Tag

Calcium

All articles tagged with #calcium

Calcium and vitamin D supplements offer little fracture protection, review finds
health3 days ago

Calcium and vitamin D supplements offer little fracture protection, review finds

A BMJ meta-analysis of 69 randomized trials involving about 154,000 mostly older adults found that calcium, vitamin D, or their combination provide little to no reduction in fractures or falls, with any absolute benefit not clinically meaningful. The findings do not support routine supplementation for the general population, though results may differ for people with osteoporosis or high fracture risk who should follow established treatments and guidelines.

Experts warn against common supplement pairings that can block absorption
health25 days ago

Experts warn against common supplement pairings that can block absorption

A TODAY health explainer warns that popular supplements can interfere with each other at high doses, reducing absorption or causing unintended effects. Notable combinations to avoid include calcium with iron, calcium with magnesium, calcium with zinc, zinc with copper, zinc with iron, and vitamin C with vitamin B12 or high-dose vitamin E with vitamin K. Experts advise taking interacting nutrients several hours apart, consulting a doctor, verifying supplement quality, using third-party certifications, and prioritizing a food-first approach rather than megadosing to replace a healthy diet.

Bone Density Gains Take Time: 1 to 3 Years to See Real Change
health1 month ago

Bone Density Gains Take Time: 1 to 3 Years to See Real Change

Bone density peaks before age 30 and begins to decline after 40, so prevention matters early, but you can slow loss at any age with weight-bearing exercise and good nutrition. Experts recommend about 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly plus two days of strength training, and calcium and vitamin D from foods or fortified sources spread across meals. Changes in density typically show up on a DEXA scan after 1–3 years; menopause accelerates loss (roughly 3% per year) before it slows to about 1% afterward, and avoiding smoking, heavy alcohol, and certain medications helps preserve density.

Overclocking Neurons: One Training Session Yields Lasting Memories Across Species
neuroscience3 months ago

Overclocking Neurons: One Training Session Yields Lasting Memories Across Species

Researchers inhibited the mitochondrial calcium exporter LETM1 in fruit flies and mice, causing calcium to linger in mitochondria and boosting ATP production. This metabolic boost allowed a single training session to form long-term memories lasting over 24 hours, while middle-term memory remained unchanged, and the effect was conserved across species, suggesting neuronal energy availability can shape memory consolidation. The approach currently relies on genetic manipulation and isn’t yet transferable to humans, but could point to future strategies to enhance memory or address diseases with energy deficits, pending safer, more precise tools.

Ocean Calcium Decline Helped Cool Earth After the Dinosaurs
science4 months ago

Ocean Calcium Decline Helped Cool Earth After the Dinosaurs

A new international study links a long-term drop in ocean calcium since the dinosaurs’ extinction to changes in marine carbon storage. Lower calcium altered how shells and skeletons form and bury carbon, effectively pulling CO2 from the atmosphere and cooling the planet by up to about 15–20°C over millions of years, with seafloor spreading slowing as a key driver of the reduced calcium input to seawater.

Dietitians' Advice: Greek vs. Regular Yogurt
health-and-nutrition7 months ago

Dietitians' Advice: Greek vs. Regular Yogurt

Both Greek and regular yogurt are nutritious options with different benefits: Greek yogurt is higher in protein and supports muscle growth, while regular yogurt contains more calcium and is lighter and more versatile. The choice depends on individual health goals and preferences, with both offering health benefits like reducing cancer and cardiovascular risks.

The Mystery Behind the Disappearance of White Dog Poop in the 90s
health-and-pets8 months ago

The Mystery Behind the Disappearance of White Dog Poop in the 90s

White dog poop was common in the 90s due to high calcium content in dog food, often from bone meal, which left mineral deposits in the stool. Changes in pet food formulations, reducing calcium-rich ingredients, have made white dog poop less common today. Excess calcium can be toxic, so pet owners should monitor their dogs' health and consult vets if unusual stool occurs.