Calcitonin

Calcitonin is a a 32 amino acid polypeptide hormone that is produced in humans primarily by the C cells of the thyroid.

The hormone participates in calcium and phosphorus metabolism and it was found in fish, reptiles, birds and mammals.

Specifically, calcitonin reduces blood calcium levels in three ways:

• decreasing calcium absorption by the intestines
• decreasing osteoclast activity in bones
• decreasing calcium reabsorption by the kidney tubules

Salmon calcitonin is used for the treatment of:

• postmenopausal osteoporosis
• hypercalcaemia
• Paget's disease
• bone metastases