A calcium-loaded complex based on Antarctic krill protein and supplemented with pectin promotes calcium absorption and bone health.

Calcium participates in many biological functions, and calcium deficiency can lead to gut microbiota imbalance, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. This research aimed to assess the in vivo effects of a novel calcium-loaded complex (P + Ca + HMP) based on Antarctic krill protein and supplemented with pectin, using a calcium-deficient mouse model. The results revealed that chronic calcium deprivation resulted in decreased calcium absorption and degradation of trabecular microarchitecture. The P + Ca + HMP complex significantly increased the calcium retention rate to 89.87 ± 0.66 % and enhanced the maximum load of the femur to 9.28 ± 1.12 N, which were significantly higher than those of the low-calcium group, indicating that the complex could effectively enhance the biomechanical properties of bone. Additionally, the P + Ca + HMP complex also significantly increased the continuity, integrity and thickness of the trabecular network, improving bone microarchitecture. Furthermore, after the P + Ca + HMP complex intervention, beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Blautia increased and were significantly positively associated with improved calcium absorption and bone synthesis. In conclusion, the P + Ca + HMP complex achieved effective calcium delivery and exhibited significant efficacy in regulating the intestinal environment, promoting calcium absorption, and bone health, demonstrating potential as a novel calcium supplement for preventing calcium deficiency.