Calcium: Beyond the Bone - From Homeostasis to Disease

Calcium is a fundamental determinant of human physiology, governing structural integrity and a wide spectrum of cellular functions. This work provides a comprehensive exploration of calcium biology, beginning with its systemic homeostasis, dietary sources, and mechanisms of intestinal absorption that ensure adequate bioavailability. It then transitions to clinical perspectives, highlighting calcium's pivotal role as a second messenger in neuronal signaling and its intricate channel architecture within the central nervous system. The discussion further examines how disrupted calcium regulation contributes to major disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, and cancer. In addition, the text addresses clinically significant conditions such as hypercalcemia of malignancy and evaluates the cardiovascular implications of calcium supplementation. Together, these chapters integrate molecular insights with clinical relevance, offering a cohesive understanding of calcium in health and disease.