Calcium

# What is calcium? Calcium is an important mineral and fulfills numerous functions in the body. These include, in particular, building and maintaining the structure of bones and teeth, regulating muscle and nerve function as well as blood clotting to stop bleeding quickly. The calcium level in the body is regulated by numerous influencing factors. These include our genes. These influence how well the body absorbs, stores and excretes calcium. An imbalance in calcium levels affects the quality of bones and teeth (e.g. bone fractures, bone deformation, bone loss, etc.), muscle activity (e.g. muscle cramps, cardiac arrhythmia), nerve function (e.g. neurological dysfunction) and blood clotting (e.g. increased bleeding, thrombosis). ## Examples of calcium-rich foods: 150 mg per liter", }, { key: "sesame", name: "Sesame", menge: "783 mg", }, ]} /> > ## Did you already know? > > - The human body contains around 1 kg of calcium, of which around 99% is found in bones and teeth. > - Calcium is the fifth most common element in the earth's crust. # What are the symptoms of excess calcium? Excess calcium (hypercalcemia) initially causes mainly non-specific symptoms. These include digestive problems, constipation, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, increased thirst, frequent urination and loss of appetite. A severe excess of calcium can lead to confusion, emotional outbursts, hallucinations, muscle weakness and cardiac arrhythmia. A laboratory test can provide clarity here. # What are the symptoms of a calcium deficiency? If the calcium level is too low over a longer period of time, the first signs may be dry, flaky skin, brittle nails, straw-like hair and muscle cramps in the back and legs. If this deficiency remains uncorrected, more serious neurological or psychological disorders such as confusion, memory loss, depression and hallucinations can follow. However, these symptoms are reversible once calcium levels are restored. # What does genetics have to do with it? We are investigating five genes in calcium metabolism: The CaSR gene (calcium sensitive receptor gene) carries the blueprint for a calcium-sensitive receptor in the cells, which is primarily found in the parathyroid gland. This constantly measures the calcium level in the blood and regulates the calcium level with the help of parathyroid hormone (PTH). In this way, the calcium level is raised or lowered via the release of calcium from the bones or the increased absorption of calcium from the diet. Mutations in the CaSR gene therefore interfere with calcium metabolism and can trigger symptoms of calcium deficiency or excess such as neurological disorders (e.g. Alzheimer's etc.) or neuromuscular sensitivities (e.g. migraines). - Variant rs1801725 of the CaSR gene: Carriers of the T allele (i.e. appearance of T in various combinations in their evaluation), such as the genotypes G/T and T/T, generally show an increased calcium level. If a lot of calcium is taken in at the same time through food and supplements, hypercalcemia (a greatly increased calcium level) can occur more easily. The G/G genotype shows a normal calcium level. The CYP24A1 gene (cytochrome P450 24A1 gene) carries the blueprint for the cytochrome P450 24A1 enzyme in the cells, which plays an important role in the breakdown of vitamin D. Among other things, vitamin D promotes the absorption of calcium from food and inhibits the release of calcium from the bones. In this way, the enzyme CYP24A1 intervenes in the calcium metabolism and thus indirectly influences the calcium level. - Variant rs1570669 of the CYP24A1 gene: Carriers of the A allele (i.e. appearance of A in various combinations in their evaluation) generally show a lower calcium level. Specifically, genotypes A/A and A/G tend to have a calcium deficiency and corresponding symptoms. The G/G genotype shows a normal calcium level. The VWA8-AS1 gene (Von Willebrand Domain-containing Protein 8-Antisense RNA1 gene) carries the blueprint for an RNA molecule in the cells. Studies have shown that the VWA8-AS1 gene influences calcium levels via calcium uptake and release. - Variant rs7336933 of the VWA8-AS1 gene: Genotypes A/A and G/A generally show a low serum calcium level and tend to have corresponding symptoms. The G/G genotype shows a normal calcium level. The LINC00709 gene (Long Intergenic Non-Protein Coding RNA 709 gene) is involved in the activation of genes that influence calcium metabolism. - Variant rs10491003 of the LINC00709 gene: The genotypes C/T and T/T show a higher calcium level and tend to have corresponding symptoms. The C/C genotype shows a normal calcium level. The CARS1 gene (cysteinyl-tRNA synthetase gene) carries the blueprint for the enzyme cysteinyl-tRNA synthetase in the cells. This plays a central role in protein biosynthesis and also influences calcium homeostasis in the body. - Variant rs7481584 of the CARS1 gene: Genotypes A/A and A/G generally show low calcium levels and tend to have corresponding symptoms. The G/G genotype shows a normal calcium level.