vascular calcification tagged posts

Researchers at ETH Zurich and ETH spin-off Inositec have developed a new substance to prevent vascular calcification, which affects many patients suffering from chronic kidney disease. As their metabolism is impaired, calcium salts may deposit in soft tissues, such as blood vessels or even the heart valves, causing them to stiffen. This often leads to severe, potentially fatal cardiovascular diseases. However, before patients can benefit from the substance further research and tests must be carried out.

“Calcification occurs when calcium phosphate crystals are deposited in tissue,” explains Jean-Christophe Leroux, Professor of Drug For...

Possible roles of magnesium in vitamin D synthesis. Magnesium is involved in both activation and inactivation of vitamin D. Abbreviations: 1,25(OH)2D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (biologically active form); 24,25(OH)2D, 24,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D; 25(OH)D, calciferol (inactive form); D2, vitamin D2 (from nonanimal sources); D3, vitamin D3 (from animal sources); DBP, vitamin D–binding protein; Mg, magnesium; VDR, vitamin D receptors.

Up to 50% of US population is magnesium deficient. Vitamin D can’t be metabolized without sufficient magnesium levels, meaning Vitamin D remains stored and inactive for as many as 50% of Americans. In addition, Vitamin D supplements can increase a person’s calcium and phosphate levels even while they remain Vitamin D deficient...