We explored how calcium affects spore germination, which is crucial in the context of food poisoning. The research aimed to understand if calcium, particularly in a complex with dipicolinic acid (Ca-DPA), could initiate spore germination, as previous studies suggested it played a vital role.
Through our experiments, we observed that while Ca-DPA effectively stimulated spore germination, dipicolinic acid alone did not produce the same effect. This indicates that calcium is essential for promoting germination. Moreover, we found that not only calcium salts but also other divalent cations like manganese and magnesium contributed to this process, while zinc did not.
Interestingly, the study revealed that endogenous calcium and magnesium stored within spores were not critical for germination induction. Instead, it was the external calcium and manganese that proved necessary. Overall, our findings suggest that exogenous sources of divalent cations are more significant in triggering spore germination than the spores' internal reserves.
Read More
9
Calcium enhances endolysin effectiveness
Characteristics for phage-encoded cell wall hydrolase of LysSAP27 to reduce staphylococcal food poisoning.
We investigated the effects of a phage-encoded cell wall hydrolase, known as LysSAP27, in combating staphylococcal food poisoning (SFP). This research focused on the potential role of calcium ions in enhancing the lytic activity of LysSAP27, which had been produced using recombinant technology.
Our findings revealed that LysSAP27 displays the greatest effectiveness at neutral pH and at a temperature of 30°C. We observed that the presence of calcium ions increased the enzyme’s lytic activity, suggesting that calcium might play a crucial role in enhancing the bactericidal action of this endolysin.
Importantly, when we applied 2 µM of LysSAP27 to milk contaminated with Staphylococcus, we noted a significant reduction in bacterial counts. Specifically, the treatment resulted in a decrease of 2.8 log CFU/mL within the first hour and 3.4 log CFU/mL after two hours. However, while we highlighted the stimulating effect of calcium on LysSAP27, we didn’t isolate the impact of calcium alone, which limits our ability to fully understand its direct contribution to preventing food poisoning.
As such, while LysSAP27 proves to be an effective antimicrobial agent against SFP, there’s still more to uncover regarding how calcium specifically influences this dynamic.
Read More
9
Calcium enhances antimicrobial efficacy
Impact of the calcium concentration on the efficacy of phage phiIPLA-RODI, LysRODIΔAmi and nisin for the elimination of Staphylococcus aureus during lab-scale cheese production.
We examined how calcium concentration impacts the effectiveness of different antimicrobials in reducing Staphylococcus aureus, a harmful pathogen that can cause food poisoning. Our study focused on a combination of three agents: a bacteriophage called phiIPLA-RODI, an engineered lytic protein named LysRODIΔAmi, and the bacteriocin nisin.
The experiments took place during lab-scale cheese production using two calcium chloride (CaCl) concentrations (0.2% and 0.02%) and involved storing the cheese at two different temperatures (4°C and 12°C). Through our observations, we noticed that mixing these antimicrobials typically resulted in a better reduction of S. aureus than using them individually.
However, this enhanced effectiveness was generally additive rather than synergistic. We did find one noteworthy exception: at 12°C, where the pathogen could still grow, the combination of all three agents showed a synergistic effect after 14 days of storage. Importantly, we also discovered that higher levels of calcium significantly boosted the activity of LysRODIΔAmi, allowing us to use substantially less protein while still being effective against the contamination.
Our findings suggest that using these antimicrobials together, especially in the presence of higher calcium concentrations, could be a promising strategy for controlling Staphylococcus aureus in dairy products without increasing the risk of resistance, ultimately keeping costs down.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
9
Halting tooth decay
18 people found this helpful
I often drink this calcium as it has a significant impact when my teeth crumbled. Its absorption is enhanced when combined with trace elements. The results were visible quickly; since I started, crumbling has ceased and caries no longer developed. Overall health plays a vital role—healthy nutrition maximises the benefits and prevents issues.
Read More
7.5
Reduced tooth sensitivity
4 people found this helpful
This calcium has been a lifesaver for my sensitive teeth! I've struggled with sensitivities that made it difficult to enjoy sour, sweet or cold foods. Following my first course, I discovered a marked decrease in sensitivity. I now consume it three times a year, alongside specific pastes for sensitive teeth. The added benefit has been stronger nails.
Read More
7.5
Improved dental sensitivity
2 people found this helpful
After taking antibiotics, my teeth became fragile, translucent, and sensitive. This supplement combines calcium and phosphorus, found in teeth. Since I started using it, I have noticed significant improvements, particularly in sensitivity, which is promising for my dental health.
Impact of the calcium concentration on the efficacy of phage phiIPLA-RODI, LysRODIΔAmi and nisin for the elimination of Staphylococcus aureus during lab-scale cheese production.
