Calcium In Women Research Articles

Evaluation of some biomarkers of osteoporosis in women with breast cancer in Al-Najaf Governorate

Introduction: Osteoporosis is a systemic disease that affects the mineral density of bones and their structure, which leads to an increase in the softness of the bones. One in three women after the age of fifty worldwide is affected. Both breast cancer and osteoporosis are common diseases in women. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women, with one in eight women developing breast cancer in their lifetime.Aim of the study Evaluation of some biomarkers of osteoporosis in women with breast cancer represented by cathepsin K, parathyroid hormone, calcium and vitamin D.
 methods: The current study was conducted at the National Cancer Center in Al-Najaf province for the period from 8/15/2022 to 1/20/2023. The study included 60 women with breast cancer and 30 healthy women free of diseases, and it was considered a control group. The ages of patients and healthy people ranged between (30-68) years old, vitamin D, calcium, parathyroid hormone, and cathepsin K were evaluated.
 Results: For the indicators of vitamin D and parathyroid hormone (PTH), the results of the statistical analysis did not record any significant difference (p>0.05) between the two groups under study. The results of the statistical analysis showed a significant increase (p<0.0001) in the levels of calcium (Ca) and cathepsin K in infected women compared with healthy women. Likelihood (p < 0.005) and calcium with a probability level (p < 0.0001).
 Conclusion
 Depending on the results reached through the current study, we conclude that there is a high rate of osteoporosis in women with breast cancer. prevalent. Also, an increase in the level of calcium in women with breast cancer, with no difference in parathyroid hormone, which is the most important biomarker for breast cancer diagnosis. An increase in the level of cathepsin K and its negative effect on the level of calcium in women with breast cancer.

Impaired metabolism predicts coronary artery calcification in women with systemic lupus erythematosus

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) exhibit a high risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) which is not fully explained by the classical Framingham risk factors. SLE is characterized by major metabolic alterations which can contribute to the elevated prevalence of CVD. A comprehensive analysis of the circulating metabolome and lipidome was conducted in a large cohort of 211 women with SLE who underwent a multi-detector computed tomography scan for quantification of coronary artery calcium (CAC), a robust predictor of coronary heart disease (CHD). Beyond traditional risk factors, including age and hypertension, disease activity and duration were independent risk factors for developing CAC in women with SLE. The presence of coronary calcium was associated with major alterations of circulating lipidome dominated by an elevated abundance of ceramides with very long chain fatty acids. Alterations in multiple metabolic pathways, including purine, arginine and proline metabolism, and microbiota-derived metabolites, were also associated with CAC in women with SLE. Logistic regression with bootstrapping of lipidomic and metabolomic variables were used to develop prognostic scores. Strikingly, combining metabolic and lipidomic variables with clinical and biological parameters markedly improved the prediction (area under the curve: 0.887, p<0.001) of the presence of coronary calcium in women with SLE. The present study uncovers the contribution of disturbed metabolism to the presence of coronary artery calcium and the associated risk of CHD in SLE. Identification of novel lipid and metabolite biomarkers may help stratifying patients for reducing CVD morbidity and mortality in SLE. INSERM and Sorbonne Université.

THE IMPACT OF CONSUMING SALMON FISH (SALMO SALAR) ON DENTAL CALCIUM LEVELS IN MICE (MUS MUSCULUS)

ABSTRACTBackground: Pregnant women require calcium as a vital vitamin. Insufficient calcium intake during pregnancy can result in enamel hypoplasia and cavities in deciduous teeth. It can boost pregnant women's calcium intake with calcium-containing pill formulations and vitamin D; however, this has negative effects such as kidney stone issues. Salmon can be used as a substitute because it has no negative side effects and contains omega 3, which can enhance calcium absorption. Purpose: This study aimed to determine the effect of salmon (Salmo salar) consumption on calcium levels in the teeth of mice (Mus musculus). Method: This study used pregnant mice and a post-test-only control strategy. Pregnant mice were fed salmon combined with CMC (Carboxy Methyl Cellulose) and CMC (Carboxy Methyl Cellulose) alone as a control. The salmon dose administered is 2.17 mg/0.5 ml. Using atomic absorption spectrophotometry, mice dental calcium levels can be determined (AAS). Result: The findings of hypothesis testing with an unpaired t-test of 0.041 revealed a significant difference between the salmon-eating and CMC-consuming groups at p 0.05. (Carboxy Methyl Cellulose). Conclusion: Consuming salmon can significantly increase the calcium content of mouse teeth. Keywords: Dental calcium, Mice (Mus Musculus, Pregnant mice, Salmon (salmo nalar)

