Paracellular calcium flux across Caco-2 cell monolayers: Effects of individual amino acids.

High-protein diets are generally considered beneficial for calcium (Ca) economy and bone health. Improved intestinal Ca absorption efficiency may be one mechanism by which higher-protein diets affect Ca homeostasis and bone health. The signaling pathways and individual amino acids (AA) responsible for this effect have not been fully elucidated and may involve the transcellular pathway, paracellular pathway or a combination.