We examined how calcium concentration impacts the effectiveness of different antimicrobials in reducing Staphylococcus aureus, a harmful pathogen that can cause food poisoning. Our study focused on a combination of three agents: a bacteriophage called phiIPLA-RODI, an engineered lytic protein named LysRODIΔAmi, and the bacteriocin nisin.
The experiments took place during lab-scale cheese production using two calcium chloride (CaCl) concentrations (0.2% and 0.02%) and involved storing the cheese at two different temperatures (4°C and 12°C). Through our observations, we noticed that mixing these antimicrobials typically resulted in a better reduction of S. aureus than using them individually.
However, this enhanced effectiveness was generally additive rather than synergistic. We did find one noteworthy exception: at 12°C, where the pathogen could still grow, the combination of all three agents showed a synergistic effect after 14 days of storage. Importantly, we also discovered that higher levels of calcium significantly boosted the activity of LysRODIΔAmi, allowing us to use substantially less protein while still being effective against the contamination.
Our findings suggest that using these antimicrobials together, especially in the presence of higher calcium concentrations, could be a promising strategy for controlling Staphylococcus aureus in dairy products without increasing the risk of resistance, ultimately keeping costs down.
We explored how calcium affects spore germination, which is crucial in the context of food poisoning. The research aimed to understand if calcium, particularly in a complex with dipicolinic acid (Ca-DPA), could initiate spore germination, as previous studies suggested it played a vital role.
Through our experiments, we observed that while Ca-DPA effectively stimulated spore germination, dipicolinic acid alone did not produce the same effect. This indicates that calcium is essential for promoting germination. Moreover, we found that not only calcium salts but also other divalent cations like manganese and magnesium contributed to this process, while zinc did not.
Interestingly, the study revealed that endogenous calcium and magnesium stored within spores were not critical for germination induction. Instead, it was the external calcium and manganese that proved necessary. Overall, our findings suggest that exogenous sources of divalent cations are more significant in triggering spore germination than the spores' internal reserves.
Read More
9
Calcium enhances endolysin effectiveness
Characteristics for phage-encoded cell wall hydrolase of LysSAP27 to reduce staphylococcal food poisoning.
We investigated the effects of a phage-encoded cell wall hydrolase, known as LysSAP27, in combating staphylococcal food poisoning (SFP). This research focused on the potential role of calcium ions in enhancing the lytic activity of LysSAP27, which had been produced using recombinant technology.
Our findings revealed that LysSAP27 displays the greatest effectiveness at neutral pH and at a temperature of 30°C. We observed that the presence of calcium ions increased the enzyme’s lytic activity, suggesting that calcium might play a crucial role in enhancing the bactericidal action of this endolysin.
Importantly, when we applied 2 µM of LysSAP27 to milk contaminated with Staphylococcus, we noted a significant reduction in bacterial counts. Specifically, the treatment resulted in a decrease of 2.8 log CFU/mL within the first hour and 3.4 log CFU/mL after two hours. However, while we highlighted the stimulating effect of calcium on LysSAP27, we didn’t isolate the impact of calcium alone, which limits our ability to fully understand its direct contribution to preventing food poisoning.
As such, while LysSAP27 proves to be an effective antimicrobial agent against SFP, there’s still more to uncover regarding how calcium specifically influences this dynamic.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 4 Reviews
8.4
All Reviews
Positive Reviews
Negative Reviews
9
Halting tooth decay
18 people found this helpful
I often drink this calcium as it has a significant impact when my teeth crumbled. Its absorption is enhanced when combined with trace elements. The results were visible quickly; since I started, crumbling has ceased and caries no longer developed. Overall health plays a vital role—healthy nutrition maximises the benefits and prevents issues.
Read More
7.5
Reduced tooth sensitivity
4 people found this helpful
This calcium has been a lifesaver for my sensitive teeth! I've struggled with sensitivities that made it difficult to enjoy sour, sweet or cold foods. Following my first course, I discovered a marked decrease in sensitivity. I now consume it three times a year, alongside specific pastes for sensitive teeth. The added benefit has been stronger nails.
Read More
7.5
Improved dental sensitivity
2 people found this helpful
After taking antibiotics, my teeth became fragile, translucent, and sensitive. This supplement combines calcium and phosphorus, found in teeth. Since I started using it, I have noticed significant improvements, particularly in sensitivity, which is promising for my dental health.
