title: Metabolism of the calcium and bioavailability of the salts of most frequent use.
abstract: In this article a detailed revision of the therapeutic applications of the calcium salts of most frequent use, is made. The metabolism, the bioavailability and the clinical use of the different calcium formulations vary significantly according to the salt used. The physiologic order factors, the physicochemical, the technological and the formulation ones influence in the bioavailability and, they alter the therapeutic answer. The salts of most frequent use, carbonate, citrate, pidolate, dobesilate, gluconate, phosphate and lactate, contribute in different quantities of elementary calcium. Recent studies show significant data that can be of importance in the clinical practice. The most habitual uses in the calcium salts are: for the osteoporosis treatment and prevention; in osteopenia; in hypocalcemia states; for low contribution or had absorption; as dietary supplement, according to the recommended daily ingesta and also, in vascular illnesses, like in internal hemorrhoids, phlebopathy and in diabetic retinopathy. It is concluded that it is fundamental to contribute the appropriate quantity of calcium according to the individual requirements and, on that base, to select the appropriate formula keeping in mind the variability that takes place in the absorption in connection with the salt used.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sosa
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bregni
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001682:Biological Availability; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D017610:Calcium Compounds / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D006801:Humans; D012492:Salts
chemical_list: D017610:Calcium Compounds; D012492:Salts; D002118:Calcium