Calcium intake in African American and Caucasian female college students and its relationship with weight

Abstract

National surveys indicate that women in the United States do not consume enough dairy products, and as a result, are not meeting the recommendations for dietary calcium (Ca). This might result in negative consequences not just for bone health, but for body weight as well, in view of studies showing a negative relationship between overweight/obesity and Ca. The purpose of this study is to assess dietary Ca intake among college females and identify whether it is related to body weight. Volunteers on college campuses were asked to complete a validated food frequency questionnaire assessing usual Ca intake from food. Volunteers include 50 African American and 54 Caucasian females, 18‐37y and BMI (kg/m2) of 26.8±6.6 and 23.1±4.0, respectively (mean±SD). Race, height, and weight were self‐reported. Ca intake was similar between African Americans and Caucasians (1291±761 vs. 1465±934, respectively; p= 0.30), but Caucasians consumed significantly more Ca per kg body weight than African Americans (23.7±16.1 vs. 18.6±10.1; p=0.05). There was a nearly significant difference in Ca intake between normal weight and overweight/obese volunteers such that those with a BMI=25 kg/m2 consumed more Ca per kg of body weight (23.1±14.1 vs. 17.8±12.4; p=0.06). These results show that surveyed college females are meeting recommendations for Ca and suggest that Ca intake may be related to markers of body weight. Funded by USDA/CSREES/NRI #2004‐05287