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How CYP24A1 and rs1570669 Affect Calcium and Bone Health

Calcium is essential for bones, teeth, muscle function, nerve signaling, and blood clotting. Most calcium is stored in bone, with a small amount circulating in the blood where it is tightly regulated. The CYP24A1 gene makes an enzyme that breaks down active forms of vitamin D. Since vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium, differences in CYP24A1 activity can change how quickly vitamin D is deactivated and influence calcium availability.

What this means for you

Your rs1570669 genotype in the CYP24A1 gene can modestly influence serum calcium by altering vitamin D metabolism. Regardless of genotype, combining dietary strategies, physical activity, safe sunlight exposure, and appropriate testing or supplementation when indicated supports bone health and overall mineral balance.

Practical diet, supplement, and lifestyle guidance

  • Eat calcium-rich foods: dairy, fortified plant milks, yogurt, cheese, leafy greens like kale and collard greens, tofu set with calcium, and canned fish with bones such as sardines and salmon.
  • Optimize vitamin D: include fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, fortified foods, egg yolks, and aim for safe sun exposure on bare skin when appropriate for your climate and skin type.
  • Consider supplements after testing: have vitamin D and calcium levels checked with your clinician before starting supplements. If needed, discuss appropriate dosing and duration with your healthcare provider.
  • Move your body: regular weight bearing and resistance exercises such as walking, jogging, strength training, dancing, or stair climbing stimulate bone formation and help maintain strength.
  • Supportive nutrients: adequate protein, magnesium, vitamin K, and vitamin C support bone matrix and mineralization. Limit excessive sodium and avoid smoking and heavy alcohol use to reduce calcium loss and bone breakdown.
  • Monitoring: consider periodic bone density testing and blood tests for calcium and 25-hydroxyvitamin D based on age, sex, medication use, medical history, and clinician recommendations.

Genetic Interpretation: rs1570669 (CYP24A1)

2 effect alleles — AA

If you have the AA genotype for rs1570669, you carry two copies of the effect allele. This profile is associated with lower serum calcium levels. Variants in CYP24A1 can increase the rate at which active vitamin D is broken down. When vitamin D availability at target tissues is reduced, intestinal calcium absorption may be lower.

Recommendations

  • Prioritize calcium rich foods: dairy, fortified plant milks, leafy greens, calcium-set tofu, and canned fish with bones. Spread calcium intake across meals to improve absorption.
  • Ensure adequate vitamin D through fatty fish, fortified foods, egg yolks, and safe sun exposure. Discuss measuring 25-hydroxyvitamin D with your clinician.
  • Discuss targeted supplementation with a healthcare provider if blood tests indicate low vitamin D or low calcium. Supplementation may help compensate for relatively faster vitamin D breakdown.
  • Engage in regular weight bearing and resistance exercise to support bone density.
  • Work with your clinician to monitor serum calcium and vitamin D levels periodically, particularly if you have other risk factors for low bone density.
1 effect allele — AG

If you have the AG genotype for rs1570669, you carry one copy of the effect allele. This variant is associated with a slight risk for lower serum calcium. CYP24A1 produces an enzyme that degrades active vitamin D, so your genotype may lead to relatively faster vitamin D breakdown and a possible reduction in calcium availability.

Recommendations

  • Include calcium-rich foods daily: dairy, fortified alternatives, leafy greens, calcium-set tofu, and canned fish with bones. Aim to distribute calcium across meals.
  • Support vitamin D status with dietary sources and safe sun exposure. Consider asking your clinician about a blood test for 25-hydroxyvitamin D, especially in fall and winter or if you have limited sun exposure.
  • Maintain regular weight bearing and resistance exercise to stimulate bone formation and preserve strength.
  • Discuss with your healthcare provider whether targeted vitamin D or calcium supplementation is appropriate based on blood test results and personal risk factors.
  • Consider lifestyle supports such as avoiding smoking, limiting high sodium intake, and ensuring adequate intake of protein, magnesium, and vitamin K.
0 effect alleles — GG

If you have the GG genotype for rs1570669, you carry two copies of the non-effect allele. This genotype is associated with typical calcium levels. Your CYP24A1 enzyme activity is likely within the expected range, supporting normal vitamin D metabolism and calcium regulation.

Recommendations

  • Maintain a balanced diet with calcium-rich foods such as dairy, fortified alternatives, leafy greens, and canned fish with bones.
  • Include vitamin D sources like fatty fish, fortified products, eggs, and safe sunlight exposure to keep vitamin D stores adequate.
  • Regular weight bearing and resistance exercise are key to maintaining bone mass. Examples include walking, strength training, hiking, or dance-based workouts.
  • Support bone health with adequate protein, magnesium, and vitamin K intake, and limit excess sodium to reduce calcium loss.
  • Follow routine screening recommendations for bone health and speak with your clinician about any concerns or medications that may affect calcium balance.

When to talk with your clinician

  • If you have a history of fractures, early menopause, chronic steroid use, kidney disease, or conditions that affect nutrient absorption, discuss genetic results and testing with your clinician.
  • If blood tests show low calcium or low 25-hydroxyvitamin D, your clinician can recommend personalized supplementation and follow up.
  • If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, elderly, or taking medications that influence bone or mineral metabolism, ask your clinician whether more frequent monitoring or interventions are indicated.

Important notice

PlexusDx provides genetic information to help you understand potential predispositions related to calcium and vitamin D metabolism. This educational content is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, starting supplements, changing medications, or beginning a new exercise program. Your clinician can interpret your genetic results in the context of your full medical history, current medications, and laboratory tests to create a plan tailored to your needs.