Abdominal CT Body Composition Thresholds Using Automated AI Tools for Predicting 10-year Adverse Outcomes.

Background CT-based body composition measures derived from fully automated artificial intelligence tools are promising for opportunistic screening. However, body composition thresholds associated with adverse clinical outcomes are lacking. Purpose To determine population and sex-specific thresholds for muscle, abdominal fat, and abdominal aortic calcium measures at abdominal CT for predicting risk of death, adverse cardiovascular events, and fragility fractures. Materials and Methods In this retrospective single-center study, fully automated algorithms for quantifying skeletal muscle (L3 level), abdominal fat (L3 level), and abdominal aortic calcium were applied to noncontrast abdominal CT scans from asymptomatic adults screened from 2004 to 2016. Longitudinal follow-up documented subsequent death, adverse cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular event, and heart failure), and fragility fractures. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to derive thresholds for body composition measures to achieve optimal ROC curve performance and high specificity (90%) for 10-year risks. Results A total of 9223 asymptomatic adults (mean age, 57 years ± 7 [SD]; 5152 women and 4071 men) were evaluated (median follow-up, 9 years). Muscle attenuation and aortic calcium had the highest diagnostic performance for predicting death, with areas under the ROC curve of 0.76 for men (95% CI: 0.72, 0.79) and 0.72 for women (95% CI: 0.69, 0.76) for muscle attenuation. Sex-specific thresholds were higher in men than women (P < .001 for muscle attenuation for all outcomes). The highest-performing markers for risk of death were muscle attenuation in men (31 HU; 71% sensitivity [164 of 232 patients]; 72% specificity [1114 of 1543 patients]) and aortic calcium in women (Agatston score, 167; 70% sensitivity [152 of 218 patients]; 70% specificity [1427 of 2034 patients]). Ninety-percent specificity thresholds for muscle attenuation for both risk of death and fragility fractures were 23 HU (men) and 13 HU (women). For aortic calcium and risk of death and adverse cardiovascular events, 90% specificity Agatston score thresholds were 1475 (men) and 735 (women). Conclusion Sex-specific thresholds for automated abdominal CT-based body composition measures can be used to predict risk of death, adverse cardiovascular events, and fragility fractures. © RSNA, 2022 Online supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Ohliger in this issue.

Effect of calcium supplement and physical exercises on selected parameters of postmenopausal osteoporosis in women

The aim of this study to identify the effect of the calcium supplement &amp; physical exercises selected parameters in postmenopausal women. Material and Methods: The study used a descriptive evaluative approach with a pre-experimental control before-after research design, in which investigators assessed the effects of calcium supplementation and physical exercise on selected parameters in postmenopausal women in the outpatient departments of selected Mumbai hospitals. The research comprised 30 postmenopausal women from Mumbai's orthopaedic outpatient clinics. A basic random sampling method was employed to select the sample. ECOS 16 Questionnaire and Mini Osteoporosis Scale were used to obtain data. Describing and inferential statistics were used to analyses the data. Result: According to the findings of this research, Posttest mean blood calcium level 8.64 with SD of ±0.302 was higher than the Pretest mean blood calcium level 8.22 with SD of ± 0.370. In the t-test study the gap in Pretest and Posttest average blood calcium level was found to be considerable at the level of 0.05 (t=3.45; p&lt;0.00001). This means that calcium supplements and exercise have a positive influence on postmenopausal women's calcium levels.

