Role of calcium on lipid digestion and serum lipids: a review.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to explore the potential cholesterol-lowering mechanisms of dietary calcium, particularly from dairy, and its impact on cardiovascular risk.
Results Summary
The study found that calcium may lower cholesterol through interactions with fatty acids and bile acids, but clinical evidence is variable and mechanisms are not fully understood. The physiological outcome depends on the calcium source and its surrounding matrix.
Population
Not specified (general human population implied)
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
dietary calcium | decrease | cardiovascular risk | humans | - | may have a beneficial effect | #1 |
calcium | decrease | cholesterol | - | - | possible cholesterol-lowering effect | #2 |
calcium | decrease | cholesterol | - | - | interaction with fatty acids and bile acids | #3 |
calcium | decrease | lipid absorption and metabolism | - | - | interactions between calcium and, fatty acids and bile may lead to impaired mixed micelle formation and solubilization | #4 |
calcium source and its surrounding matrix | neutral | physiological outcome | - | - | will have an influence over the physiological outcome | #5 |
Calcium is an essential nutrient for humans that can be taken as supplement or in a food matrix (e.g. dairy products). It is suggested that dietary calcium may have a beneficial effect on cardiovascular risk but the mechanism is not clear. In this review, the main mechanisms of the possible cholesterol-lowering effect of calcium, i.e. interaction with fatty acids and bile acids, are described and clinical evidences are presented. The observations from interventional studies of the possible cholesterol-lowering effect in terms of the main related mechanisms are variable and do not seem to fulfill all the related aspects. It seems that the interplay of calcium in blood lipid metabolism might be due to its complex and multiple roles in the lipid digestion in the small intestine. The interactions between calcium and, fatty acids and bile may lead to impaired mixed micelle formation and solubilization, which is crucial in the lipid absorption and metabolism. In addition, the calcium source and its surrounding matrix will have an influence over the physiological outcome. This research is important for the delivery and formulation of calcium, particularly with the move toward plant-based diets.