Calcitonin
Calcitonin (salmon calcitonin)
Also known as: Miacalcin, Fortical
A hormone that lowers blood calcium, FDA-approved (as salmon calcitonin) for osteoporosis, Paget's disease, and high calcium.
Overview
Calcitonin is a hormone that reduces blood calcium by slowing bone breakdown. The salmon form is more potent in humans and is FDA-approved for postmenopausal osteoporosis, Paget's disease of bone, and high blood calcium. Its role in osteoporosis is now secondary to stronger agents, but it remains an approved peptide hormone drug.
Mechanism of action
Activates calcitonin receptors on bone-resorbing osteoclasts to reduce bone breakdown and lower blood calcium.
Key studies & citations
- Human2000
A randomized trial of nasal spray salmon calcitonin in postmenopausal women with established osteoporosis: the prevent recurrence of osteoporotic fractures study (PROOF)
1,255 women over 5 years: 200 IU nasal calcitonin cut new vertebral fractures by 33%; 100 and 400 IU doses did not reach significance.
American Journal of Medicine - Review2008
Salmon calcitonin: a review of current and future therapeutic indications
Reviews salmon calcitonin's physiology and its use in osteoporosis and Paget's disease over 30 years.
Osteoporosis International
Frequently asked questions
Why salmon calcitonin?
Salmon calcitonin is considerably more potent at the human receptor than human calcitonin, so it is the form used medically.