W171 Assessment of serum level of vitamin d, selenium and calcium in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome in Nnewi south east Nigeria

W171 Assessment of serum level of vitamin d, selenium and calcium in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome in Nnewi south east Nigeria

A STUDY OF SERUM LEVELS OF 25 (OH)VITAMIN D AND CALCIUM IN PRE-ECLAMPSIA, ECLAMPSIA AND NORMAL HEALTHY PREGNANT WOMEN

BACKGROUND- It is important to know the modiable risk factors related to the occurrence of preeclampsia and eclampsia, which can help in its primary prevention. To study the serum levels of 25(OH)Vitamin-D and OBJECTIVESCalcium in pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, and normal healthy pregnant women. The prospective observational MATERIAL AND METHODS- study was conducted from 2018-2021 in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Government Medical College, Northern India. Eighty women were divided into 3 groups: Group A- women with preeclamp sia (30); Group B -women with eclampsia (30); Group C– normal healthy pregnant women (20). Investigations: 1. S.25(OH) VIT D level; 2. S. Calcium level. Results- The mean ± SD levels of vitamin D in women of Group A (preeclampsia) was 21.40 ± 7.11, in Group B (eclampsia) was 16.98 ± 6.62 and in Group C (normal healthy pregnant women) was 37.86 ± 11.34. This data is statistically signicant (P=0.016). The mean ± SD of levels of serum calcium in women of Group A (preeclampsia) was 8.68 ± 0.63, in Group B (eclampsia) was 7.86 ± 0.90 and in Group C (normal healthy pregnant women) was 9.07 ± 0.50. The difference between groups was statistically signicant (P=0.018). Both S. Vitamin D and S. Calc CONCLUSION- ium levels have a negative correlation with systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Women having decreased levels of S. Vitamin D and S. Calcium are more prone to develop hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

Micronutrient and Trace Element Levels in Serum of Women With Uterine Fibroids in Lagos.

Background: Uterine fibroids significantly affect the quality of life of reproductive-age women. The socioeconomic cost and psychological strain on patients cannot be overemphasized. The role of diet and micronutrients on the onset and development of uterine fibroids has come under review in recent times. This study assessed the levels of some micronutrients and trace elements in the serum of women with uterine fibroids.Methods: Eighty-eight women were recruited from the Gynecology Outpatient Clinic of Lagos University Teaching Hospital, 44 with uterine fibroids and 44 women without uterine fibroids. Blood samples were obtained and analyzed for serum levels of selected micronutrients (vitamins A, C, D, and E) and trace elements (calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus). Pelvic ultrasonography was performed on all study participants.Results: Women with uterine fibroids had statistically significant lower serum levels of vitamin C (1.20 ± 0.59 vs 1.62 ± 1.75 mg/dl; p = 0.01), vitamin D (34.23 ±10.67 vs 37.06 ±11.46 ng/ml; p = 0.04), and calcium (2.27 ± 0.19 vs 2.32 ± 0.09 mmol/L; p = 0.02) compared with women without uterine fibroids. There was no significant difference in the serum levels of vitamins A (39.63 ± 15.71 vs 40.09 ±15.26 μ/dl; p = 0.91), vitamin E (5.44 ± 4.65 vs 5.26 ± 4.62 µg/mL; p = 0.87), magnesium (0.89 ± 0.09 vs 0.89 ± 0.08 mmol/L; p = 0.78), and phosphorus (1.29 ± 0.38 vs 1.19 ± 0.17 mmol/L; p = 0.14) in women with uterine fibroids compared to those without uterine fibroids.Conclusion: This study showed lower serum levels of vitamin C, vitamin D, and calcium in women with uterine fibroids when compared to women without uterine fibroids. It is possible that these micronutrients and trace elements may play a role in the etiopathogenesis, progression, and/or proliferation of uterine fibroids. However, whether the findings of low serum levels of these elements are a cause or an effect of uterine fibroid, is yet to be determined.

