Calcium bioavailability from various calcium sources and calcium transport gene expression analysis using Caco-2 cell model

This study aimed to compare the absorption rate and bioavailability of six calcium compounds using a Caco- 2 cell model and mRNA expression analysis of calcium transport-related genes (TRPV5, TRPV6, and CACNA1D). The study examined various calcium sources including calcium from Jeju lava seawater (CJLS), calcium sulfate, calcium carbonate, marine algae calcium, calcium hydroxide, and milk calcium, to evaluate absorption rate, cellular permeability, and gene expression. CJLS exhibited superior absorption and permeability compared to other calcium sources, with notably increased gene expression of TRPV5 and CACNA1D. Marine algae calcium also showed high expression of TRPV5 and CACNA1D, indicating its potential as a functional calcium source. High TRPV6 expression was observed in calcium hydroxide and milk calcium-treated groups, suggesting its involvement in intestinal absorption. These findings suggest that CJLS and marine algae calcium are likely to exhibit high bioavailability and can serve as effective calcium supplements.