Physiology of Calcium Homeostasis: An Overview

Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 2021 Dec;50(4):575-590. doi: 10.1016/j.ecl.2021.07.005.

Abstract

Calcium plays a key role in skeletal mineralization and several intracellular and extracellular homeostatic networks. It is an essential element that is only available to the body through dietary sources. Daily acquisition of calcium depends, in addition to the actual intake, on the hormonally regulated state of calcium homeostasis through three main mechanisms: bone turnover, intestinal absorption, and renal reabsorption. These procedures are regulated by a group of interacting circulating hormones and their key receptors. This includes parathyroid hormone (PTH), PTH-related peptide, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, calcitonin, fibroblast growth factor 23, the prevailing calcium concentration itself, the calcium-sensing receptor, as well as local processes in the bones, gut, and kidneys.

Keywords: Bone metabolism; Calcium; Calcium homeostasis; Calcium-sensing receptor; Parathyroid hormone; Parathyroid hormone related protein; Phosphorus; Vitamin D.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bone and Bones / metabolism
  • Calcium* / metabolism
  • Calcium, Dietary
  • Homeostasis
  • Humans
  • Parathyroid Hormone* / physiology
  • Vitamin D / metabolism

Substances

  • Calcium, Dietary
  • Parathyroid Hormone
  • Vitamin D
  • Calcium