Self-Reported Dietary Supplement Use Is Reproducible and Relatively Valid in the Cancer Prevention Study-3 Diet Assessment Substudy

BackgroundDietary supplement use is common, particularly among cancer survivors and those at increased risk for cancer. ObjectiveThe objectives of this study were to assess 1-year test–retest reproducibility of dietary supplement use reported via food frequency questionnaire (FFQ-1 vs FFQ-2) and relative validity in comparison to repeated 24-hour dietary recalls (FFQ-2 vs DRs). DesignThis ancillary study was conducted within a large prospective cohort, the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Prevention Study-3. Participants/settingBetween 2015 and 2016, 684 participants in the United States (64% women; 62% non-Hispanic White, 23% non-Hispanic Black, and 15% Hispanic) completed two FFQs and up to six unannounced telephone interviewer-administered DRs over 1 year as part of the Cancer Prevention Study-3 Diet Assessment Substudy. Primary outcome measuresFFQs queried current multivitamin-mineral supplement (≥10 components) use, frequency and dose (range) for seven supplements taken individually or as part of a complex (individual/complex) including calcium, vitamins D, C, and E, folic acid, fish oil, and glucosamine. DRs allowed exact reporting of supplement frequency and dose. Statistical analysesWeighted κ statistics were used to evaluate reproducibility between FFQ-1 and FFQ-2 and Spearman correlation coefficients assessed agreement between supplemental nutrient amounts assessed by FFQ-2 and the average of DRs. ResultsJust more than half of the participants reported taking multivitamin-mineral supplements on the baseline FFQ. Kappa statistics for the comparison of categorical responses between FFQ-1 and FFQ-2 were 0.67 for multivitamin-mineral supplements. Kappas for individual/complex supplements ranged from 0.47 for folic acid to 0.74 for vitamin D, with a mean of 0.64. Results were similar between men and women. Spearman correlation coefficients comparing FFQ-2 with the average of DRs (validity) for nutrient intakes from all sources ranged from 0.65 (fish oil for women) to 0.77 (vitamin D for men and calcium for women); results were similar among men and women. ConclusionsThese findings suggest the FFQ used in Cancer Prevention Study-3 has good reproducibility over 1 year and yields estimates comparable to a more detailed assessment for commonly consumed dietary supplements.

A Critical Analysis of Vitamin D and Calcium in Women during Pregnancy

Aim: To find out the frequency of vitamin D and calcium in pregnant women and their effects on fetus as well as mothers. Study Design: Retrospective study. Place and Duration of Study: Darul Shifa Clinic &amp; Maternity Home Karachi Pakistan from 1st July 2020 to 31st December 2020. Methodology: One hundred and twenty patients with proper evidence of pregnancy were enrolled. All patients from age 18 years to age 35 years with no other disease were included and those women who have some other diseases or age outliers were excluded. Results: There is a significance difference in the vitamin D and calcium during the period of pregnancy. In the group A (18 years to 25 years) the significance difference of vitamin D was (P=0.000) while the calcium was (P=0.200). In the group B (26 years to 30 years) the significance difference of vitamin D was (P=0.000) while the Calcium was (P=0.071) and in the group C (30 years to 35 years) there was no significant change of vitamin D and calcium (P=0.000). The result of group C is different from the results of the above two groups, because in this age majority of the women were living in a congested houses as well as were spending a depressive life due to home problems, husband wife compromise problems, children problems, financial problems etc. and all such problems have a direct impact on their pregnancy Conclusion: It was statistically found that the Vitamin D and calcium values show significances changes during pregnancy in contrast to the normal women. Key words: Vitamin D, Calcium, Pregnant women

Gestational Diabetes History and Glucose Tolerance After Pregnancy Associated With Coronary Artery Calcium in Women During Midlife: The CARDIA Study.

