Doctors' Notes: Calcium

Doctors' Notes: Calcium

From What's Up Docs? by BBC Radio 4

May 12, 2026 · 20 min · Episode 141

About this episode

The episode discusses calcium's role in bone health and osteoporosis with Dr Sagen Zac-Varghese.

Chris and Xand continue their conversation about calcium with Dr Sagen Zac-Varghese. The docs want to know about common issues that are seen around calcium and bone health, especially osteoporosis. They want to learn how osteoporosis relates to calcium, who is at risk and why it is more common in women. They also want to know what inspired Sagen’s passion for calcium and what we can learn from astronauts about bone health. If you’d like to share your thoughts on this or any other topic covered on the podcast, you email us at whatsupdocs@bbc.co.uk or Whatsapp on 08000 665 123. Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken Guest: Dr Sagen Zac-Varghese Producer: Maia Miller Lewis Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar Editor: Jo Rowntree Researcher: Mili Ostojic Tech Lead: Reuben Huxtable Video Producer: Leon Gower Digital Lead: Richard Berry Composer: Phoebe McFarlane Sound Design: Melvin Rickarby At the BBC: Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4.

People in this episode

Hosts: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken, Dr Chris van Tulleken, Dr Xand van Tulleken

Guest: Dr Sagen Zac-Varghese

Topics covered

  • calcium
  • bone health
  • osteoporosis
  • health risks
  • women's health
  • astronauts
  • nutrition

Keywords

  • calcium
  • osteoporosis
  • bone health
  • health risks
  • nutrition
  • women's health
  • astronauts

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: BBC Radio 4

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