosphorus.A 3 × 3 factorial experiment was conducted to investigate the influence of dietary calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D3 (VD3) supplement levels on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and serum biochemical indices of growing-furring blue foxes. One hundred and thirty-five 120-day-old male blue foxes were randomly allocated into nine groups. The nine treatment diets were supplemented with 0%, 0.4%, or 0.8% Ca, and 1000, 2000, or 4000 IU·kg−1 VD3. The base diet contained 0.8% Ca and 327 IU·kg−1 VD3. The dietary calcium level had a significant effect on the average daily gain (ADG) of blue foxes at 121 to 135 days of age and 136 to 150 days (p < 0.05). The ADG of blue foxes at 121 to 135 days of age was significantly decreased by VD3 level (p < 0.05). The Ca dosage decreased the nutrient digestibility (p < 0.05). The Ca dosage increased the fecal Ca and P and decreased the P digestibility (p < 0.05). Interactions were found between the Ca and VD3 levels, which affected the digestibility of Ca and P (p < 0.05). In conclusion, this research determined the suitable doses of Ca and VD3 for growing-furring blue foxes.

Influence of Calcium and Nonphytate Phosphorus (NPP) on Meat-Type Quail’s Growth, Carcass Features, and Tibia Indices

This study aimed to evaluate the role of increasing dietary calcium (Ca) and non-phytate phosphorus (NPP) supplementation on the growth, carcass, edible portions, and tibia indicators of growing quail. The current study was conducted in a 3×3 factorial design, for this, 360 1-wk-old quails were haphazardly assigned to nine groups, each group is with three gradual levels of Ca (0.60, 0.90, and 1.20 %) and NPP (0.20, 0.40 and 0.60 %). Each group was divided into five replicates with eight-quail each. Results of the study suggested that except at 2 and 6 weeks of age, dietary Ca level did not exhibit any significant (P &gt; 0.05) impact on body weight. Similarly, in the case of NPP, apart from the live weight at 2 and 3 weeks of age, NPP did not have a significant impact on live body weight. Further, in comparison to the low Ca level, the moderate or high Ca levels have higher values of body weight gain. During all the experiments, dietary Ca, NPP, or their mixtures had no significant (P &gt; 0.05) impact on feed consumption. Similarly, feed conversion rate and carcass metrics were also not affected by the individual or combined application of Ca or NPP supplementation Similarly, dietary intakes of Ca or P did not have any significant effect on the various tibia indicators (P &gt; 0.05). Results of the study can be concluded that the effect of the Ca and NPP levels in Japanese quail diets is lowered and it does not much affect the growth rate, feed utilization, carcass yields, edible components, or tibia indices.

P102. Dietary calcium supplementation reduces phosphorous absorption and causes a shift from transcellular to paracellular Ca absorption in pigs

P102. Dietary calcium supplementation reduces phosphorous absorption and causes a shift from transcellular to paracellular Ca absorption in pigs

The Influence of Prophylactic Calcium and Magnesium Supplementation on Postoperative Quality of Life and Hypocalcemia After Total Thyroidectomy: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: We want to investigate if a routine preoperative dietary supplementation of calcium and magnesium prior to thyroidectomy for nodular goiter and graves' disease can influence patients' outcome with regards to hypocalcemia associated symptoms and quality of life in order to reduce the risk of post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia and to improve patient's quality of life.Methods: The study will be conducted as a two-armed randomized controlled trial including patients scheduled for total thyroidectomy. Patients assigned to the intervention group will receive calcium carbonate and magnesium oxide starting 2 weeks preoperatively. Primary outcome is the postoperative quality of life measured by the ThyPRO-39 and EQ-5D questionnaires. Secondary outcome is the assessment of postoperative biochemical (calcium and PTH levels) and clinical hypocalcemia (symptoms as reported by the patient).Discussion: A prophylactic dietary supplementation with calcium and magnesium, which could easily be implemented in the preoperative setting, could potentially help to avoid or reduce hypocalcemia-associated symptoms and improve quality of life. In the event of a positive outcome, this preoperative procedure can be an inexpensive way to prepare patients scheduled for thyroidectomy and can possibly reduce disease-specific costs by reducing the postoperative complication rate.Clinical Trial Registration: DRKS00017195 in the German clinical trials register (Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien, DRKS) on the 22.05.2019.