Gestational diabetes (GD) leads to earlier onset and heightened risk of type 2 diabetes, a strong risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, it is unclear whether attaining normoglycemia can ameliorate the excess CVD risk associated with GD history. This study sought to evaluate GD history and glucose tolerance after pregnancy associated with coronary artery calcification (CAC) in women, a manifestation of atherosclerotic CVD and a predictor of CVD clinical events. Data were obtained from the CARDIA study (Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults), a US multicenter, community-based prospective cohort of young Black (50%) and White adults aged 18 to 30 years at baseline (1985-1986). The sample included 1133 women without diabetes at baseline, who had ≥1 singleton births (n=2066) during follow-up, glucose tolerance testing at baseline and up to 5 times during 25 years (1986-2011), GD status, and CAC measurements obtained from 1 or more follow up examinations at years 15, 20, and 25 (2001-2011). CAC was measured by noncontrast cardiac computed tomography; dichotomized as Any CAC (score>0) or No CAC (score=0). Complementary log-log models for interval-censored data estimated adjusted hazard ratios of CAC and 95% confidence intervals for GD history and subsequent glucose tolerance groups (normoglycemia, prediabetes, or incident diabetes) on average 14.7 years after the last birth adjusted for prepregnancy and follow-up covariates. Of 1133 women, 139 (12.3%) reported GD and were 47.6 years of age (4.8 SD) at follow-up. CAC was present in 25% (34/139) of women with GD and 15% (149/994) of women with no GD. In comparison with no GD/normoglycemia, adjusted hazard ratios (95% CIs) were 1.54 (1.06-2.24) for no GD/prediabetes and 2.17 (1.30-3.62) for no GD/incident diabetes, and 2.34 (1.34-4.09), 2.13 (1.09-4.17), and 2.02 (0.98-4.19) for GD/normoglycemia, GD/prediabetes, and GD/incident diabetes, respectively (overall P=0.003). Women without previous GD showed a graded increase in the risk of CAC associated with worsening glucose tolerance. Women with a history of GD had a 2-fold higher risk of CAC across all subsequent levels of glucose tolerance. Midlife atherosclerotic CVD risk among women with previous GD is not diminished by attaining normoglycemia.

Correlation of High Sensitive C-reactive Protein levels with Mean Arterial Pressure and Serum Calcium in Women with Mild and Severe Pre-eclampsia

Correlation of High Sensitive C-reactive Protein levels with Mean Arterial Pressure and Serum Calcium in Women with Mild and Severe Pre-eclampsia

Assessment of Vitamin and Mineral Intakes in Paralympic Athletes in Tabriz, Iran

Introduction: Paralympic games are the most important competitions for disabled people in the world. Nowadays the role of nutrition is undeniable in physical exercises and the deficiency of micronutrients leads to poor performance by athletes, so our aim was to assess vitamin and mineral intakes in elite Paralympic athletes in Tabriz. Methods: Thirty-five elite Paralympic athletes (24 men and 11 women) took part in this study. Three-day self-reported food diaries were analyzed for vitamins and nutrients and were checked against the dietary reference intakes (DRIs). The Data were analyzed by Shapiro-Wilk, one sample test and independent sample test were used for checking the normality, and were compared with DRIs in terms of the nutrients intake. In addition, a comparison was made between male and female athletes. Results: The results indicated that the intake of vitamins E and D, potassium, fluorine, chromium, molybdenum in all athletes, vitamin K, magnesium, folate in men, and biotin and calcium in women was significantly lower than DRIs (P&lt;0.05). Vitamin A, biotin and calcium in men, pantothenic acid, folate, B2, B12, K, magnesium, sodium intake in women, zinc and manganese intake in all athletes had no significant differences with DRIs. However, vitamin B1, B3, B6 and C, phosphorus, copper, iron in all athletes and B2, B12, pantothenic acid &amp; sodium in men were significantly higher than DRIs (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion: The intake of several important vitamins and minerals by these Paralympic athletes was lower than the standard value. Given the importance of vitamins and minerals for repairing muscle tissues, recovering in exercises and improving performance in competitive levels, athletes need to pay attention to their diets and improve food choices.

Relationship between Hay Fever and Mineral Concentration in the Hair, Lifestyle or Aging.

