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Calcium Sulfate

Also known as: Calcium sulfate, CaSO₄, Gypsum, Plaster of Paris, Anhydrite, Calcium Sulfate

Overview

Calcium sulfate (CaSO₄) is a naturally occurring mineral salt, commonly found as gypsum. It has applications in both industrial and medical fields, and is occasionally used as a calcium supplement. In medicine, it serves as a bone graft substitute and a carrier for antibiotics, particularly in treating chronic osteomyelitis. A key characteristic of calcium sulfate is its poor water solubility, which leads to a slow release of calcium. This, combined with its biocompatibility, makes it suitable for controlled-release applications in bone healing. While research supports its medical uses, evidence for its efficacy as a dietary calcium supplement is limited. It is available in forms such as pellets, beads, and paste for medical applications, but is not generally recommended as a dietary supplement.

Benefits

Calcium sulfate's primary benefit lies in its use as a bone void filler and antibiotic carrier in treating chronic osteomyelitis. Meta-analyses suggest that calcium sulfate, when used as an antibiotic carrier, is associated with improved clinical outcomes compared to standard treatments. However, there is a lack of robust evidence supporting systemic benefits from calcium sulfate as a dietary calcium supplement. Most evidence for general calcium supplementation focuses on bone health, but these studies typically involve other calcium salts, not specifically calcium sulfate. Therefore, the benefits are primarily observed in patients requiring bone void filling or localized antibiotic delivery, rather than for general population calcium supplementation.

How it works

Calcium sulfate functions primarily as a physical matrix rather than through specific molecular targets. When used in bone healing, it provides a scaffold that facilitates bone regeneration. In the treatment of osteomyelitis, it acts as a carrier for controlled antibiotic release directly at the site of infection. Its localized action minimizes systemic absorption, focusing its effects on the implanted area. The slow dissolution of calcium sulfate allows for a gradual release of calcium ions and antibiotics, promoting bone growth and combating infection over time.

Side effects

Calcium sulfate is generally considered safe when used as a medical device. Common side effects, occurring in more than 5% of cases, include local irritation, swelling, or pain at the implantation site. Uncommon side effects (1-5%) may involve infection at the site or allergic reactions. Rare side effects (less than 1%) include systemic effects, which are uncommon due to the poor absorption of calcium sulfate. There are no significant drug interactions reported, but caution is advised when using other calcium supplements concurrently to avoid hypercalcemia. Contraindications include hypersensitivity to calcium sulfate and active systemic infection when used medically. It is not recommended for routine calcium supplementation in healthy individuals, and its use during pregnancy or lactation has not been well-established.

Dosage

There is no established minimum effective dose, optimal dosage range, or maximum safe dose for calcium sulfate as a dietary supplement, as it is not generally recommended for this purpose. In medical applications, the dosage is determined by the size of the bone defect requiring filling or the clinical need for localized antibiotic delivery. Calcium sulfate is administered during surgical procedures in forms such as pellets, beads, or paste. Due to its poor systemic absorption, it is designed for local action. There are no specifically required cofactors for calcium sulfate, but general calcium cofactors like vitamin D may enhance calcium utilization if systemic effects are desired, although this is not the intended use.

FAQs

Is calcium sulfate a good source of dietary calcium?

Calcium sulfate is not a preferred source of dietary calcium due to its poor absorption and limited evidence supporting its efficacy as a supplement. Other forms of calcium, like calcium carbonate or citrate, are generally recommended.

How is calcium sulfate used in medical settings?

In medical settings, calcium sulfate is primarily used as a bone void filler and as a carrier for antibiotics in the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis. It is administered during surgical procedures to promote bone healing and combat infection.

What are the potential side effects of calcium sulfate?

When used medically, common side effects include local irritation, swelling, or pain at the implantation site. Systemic effects are rare due to poor absorption. Allergic reactions and infections at the site are less common but possible.

Is calcium sulfate safe for everyone?

Calcium sulfate is generally safe for localized medical use. However, there is insufficient data to support its routine use as a dietary supplement. It is contraindicated in individuals with hypersensitivity to calcium sulfate or active systemic infections.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10111600/ – This article discusses advancements in the use of calcium sulfate as a bone graft material. It highlights its biocompatibility and osteoconductive properties, making it suitable for bone regeneration. The review covers various applications and modifications to enhance its performance in bone repair.
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/2/368 – This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effects of calcium supplementation on bone mass in young adults. The analysis found that calcium supplementation significantly improves bone mass in this population. However, it's important to note that the studies included primarily used other calcium salts, not specifically calcium sulfate.
https://elifesciences.org/articles/79002 – This study investigated the effects of calcium supplementation on cardiovascular risk. The meta-analysis of multiple large trials found no significant excess risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, or mortality with calcium supplements. The study focused on calcium supplements in general, not specifically calcium sulfate.
https://examine.com/research-feed/study/9K46wd/ – This research feed summarizes a study on calcium sulfate as an antibiotic carrier for treating osteomyelitis. The study indicates that calcium sulfate is associated with better clinical cure rates compared to standard treatments. The findings suggest its effectiveness in localized antibiotic delivery for bone infections.
https://www.bmj.com/content/341/bmj.c3691 – This meta-analysis examined the association between calcium supplements and cardiovascular events. The study found no significant increase in the risk of myocardial infarction with calcium supplementation. However, the analysis did not specifically focus on calcium sulfate, but rather on calcium supplements in general.