Calcium alleviates fluoride-induced kidney damage via FAS/FASL, TNFR/TNF, DR5/TRAIL pathways in rats

Long-term excessive intake of fluoride (F) can cause osseous and non-osseous damage. The kidney is the main fluoride excretion organ of the body. This study aimed to explore whether dietary calcium (Ca) supplementation can alleviate kidney damage caused by fluorosis and to further investigate the effects of Ca on the mitigation mechanism of renal cell apoptosis triggered by F. We evaluated the histopathological structure, renal function indicators, and gene and protein expression levels of death receptor-mediated apoptosis pathways in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats treated with sodium fluoride (NaF) and/or calcium carbonate (CaCO3) for 120 days. The results showed that 100 mg/L NaF induced kidney histopathological injury and apoptosis, increased the concentrations of Creatinine (CRE), uric acid (UA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), potassium (K), phosphorus (P) and F (p < 0.05), and decrease the level of serum magnesium (Mg) (p < 0.05). Moreover, NaF increased the mRNA and protein expression levels of Fas cell surface death receptor (FAS), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), Caspase 8, Caspase 3 and poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) (p < 0.01), which finally activated the death receptor pathway. Inversely, Ca supplementation reversed the decrease of CRE, BUN, UA, F and P levels induced by F, alleviated histopathological damage and apoptosis, and reduced the gene and protein expression levels of death receptor pathway-related markers. In conclusion, 1% Ca alleviates F-induced kidney apoptosis through FAS/FASL, TNFR/TNF, DR5/TRAIL signaling pathways.

Dietary calcium supplementation promotes the accumulation of intramuscular fat

BackgroundIn the livestock industry, intramuscular fat content is a key factor affecting meat quality. Many studies have shown that dietary calcium supplementation is closely related to lipid metabolism. However, few studies have examined the relationship between dietary calcium supplementation and intramuscular fat accumulation.MethodsHere, we used C2C12 cells, C57BL/6 mice (n = 8) and three-way cross-breeding pigs (Duroc×Landrace×Large white) (n = 10) to study the effect of calcium addition on intramuscular fat accumulation. In vitro, we used calcium chloride to adjust the calcium levels in the medium (2 mmol/L or 3 mmol/L). Then we measured various indicators. In vivo, calcium carbonate was used to regulate calcium levels in feeds (Mice: 0.5% calcium or 1.2% calcium) (Pigs: 0.9% calcium or 1.5% calcium). Then we tested the mice gastrocnemius muscle triglyceride content, pig longissimus dorsi muscle meat quality and lipidomics.ResultsIn vitro, calcium addition (3 mmol/L) had no significant effect on cell proliferation, but promoted the differentiation of C2C12 cells into slow-twitch fibers. Calcium supplementation increased triglyceride accumulation in C2C12 cells. Calcium addition increased the number of mitochondria and also increased the calcium level in the mitochondria and reduced the of key enzymes activity involved in β-oxidation such as acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase. Decreasing mitochondrial calcium level can alleviate lipid accumulation induced by calcium addition. In addition, calcium addition also reduced the glycolytic capacity and glycolytic conversion rate of C2C12 cells. In vivo, dietary calcium supplementation (1.2%) promoted the accumulation of triglycerides in the gastrocnemius muscle of mice. Dietary calcium supplementation (1.5%) had no effect on pig weight, but significantly improved the flesh color of the longissimus dorsi muscle, reduced the backfat thickness and increased intramuscular fat content in pigs. Besides, calcium addition had no effect on longissimus dorsi pH, electrical conductivity and shear force.ConclusionsThese results suggest that calcium addition promotes intramuscular fat accumulation by inhibiting the oxidation of fatty acids. These findings provide a new tool for increasing intramuscular fat content and an economical strategy for improving meat quality.

Study of serum electrolytes, calcium and magnesium in preeclampsia at a tertiary hospital in central Karnataka

Preeclampsia(PE) is a hypertensive disorder affecting about 5-14% of pregnancies worldwide and around 20% of high-risk pregnancies, resulting in maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Imbalances in milieu of serum sodium and potassium, that are involved in functioning of vascular smooth muscles, leads to vasoconstriction and hypertension in PE. Calcium deficiency stimulates parathyroid hormone, leading to vasoconstriction. Magnesium regulates blood pressure by monitoring vascular tone and structure. There is scarcity of studies on these factors in PE in central Karnataka. To estimate levels of serum calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium in preeclampsia. Hospital based cross-sectional study conducted from September, 2020 to February, 2021 at a Tertiary Teaching Hospital in Chitradurga. 60 diagnosed cases of preeclampsia and equal number of age, parity and gestational age matched women with singleton normal pregnancies, attending antenatal clinic or admitted and treated in obstetrics wards of the hospital were included in the study. Clinical examination and laboratory investigations to estimate biochemical parameters were conducted. Data was analyzed in SPSS V:20. Statistical tests like chi-square and One-way ANOVA test were applied to find the significance of associations. Hypernatremia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia and hypocalcemia were significant in preeclampsia compared to normal pregnancy group. In severe preeclamptia, highest levels of serum sodium and lowest levels of serum potassium, magnesium and calcium were found compared to the mild PE group. Timely estimation of serum electrolytes, calcium and magnesium through the course of pregnancy could help in early detection and prompt treatment of preeclampsia and also can prevent the adverse outcomes of pregnancies. Also, dietary restriction of sodium and dietary supplementation of calcium, magnesium and potassium rich foods to the pregnant women and calcium supplementation could reduce the risk of preeclampsia.