It is important to ingest just proportions of minerals to prevent disease, but these minerals are also secreted into the hair. Meanwhile, the number of hay fever patients in Japan is increasing, causing an increase in national medical expenses. In this study, we investigated the relationship between hay fever and mineral concentrations in hair to obtain findings on the risk of developing pollen allergies. A questionnaire survey was conducted for 275 men and 977 women on their lifestyle habits and ten kinds of mineral concentrations present in their hair were measured with subsequent analysis using nominal logistic regression analysis. The results indicated that half the patients in each age group had hay fever, with no significant difference between hay fever and aging, exercise habits, sleep and dietary rhythms. On the other hand, there was a significant difference between hay fever and mineral concentrations in the hair, and in men with hay fever, iron (odds ratio: 0.55, p<0.05) was low, while in women calcium (odds ratio: 0.67, p<0.05), chromium (odds ratio: 0.46, p<0.001), cadmium (odds ratio: 0.68, p<0.01) were low and selenium (odds ratio: 1.78, p<0.01) was high. These results, suggest that measurements mineral concentrations in hair are indicators of hay fever risk.

Role of Calcium in Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy Current Status of Research a Mini Review

Introduction: Some studies have revealed changes in blood/urinary calcium with inverse relationship between calcium intakes during pregnancy, incidence of preeclampsia. So researchers believe that calcium has a role in etiology of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy. With reduced incidence of preeclampsia after calcium supplementation. So prevention of HDsP and/or their severity are being attempted through oral calcium. Objective: To collect existing information about role of calcium in HDsP for translational program or if needed, research. Material Methods: Present article is based on literature search by available search engines like, Pubmed, Google, Update and others. Studies, reviews and short commentaries were looked into to get desired information. Serum urinary cellular calcium: Normally there is increase in intracellular calcium in pregnancy. It has been reported that this effect is exaggerated in preeclampsia due to significant increase in the membranous calcium content. Researchers also reported that preeclampsia in third trimester was associated with hypocalciuria due to increased tubular reabsorption of calcium. Urinary calcium excretion has been found to be reduced in severe preeclampsia, eclampsia, but decrease could not be used to identify severity of preeclampsia, or predict impending eclampsia. Problem seems to be at the cellular level, needs to be investigated further. Calcium supplementation: Some have reported incidence of preeclampsia greater in women given placebo, compared to calcium-treated, although difference was not significant. Also supplementing calcium in women at high risk of pre-eclampsia was likely to reduce incidence of disease. But others reported that extra calcium did not reduce number of women who suffered, however reduced severity of HDsP. Also smooth-muscle relaxation detected in calcium supplemented women might affect labour onset. Conclusion: There are reports of positive relationship and no effect on reduction in HDsP or their severity. In view of contradictory findings, in depth studies are required to investigate altered serum, urine and cellular calcium, in women with HDsP.

Analysis of total calorie, calcium and protein intake and relationship with bone mineral density in postmenopausal women

Abstract Introduction: the adequate intake of nutrients involved in bone metabolism can prevent and even reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Objective: verify the intake of total calories, protein and calcium in women diagnosed with osteopenia and osteoporosis after menopause. Method: a study of 25 women diagnosed with osteopenia (n=17) or osteoporosis (n=8) in the postmenopausal period, who were members of the Prática de Exercícios Físicos na Osteoporose (Practice of Physical Exercise Against Osteoporosis) (PEFO) study group of the Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná (the Federal Technology University of Paraná) (UTFPR). The study was divided into two data collection phases: assessment of body composition and bone mineral density by Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) and the recording of food consumption over the previous 72 hours by means of a structured interview. Results: there was a difference between the reference values and the average values found for caloric, protein and calcium intake. There were higher values for protein, while calcium intake was low. The osteoporosis group (mean 59.24+80.07, p&lt;0.05) ingested significantly more protein than the osteopenia group (mean 15.14+16.53, p&lt;0.05). The results showed a significant negative correlation between protein intake and hip BMD (r=-0.416, p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: adequate intake of protein should be recognized as a protective factor for osteoporosis and considered by nutritionists, as well as being widely featured in public health campaigns.

Relationship Between Bone Density and Salivary Calcium in Women With Rheumatoid Arthritis Undergoing Corticosteroid Therapy

Relationship Between Bone Density and Salivary Calcium in Women With Rheumatoid Arthritis Undergoing Corticosteroid Therapy

Nutrition Concerns of Insufficient and Excessive Intake of Dietary Minerals in Lactating Women: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Three Cities of China.