Read More
7.5
Enhanced joint health
2 people found this helpful
Excellent! NOW Foods Calcium Hydroxyapatite is one of the finest forms of calcium for bone health. I began using this product to strengthen my bones and improve density. Within weeks, I noticed less joint pain and greater bone strength. Hydroxyapatite is better absorbed and bolsters the health of both teeth and bones, particularly if there are existing issues. The capsules are easy to swallow, leaving me satisfied with the results, and I plan to continue taking them for my bone health.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
Food poisoning, also known as foodborne illness, occurs when you consume contaminated food or beverages. This contamination can result from bacteria, viruses, parasites, or chemical substances that have infected the food. Common symptoms of food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever, which usually appear within hours or days following the consumption of contaminated food. While most cases resolve on their own within a few days, some can lead to severe complications, especially in vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
To prevent food poisoning, it's essential to practice safe food handling techniques such as washing hands, cooking food to the appropriate temperatures, and avoiding cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods. Keeping your refrigerator at the correct temperature and being mindful of expiration dates can also help reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. If you suspect that you have food poisoning, particularly if symptoms are severe or persistent, it's important to seek medical attention.
Calcium is a chemical element represented by the symbol Ca and atomic number 20. It is an essential mineral in the body, playing a critical role in various physiological processes. As one of the most abundant elements in nature, calcium is particularly vital for maintaining strong bones and teeth, where about 99% of the body's calcium is stored. Beyond its structural function, calcium is crucial in muscle contraction, blood clotting, and nerve transmission, making it a key player in overall health.
Dietary sources of calcium include dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese, as well as leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds, and fortified foods. The recommended daily intake of calcium varies by age and sex, but generally, adults should aim for approximately 1,000 mg per day. For those who may struggle to meet their needs through diet alone, calcium supplements are available but should be taken with caution. It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen to avoid potential side effects or interactions with medications.
The scientific research suggests a supportive role for calcium in addressing food poisoning, particularly concerning Staphylococcus aureus, a significant pathogen. In one study, researchers examined how calcium concentration affects the effectiveness of various antimicrobials in reducing this harmful pathogen during cheese production. They found that combining certain agents was more effective in controlling S. aureus, especially at higher calcium concentrations, indicating that calcium can enhance antimicrobial efficacy ([1]).
Another study highlighted calcium's importance in promoting spore germination, a crucial process relevant to food safety. Calcium, especially in the form of complexes like Ca-DPA, was essential for initiating spore germination, which can be directly related to controlling foodborne illnesses ([2]). Additionally, the research involving LysSAP27, an enzyme that combats staphylococcal food poisoning, demonstrated increased lytic activity in the presence of calcium ions, suggesting a potential mechanism through which calcium might aid in preventing food poisoning. However, further investigation is needed to isolate the direct effects of calcium in these contexts ([3]). Overall, while the data supports the role of calcium in these processes, more research would solidify its definitive applications in food safety.
Based on user reviews, many individuals have reported significant improvements in their dental and bone health after using this calcium supplement. For instance, one user noted that after starting the supplement, their crumbling teeth ceased and they experienced a halt in the development of caries, emphasizing how important overall health and nutrition are in maximizing these benefits Read Review. Another user with sensitive teeth found that after their first course, they experienced a marked decrease in sensitivity, allowing them to enjoy foods they previously avoided Read Review.
Others have also shared encouraging results, such as improved tooth strength and reduced sensitivity, especially after overcoming issues like fragility caused by antibiotics Read Review. Additionally, one user reported enhanced bone health, mentioning reduced joint pain and increased bone strength within weeks of usage Read Review. While these anecdotal experiences provide promising insights, it's important to remember that individual results can vary significantly.
9
Halting tooth decay
18 people found this helpful
I often drink this calcium as it has a significant impact when my teeth crumbled. Its absorption is enhanced when combined with trace elements. The results were visible quickly; since I started, crumbling has ceased and caries no longer developed. Overall health plays a vital role—healthy nutrition maximises the benefits and prevents issues.
7.5
Reduced tooth sensitivity
4 people found this helpful
This calcium has been a lifesaver for my sensitive teeth! I've struggled with sensitivities that made it difficult to enjoy sour, sweet or cold foods. Following my first course, I discovered a marked decrease in sensitivity. I now consume it three times a year, alongside specific pastes for sensitive teeth. The added benefit has been stronger nails.
7.5
Improved dental sensitivity
2 people found this helpful
After taking antibiotics, my teeth became fragile, translucent, and sensitive. This supplement combines calcium and phosphorus, found in teeth. Since I started using it, I have noticed significant improvements, particularly in sensitivity, which is promising for my dental health.
