Sherk et al., 2017

Calcium Supplementation Attenuates Disruptions in Calcium Homeostasis during Exercise

VD Sherk, SJ Wherry, DW Barry, KL Shea, P Wolfe, WM Kohrt


Med Sci Sports Exerc., 49(7), 1437–1442, 2017

Background: 

Exercise can lead to a decrease in calcium levels during prolonged moderate-to- vigorous endurance exercise, triggering the release of parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH helps maintain calcium balance by increasing intestinal absorption, reducing renal excretion, and mobilizing calcium from the bones. If exercise promotes bone resorption without stimulating bone formation, it may contribute to bone loss, such as that observed in cyclists.

Drinking a calcium-enriched beverage before and during exercise can help mitigate the disruption in calcium balance and decrease in PTH levels. However, the effectiveness of calcium supplementation in reducing bone resorption varies depending on the timing of ingestion. Most studies have examined pre-exercise supplementation, but investigating closer timing to exercise onset is important. Therefore, this study aims to determine if consuming Aquamin 30 minutes before exercise can attenuate the decrease in calcium levels, increase in PTH, and bone resorption compared to a placebo supplement.

Methods: 

This was a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study of the effects of pre- exercise Aquamin supplementation on the serum ionized calcium (iCa), PTH, and collagen type-1 c-telopeptide (CTX) responses to vigorous exercise. 51 participants (male road cyclists, aged 18 to 45 years) were randomized to take a chewable supplement containing either Ca citrate (1000 mg Aquamin) or placebo (PL) 30 minutes before exercise.

Results: 

Taking Aquamin 30 minutes before exercise attenuated the decrease in iCa and increase in PTH during exercise.


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Sherk et al., 2017

Calcium Supplementation Attenuates Disruptions in Calcium Homeostasis during Exercise VD Sherk, SJ Wherry, DW Barry, KL Shea, P Wolfe, WM Kohrt Med Sci Sports Exerc., 49(7), 1437–1442, 2017 Background:  Exercise can lead to a decrease in calcium levels during prolonged moderate-to- vigorous endurance

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