ObjectiveObjectives of this study were 1) to investigate the mineral intake by Chinese lactating women, 2) to explore the dietary source of minerals, and 3) the ratios between different dietary minerals.MethodsA total of 468 lactating women in 5–240 days post-partum participated in this study. Food intakes by participants were measured using one time of 24-hour dietary recall, and minerals from food were calculated based on the Chinese Food Composition Table, second edition.ResultsIn post-partum, women had inadequate food intake. 81.0% of women’s daily intake of dairy products was lower than 300g, and 97.1% of women’s daily intake of salt over 6g. For mineral intake, there were 81.8%, 59.0%, 47.6%, 45.7% and 66.8% of women’s calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc and selenium intake lower than the estimated average requirement, respectively, and 91.7% of women’s excessive intake of sodium. The calcium/phosphorus and sodium/potassium ratios were 0.41±0.26/1 and 3.13±2.89/1, respectively. Considering the dietary sources of minerals, 27.3%, 25.3% and 30.1% of iron, zinc and calcium were from animal-based food, respectively, and 60.3%, 66.1% and 58.0% of iron, zinc and calcium were from plant-based food, respectively. The phosphorus-protein ratio was 0.014±0.003/1. Lactation stage was associated with nutrient intake. Women within 30 days post-partum and the ones who live in Guangzhou had a significantly lower intake of certain minerals, while women with a high education experience had a high intake of calcium, potassium, iron and zinc. Productive age, whether obese or not, and delivery ways were not associated with mineral intakes (P all >0.05).ConclusionChinese women in three studied cities had an inappropriate food intake and resulted in both insufficient and excessive intakes of certain minerals.

Calcium supplements for the management of osteoporosis

It seems quite impossible that a worldwide accepted ‘dogma’ like the recommendation of calcium supplementation for the prevention of osteoporotic fractures is still debated in the most important medical journals. In fact it was about 30 years ago that the first consensus statement on osteoporosis recommended a daily calcium intake of 1500 mg in postmenopausal women [1], followed about 10 years later by the recommendation of vitamin D supplementation in older adults [2], although the latter was based on extrapolation of the results obtained in very old institutionalized women to the general population [3]. The recommended intake cannot easily be achieved through diet alone, and consequently middle-aged and older women worldwide are taking calcium plus vitamin D supplements. In fact, by the early 2000s, routine supplementation to reach at least 1200 mg calcium and 800 IU vitamin D daily was a common recommendation in medical practice for the prevention of osteoporotic fractures in women aged >50, supported also by the guidelines of different influential organizations, such as the US National Osteoporosis Foundation and the Europe-based International Osteoporosis Foundation. Thus the recent publication of two systematic reviews raising serious doubts about the efficacy of calcium intake from dietary sources or calcium supplements opened a heated debate on the matter. In the first paper, Tai and colleagues [4] reported a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of dietary or supplemental calcium in women and men aged over 50: 15 trials studied dietary sources of calcium (n=1533) and 51 calcium supplements (n=12,257). Increasing calcium intake from dietary sources increased total hip and total body bone mineral density (BMD) by 0.6–1.0% , with no further gains beyond the first year. This limited improvement in BMD was similar in trials of dietary sources of calcium and calcium supplements (except at the forearm), in trials of calcium monotherapy versus calcium+vitamin D, in trials with calcium doses of ≥1000 versus 500 mg/day, and in trials where the baseline dietary calcium intake was 1000 participants) randomized trials of calcium supplements, vitamin D supplements, or their combination, published to the end of 2010: • three reported a reduction in fracture risk, • nine reported no effect, and • two reported an increased fracture risk. Grey and Bolland also examined why calcium and vitamin D

Long term calcium intake and rates of all cause and cardiovascular mortality: community based prospective longitudinal cohort study

Objective To investigate the association between long term intake of dietary and supplemental calcium and death from all causes and cardiovascular disease.Design Prospective longitudinal cohort study.Setting Swedish mammography cohort, a...