Tag: Paracellular pathway

As the second most abundant mineral in the human body, phosphorus, in its inorganic form as phosphate, is primarily absorbed in the small intestine. This critical process involves two distinct pathways that work together to maintain the body's delicate phosphate balance.

According to the Linus Pauling Institute, approximately 85% of the body's phosphorus is found in bones and teeth. Most phosphorus absorption, a critical part of maintaining systemic phosphate balance, takes place within the small intestine. Understanding this process is vital for overall health, as both natural and processed food sources contribute to our dietary intake.

The human body absorbs only about 30% to 40% of intestinal calcium when vitamin D levels are adequate, a percentage that drops significantly with deficiency. Understanding the intricate pathway of calcium absorption is essential for anyone seeking to optimize their bone health and mineral intake.

The human body stores 99% of its calcium in the bones, but the remaining 1% is crucial for vital functions like nerve signaling and muscle contraction. Efficiently absorbing this mineral from the diet is essential, so what are the pathways of calcium absorption and how do they work within our intestines?