The mineral calcium is the most abundant in the body. However, the bones and teeth store 98 percent of the body’s calcium as calcium hydroxyapatite—a naturally occurring mineral type of calcium apatite.
Here, it adds density and strength. However, the mineral can also be found in the blood due to its other crucial biological functions.
Calcium apatite supplementation may benefit conditions such as osteopenia, bone fracture, osteoporosis, pre-eclampsia of pregnancy, menopause, dental caries, tooth resorption, and dairy-free diet.
But when should Calcium hydroxyapatite not be taken? Below are the contraindications.
Uses Of Calcium Hydroxyapatite
With recent advances in materials science and nano-materials, much research and development has been devoted to developing and discovering the optimal uses for hydroxyapatite. Non-medical applications that have shown promise include carbon dioxide removal from air and fluoride removal from saturated soil. But it is in medical applications that hydroxyapatite truly shines.
The following medical specialties benefit from the use of Calcium hydroxyapatite.
Orthopedics
Nano hydroxyapatite is most commonly utilized in bone and dental enamel procedures because it stimulates bone formation. Nano hydroxyapatite can be used to coat joint replacement implants. The body is less prone to reject those implants, and the mineral layer promotes new bone formation around the implant, firmly attaching it.
Although additional research is needed, calcium hydroxyapatite has shown early promise in preserving bone health better than calcium carbonate supplements.
Dermatology
Hydroxyapatite is also utilized in dermatology for aesthetic purposes. To facilitate injection, a structural component of calcium hydroxyapatite microspheres suspended in an aqueous gel is employed, which works by increasing collagen formation. They are used to the skin to moisturize it, cure deeper wrinkles, and restructure volumes. For example the Neauvia range.
Dentistry
Tooth enamel is almost entirely composed of hydroxyapatite. Oral care products containing this mineral have significantly improved dental practices for patients. Nano hydroxyapatite-coated dental implants promote bone development and implant more efficiently than non-coated implants.
Dental filling solutions containing hydroxyapatite can be utilized to heal severe cavities. It has also been demonstrated to minimize or eliminate post-whitening tooth sensitivity. It can also improve outcomes with dental implants, like bone implants elsewhere. It has become a significant instrument in the fields of periodontics and oral surgery.
In addition to its potential to assist in remineralizing damaged tooth surfaces, hydroxyapatite has been shown to help manage germs contributing to caries disease. Mutans streptococci, a bacteria linked to caries production, cannot also adhere to teeth in the presence of nano-hydroxyapatite. This reduces the quantity of dangerous bacteria in the mouth and increases resistance to caries formation.
Contraindications Of Calcium Hydroxyapatite
Calcium hydroxyapatite should not be used in patients with the following conditions:
- Taking anticoagulants
- Sarcoidosis or other granulomatous conditions
- History of allergy: severe flare-ups (eczema, asthma) to any other severe allergic terrain
- Autoimmune diseases (thyroid disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, psoriasis, Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, etc.)
- Immunosuppressive treatment (ciclosporin, cortisone, methotrexate, azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, etc.).
- Treatment with interferon (risk of granulomatous reactions)
- Pregnancy (or the possibility of pregnancy) or breastfeeding.
Precaution should be taken for the following conditions:
- Frequent herpes (preventive treatment to be taken)
- Patients having a history of kidney impairment
- Coagulation or platelet disorders
- Medical, surgical (including cosmetic), family and allergic history, and any current medication (including phytotherapy, vitamin supplements, etc.)
- Anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamin C, and all supplements ( ginger, omega 3, ginkgo biloba) must be stopped 3 days before treatment
- Taking aspirin and anti-platelet agents will most likely be responsible for the formation of a hematoma.
Hydroxyapatite has been linked to an increase in blood calcium levels. During treatment, serum calcium levels should be monitored regularly.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513314/