Calcium Deficiency and Osteoporosis: A Global Health Threat
Calcium is an essential trace element for the human body. It is not only a crucial component of bones and teeth but also participates in key physiological functions such as muscle contraction, nerve conduction, and blood clotting. However, calcium deficiency is highly prevalent worldwide, posing a significant public health threat. According to authoritative statistics, over 5 billion people globally suffer from insufficient calcium intake, with the elderly, women, and children being high-risk groups for calcium deficiency.
The impact of calcium deficiency on the human body is profound and progressive. Initial symptoms may include mild manifestations like muscle cramps, fatigue, and numbness, which are often easily overlooked. As calcium deficiency persists, osteoporosis quietly sets in. Osteoporosis is a skeletal disease characterized by reduced bone mass and deterioration of bone microarchitecture. The bones of patients become fragile and brittle; even minor bumps or falls can lead to fractures, causing immense pain and inconvenience to patients, while also imposing a heavy economic burden on families and society.
When discussing calcium supplementation strategies, relying solely on elemental calcium intake is far from sufficient. The absorption and utilization of calcium by the human body are influenced by various factors, among which protein intake plays a key role. Traditional protein sources, such as animal and plant proteins, while providing some nutrition, have limitations. Animal proteins contain relatively high levels of sulfur-containing amino acids, while the phytic acid in plant proteins can affect calcium absorption and utilization.
Yeast-derived protein isolate: New Research Findings on Promoting Calcium Absorption and Improving Osteoporosis!
Among numerous novel protein sources, yeast-derived protein isolate protein stands out due to its unique advantages. Studies indicate that this protein possesses an excellent amino acid composition, with essential amino acids accounting for approximately 48% of the total amino acids, highly aligned with the ideal protein amino acid pattern. It is rich in glutamic acid, glutamine, alanine, and branched-chain amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, and valine), components that are significant for promoting calcium absorption and bone health.
Promotes calcium absorption in normal individuals, enhancing bone function
Serum alkaline phosphatase (AKP) is a marker of osteoblast activity. An increase in its activity indicates enhanced osteoblast activity, promoting bone formation. Serum calcium (Ca) and serum phosphorus (Pi) are important markers for assessing calcium metabolism and bone health. The study found that in normal rats, supplementing with calcium alone or yeast-derived protein isolate alone increased osteoblast activity, and co-supplementation with yeast-derived protein isolate and calcium may have a better effect on promoting Ca and Pi absorption. It can also synergistically improve serum AKP levels and the absorption/utilization of Ca, thereby increasing serum Ca content.
Trabecular and cortical bone are the spongy network and dense tissue of bones, respectively, crucial for bone strength, toughness, and mechanical integrity. The results showed that co-supplementation of yeast-derived protein isolate and Ca reduced trabecular bone vacuoles, increased cortical bone density and the amount of bone collagen, indicating a more complete bone structure, active bone metabolism, and enhanced bone strength and toughness. Compared to the normal control group, supplementation with yeast-derived protein isolate resulted in a denser and smoother femoral surface. Furthermore, co-supplementation was found to significantly promote an increase in the number of trabeculae, which aligns with the trend observed in bone calcium content results.
Yeast-derived Protein Isolate Ushers in a New Future for Bone Health
Although yeast-derived protein isolate has already demonstrated immense potential in promoting calcium absorption and improving osteoporosis, current research has only revealed a fraction of its capabilities. Future studies will delve deeper into the interactions between yeast-derived protein isolate and the gut microbiota, further elucidating the specific molecular mechanisms and clinical manifestations of how yeast-derived protein isolate promotes calcium absorption and bone synthesis. This will provide crucial information for developing more targeted nutritional intervention strategies, promising revolutionary breakthroughs in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.
As an emerging functional food and nutritional supplement, yeast-derived protein isolate, with its outstanding efficacy in promoting calcium absorption and improving osteoporosis, is expected to gain wider application and promotion globally. Angel yeast-derived protein isolate will continue to dedicate itself to the research, development, and production of yeast-derived protein isolate, providing consumers with more healthy and delicious food options. Simultaneously, it will drive the application of yeast-derived protein isolate in more fields, contributing to the innovative development of the food industry, helping people achieve the vision of bone health and improved quality of life, and leading the way into a new future for bone health.
References:
1. Beal, T., Herforth, A., & Kennedy, G. Global estimation of dietary micronutrient inadequacies: a modelling analysis. The Lancet Global Health. (Note: Corrected author order based on common citation)
2. Office of Dietary Supplements. (n.d.). Calcium. Retrieved August 6, 2025, from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-HealthProfessional/
3. Shlisky J, Mandlik R, Askari S, et al. Calcium deficiency worldwide: prevalence of inadequate intakes and associated health outcomes. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2022 Jun;1512(1):10-28. doi: 10.1111/nyas.14758.
4. Liang, Y., Cheng, Q., Chen, Z. X., & Hou, T. (2025). Effects of yeast protein on the promotion of intestinal calcium absorption (in vivo/in vitro) and bone formation (in vivo) in rats fed by normal and low-calcium diets. Food Research International, 117179. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2025.117179