7.5
Enhanced joint health
2 people found this helpful
Excellent! NOW Foods Calcium Hydroxyapatite is one of the finest forms of calcium for bone health. I began using this product to strengthen my bones and improve density. Within weeks, I noticed less joint pain and greater bone strength. Hydroxyapatite is better absorbed and bolsters the health of both teeth and bones, particularly if there are existing issues. The capsules are easy to swallow, leaving me satisfied with the results, and I plan to continue taking them for my bone health.
9
Calcium enhances antimicrobial efficacy
Impact of the calcium concentration on the efficacy of phage phiIPLA-RODI, LysRODIΔAmi and nisin for the elimination of Staphylococcus aureus during lab-scale cheese production.
We examined how calcium concentration impacts the effectiveness of different antimicrobials in reducing Staphylococcus aureus, a harmful pathogen that can cause food poisoning. Our study focused on a combination of three agents: a bacteriophage called phiIPLA-RODI, an engineered lytic protein named LysRODIΔAmi, and the bacteriocin nisin.
The experiments took place during lab-scale cheese production using two calcium chloride (CaCl) concentrations (0.2% and 0.02%) and involved storing the cheese at two different temperatures (4°C and 12°C). Through our observations, we noticed that mixing these antimicrobials typically resulted in a better reduction of S. aureus than using them individually.
However, this enhanced effectiveness was generally additive rather than synergistic. We did find one noteworthy exception: at 12°C, where the pathogen could still grow, the combination of all three agents showed a synergistic effect after 14 days of storage. Importantly, we also discovered that higher levels of calcium significantly boosted the activity of LysRODIΔAmi, allowing us to use substantially less protein while still being effective against the contamination.
Our findings suggest that using these antimicrobials together, especially in the presence of higher calcium concentrations, could be a promising strategy for controlling Staphylococcus aureus in dairy products without increasing the risk of resistance, ultimately keeping costs down.
We explored how calcium affects spore germination, which is crucial in the context of food poisoning. The research aimed to understand if calcium, particularly in a complex with dipicolinic acid (Ca-DPA), could initiate spore germination, as previous studies suggested it played a vital role.
Through our experiments, we observed that while Ca-DPA effectively stimulated spore germination, dipicolinic acid alone did not produce the same effect. This indicates that calcium is essential for promoting germination. Moreover, we found that not only calcium salts but also other divalent cations like manganese and magnesium contributed to this process, while zinc did not.
Interestingly, the study revealed that endogenous calcium and magnesium stored within spores were not critical for germination induction. Instead, it was the external calcium and manganese that proved necessary. Overall, our findings suggest that exogenous sources of divalent cations are more significant in triggering spore germination than the spores' internal reserves.
9
Calcium enhances endolysin effectiveness
Characteristics for phage-encoded cell wall hydrolase of LysSAP27 to reduce staphylococcal food poisoning.
We investigated the effects of a phage-encoded cell wall hydrolase, known as LysSAP27, in combating staphylococcal food poisoning (SFP). This research focused on the potential role of calcium ions in enhancing the lytic activity of LysSAP27, which had been produced using recombinant technology.
Our findings revealed that LysSAP27 displays the greatest effectiveness at neutral pH and at a temperature of 30°C. We observed that the presence of calcium ions increased the enzyme’s lytic activity, suggesting that calcium might play a crucial role in enhancing the bactericidal action of this endolysin.
Importantly, when we applied 2 µM of LysSAP27 to milk contaminated with Staphylococcus, we noted a significant reduction in bacterial counts. Specifically, the treatment resulted in a decrease of 2.8 log CFU/mL within the first hour and 3.4 log CFU/mL after two hours. However, while we highlighted the stimulating effect of calcium on LysSAP27, we didn’t isolate the impact of calcium alone, which limits our ability to fully understand its direct contribution to preventing food poisoning.
As such, while LysSAP27 proves to be an effective antimicrobial agent against SFP, there’s still more to uncover regarding how calcium specifically influences this dynamic.
References
Youssef O, AgĂşn S, Fernández L, Khalil SA, RodrĂguez A, et al. Impact of the calcium concentration on the efficacy of phage phiIPLA-RODI, LysRODIΔAmi and nisin for the elimination of Staphylococcus aureus during lab-scale cheese production. Int J Food Microbiol. 2023;399:110227. doi:10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2023.110227
Almatrafi R, Banawas S, Sarker MR. Divalent Cation Signaling in Spore Germination. Microorganisms. 2023;11. doi:10.3390/microorganisms11030591
Park DW, Lee YD, Park JH. Characteristics for phage-encoded cell wall hydrolase of LysSAP27 to reduce staphylococcal food poisoning. Food Sci Biotechnol. 2021;30:745. doi:10.1007/s10068-021-00910-2