OptimealHealth
Calcium et santé osseuse

Calcium bioavailability

The amount of calcium your body can really absorb and use.

Definition

The proportion of calcium ingested that is actually absorbed and utilized by the body, influenced by digestive, dietary, and individual factors.

How it works

The calcium in food is not entirely absorbed by the digestive system. Several factors affect this absorption: the presence of vitamin D, gastric pH, meal composition, and individual characteristics of the digestive system. For example, milk calcium is better absorbed than spinach, although the latter contains more.

Role

Calcium bioavailability determines the actual effectiveness of calcium intake for bone mineralization and biological functions.

Examples

  • Cow milk (30-35% absorbed)
  • Cheese (31-34% absorbed)
  • Spinach (5-6% absorbed)
  • Broccoli (40-65% absorbed)

Recommendations

Combine calcium sources with vitamin D to improve absorption. Prefer dairy products and cruciferous vegetables over oxalate-rich spinach. Space out your calcium intake throughout the day.

Key takeaway

Better 500 mg of well-absorbed calcium than 1000 mg poorly absorbed.

A question about Calcium bioavailability? Ask our nutrition AI.

Ask a question